She does a very good job when she is intellligent, courageous and aware of the threats she is facing. When she goes into "hysterical" mode it becomes too over the top for me.
I agree.
mcsbryk-- I agree about 1897, not about 1840. But then, by 1840 my expectations have been lowered. After Leviathans and PT, and pre-1840 1970, which seem to be the most tired and apathetic periods, 1840 is always a big relief to me. Of course, it's sort of a cynical grab-bag of elements that were popular in previous storylines, but the show seems to wake up and they seem to care to some extent. All the Gabriel-Gerard sparring at the beginning is great. Barnabas before his 1970 self pops in is great, too. Old Ben too, but we lose him soon, and the storyline sags in the middle with all the Quentin-framing. The Head is the best bit. They introduce an incredible bit of music for it, too. Once the Head takes over Gerard, I lose a lot of interest. It picks up at the end, though.