The Television Show: The English
The Pairing: Cornelia and Eli
The Episode: “Cherished” (2022) – The final episode.
The Moment: Cornelia and Eli share a classic, Old Hollywood-style ending in The English finale.
Spoilers Ahead – Proceed with Caution!
The romantic epic genre may be underutilized in film and television, yet some of the most successful movies – like Titanic and Gone with the Wind – are epics. The love story between Cornelia and Eli in the limited series, The English, revitalizes the romantic epic with one of the most beautiful romances to grace the screen in years.
At first glance, The English seems like a traditional Western, but it’s actually a mix of genres: part revisionist Western, part period drama, part romantic epic, and even part mystery. It’s a co-production between the UK and the US and is visually stunning.
At its core is the powerful love story between Lady Cornelia Locke (Emily Blunt) and Sergeant Eli Whipp (Chaske Spencer), a Pawnee scout. These two strangers are drawn together by a shared history and a soulmate connection. The series is unabashedly romantic and heartbreaking, offering jaw-dropping twists and a tragic love story reminiscent of classic Hollywood, but with a modern twist.
From the emotional music during romantic scenes to the breathtaking scenery, meaningful stares, longing glances, and electric touches between Eli and Cornelia, The English will captivate and move you.
Romantic Moment Spotlight
Before diving in, let’s explain our Romantic Moment Spotlight. We like to highlight memorable romantic scenes from film, television, and occasionally books. These moments are often swoony and emotional, showcasing good storytelling through authenticity, chemistry, and modern chivalrous romance.
Having stopped our regular feature (Romantic Moment of the Month), we still felt inspired to write about romantic moments that moved us, starting with Cornelia and Eli’s romance, deserving a spotlight.
The Story and Cast of The English
The English is a newer Western miniseries jointly produced by the BBC and Amazon Prime. Hugo Blick handled writing and directing. It premiered in the UK on November 10, 2022, and on Amazon Prime Video the following day to positive reviews.
Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer star in the main roles, supported by a talented cast.
The series follows Lady Cornelia Locke, an Englishwoman determined to get revenge against the man she blames for her son’s death. Her journey intersects with Eli Whipp, an ex-cavalry scout of the American army with ties to the Pawnee Nation, on a mission to claim ancestral land in Nebraska.
Their paths collide, intertwining their individual quests and leading to an epic love story. Against the backdrop of the untamed West, themes of grief and vengeance unfold, elegantly penned by Hugo Blick and brought to life by Emily Blunt’s performance.
Cornelia and Eli – The Lead-In
Throughout the six-part series, Cornelia and Eli’s relationship develops authentically. Their emotional kiss under the night sky in episode 5 feels genuine, accompanied by epic music. Cornelia, struggling with her illness and trauma, pulls away and covers herself in mud as a reaction.
Cornelia is on the frontier seeking revenge on David Melmont, who assaulted, impregnated, and infected her and their child with syphilis. The STD caused her son’s death, and Cornelia is slowly dying from it as well, with hidden sores on her body.
Emily Blunt explained that Cornelia’s actions are an attempt to dissociate from her decline and disease. Cornelia pushes Eli away due to shame and desperation as she confronts her illness.
Despite their connection, Cornelia knows they can’t be together due to her illness.
The Series Finale
In the finale, Cornelia and Eli confront Melmont, the villain responsible for much of their suffering. Unable to shoot him, Cornelia is saved by Martha Myers, another victim, who shoots Melmont. Eli then finishes him off but is seen by Sheriff Marshall.
Sheriff Marshall devises a plan: Eli must disappear forever, and Cornelia must return to England. This leads to an epic and tragic farewell between the two.
Romantic Moment – Cornelia and Eli
After being freed by the Sheriff, Eli hesitates to leave without saying goodbye to Cornelia. As dramatic music plays, Eli waits for Cornelia, who rides toward him. They ride together through stunning scenery.
Eli explains that they must part. Cornelia believes their time together was magical. Eli tells her to go home, and she declares home is with him. They share a touching embrace, and he kisses her.
Sheriff Marshall reminds Eli to leave. Cornelia gives Eli a bottle of wheat seed, believing in his dream of claiming his land. He gives her a small bird skull, symbolizing home.
They smile one last time, and Cornelia rides away into the sunset as Eli watches and chants. Their souls remain connected, offering one of the most heartfelt romances seen in a while.
The English Ending Explained
Thirteen years later, in 1903, Cornelia is much sicker. She attends Jackson’s Wild West Show in England and visits White Moon, a boy she and Eli saved. The act tells the tale of Eli and Cornelia, immortalizing their epic romance.
Chaske Spencer revealed that Eli found peace, started over using the seeds Cornelia gave him, and never moved on from her. It’s a fitting end to their beautiful love story.
Content Note: TV-MA for graphic violence and occasional profanity.
Discussion
What did you think of the romance between Eli and Cornelia in The English? How did you feel about the ending? Discuss in the comments!
