In a world where gender stereotypes prevail, women often find themselves shouldering an unfair burden without anyone batting an eye. The notion that a woman’s rightful place is in the kitchen and caring for children has been deeply ingrained, perpetuating a cycle that stifles individual potential and limits personal aspirations. However, amidst this seemingly unquestioned status quo, there are extraordinary individuals who defy convention and challenge these age-old norms. There’s Linda Jane Jenkins, a woman who refuses to be bound by society’s expectations and breaks the cycle. The Change revolves around Linda’s compelling story, one that inspires and intrigues, shedding light on the power of challenging stereotypes and paving the way for a more equitable future.
Spoilers Ahead
What Compels Linda To Leave Her Family?
On Linda’s 50th birthday, her husband Steve throws a party to celebrate this milestone. Amidst the festivities, a particular aspect catches my attention – Linda’s big sister, Siobhain, exerting pressure on Linda to appreciate everything that Steve does for her. While appreciating loved ones is important, and there is nothing inherently wrong with it, a closer look reveals a plethora of unnoticed dynamics within Linda and Steve’s marriage. Linda is the one who bears the weight of responsibilities, taking care of virtually everything on her own. Despite Steve taking the initiative to plan Linda’s birthday, it is Linda herself who handles all the preparations, from the food to every other detail.
When the time comes for Steve to express his heartfelt words for his wife, he stumbles and fails to convey anything meaningful about Linda except for her well-maintained health. This speaks volumes about the disconnect within their relationship, despite being together for so many years. This situation highlights the imbalance of roles and responsibilities within Linda and Steve’s marriage. Linda is burdened with numerous unseen tasks and responsibilities, while Steve’s contributions seem limited and superficial. The fact that Steve’s perception of Linda centers primarily around her physical well-being suggests a lack of deeper emotional connection and appreciation.
When Linda becomes increasingly concerned about her declining health, she decides to visit the doctor to seek answers. To her surprise, the doctor attributes her symptoms of anxiety and depression to her menopause. During the consultation, the doctor shares an anecdote about how his own wife coped with menopause by engaging in activities like climbing. This passing remark catches Linda’s attention, sparking memories of her own childhood when she had a fondness for climbing—a reflection of her carefree and adventurous self. Initially, Linda dismisses these memories as fleeting moments of nostalgia.
When she returns home, she is confronted with the familiar cycle of her husband’s inability to handle even the simplest tasks, as evidenced by a stack of lunch boxes toppling over and landing on her head. This moment becomes a turning point for Linda. Frustrated by the repetitive patterns in her life and the lack of support, she decides to take matters into her own hands. Driven by a longing to reconnect with her true self and break free from the confines of her current reality, Linda makes a decision. She embarks on a ride, a short break from her everyday life, and sets out on a journey to revisit her childhood. In doing so, she hopes to find her little box, which she refers to as the time capsule—an emblem of her past joys.
Why Does Linda Meticulously Record The Timings Of All Her Chores?
After Linda’s departure, Steve stumbles upon a collection of meticulously recorded timings of all her chores and activities, which at first appears to be just a hobby. As he delves deeper into the numerous books filled with these timings, he realizes that Linda has been documenting the time she dedicates to fulfilling her family’s needs, showcasing the tremendous amount of her life she has devoted to them. This revelation exposes the hidden depths of Linda’s struggle with depression and the toll it has taken on her emotional well-being. Despite her ability to conceal her emotions, the unnoticed burden she carries have gradually worn her down. The fact that no one has noticed her inner turmoil reminds us of the importance of paying attention to others and offering understanding during challenging times. The extensive collection of books containing Linda’s recorded timings illustrates her role as a selfless caregiver, always putting the needs of others before her own.
Steve’s incompetence is evident in his reliance on Linda, even for simple tasks like finding his own towel. It exemplifies how Linda’s continuous selflessness has contributed to a codependent dynamic within their relationship. When Linda arrives at Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean to spend the remaining days of her holiday in a caravan, she finds herself noting down the chores once again. But there is a significant shift in her behavior this time. Instead of keeping the record, she takes it outside and sets it ablaze. This act of burning the piece of paper symbolizes a powerful moment of liberation and personal transformation for Linda. By releasing the physical manifestation of her responsibilities and obligations, Linda metaphorically sets herself free from the burdens she has carried for others. It signifies a crucial turning point where the act of burning the record represents a cathartic release—a symbolic act of letting go of the past and embracing a future that prioritizes her own agency and dedicating time and energy to herself rather than solely focusing on the needs and expectations of others.
Does Linda Find Her Time Capsule?
On the very first day of her arrival in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean, Linda sets out on a quest to find the tree where she had hidden her precious little box from her childhood. To her astonishment, she stumbles upon the tree much sooner than expected. However, when she reaches for the hidden box, it is nowhere to be found. Confusion and disappointment fill her heart, leaving her wondering about the fate of her treasured box. But when Linda’s path intersects with that of a mysterious man named William, known to the locals as the Pig Man, they strike up a conversation, and William’s warm hospitality leads them to have a cup of coffee at his house. They discuss various topics, exchanging stories and experiences. Unbeknownst to Linda, William carries a secret—one that would unravel the mystery surrounding her missing box.
As Linda valiantly steps in to save William from eviction due to the redevelopment and construction at Mallards Pike, the entire town becomes infuriated by the unjust situation. In a town meeting filled with tension and outrage, Linda musters the courage to speak up on behalf of William. Her heartfelt plea and support for William’s cause stir the emotions of those present, ultimately leading to a triumphant outcome—he is granted the right to keep his house. Overwhelmed with gratitude, William returns Linda’s long-lost box to her. As Linda opens the box, tears well up in her eyes and she gazes upon her old belongings and precious memories associated with her mother and childhood. Each item within the box holds a nostalgic charm, reminding her of cherished moments and the love shared with her mother.
In this fascinating twist, it is revealed that William’s decision to return the box was not solely motivated by Linda’s act of saving him from eviction. Instead, it is deeply intertwined with his own personal journey and the loss he has experienced. The belongings within the box, particularly the pig doll named Porky, strike a chord with William’s heart as they remind him of his late daughter, Holly. William is reminded of the similarities between Linda’s and Holly’s childhood experiences and their shared likes and dislikes. The doll serves as a powerful trigger for William’s memories of Holly. It becomes a precious connection to his daughter, a tangible link that helps him remember and honor her.
What Happens At The Eel Festival?
As the preparations for the eel festival unfold, Carmel and Agnes, the sisters behind the event, make a significant change by introducing the concept of an Eel Queen instead of an Eel King. With each passing day, Linda’s courage and outspoken personality capture the hearts of the townspeople and the sisters themselves. Linda’s magnetic presence and genuine character earn her immense love and admiration from everyone around her. In a surprising twist, Linda discovers that she has been crowned the Eel Queen. The news quickly spreads, and stories about Linda’s journey go viral, attracting attention far beyond the town. However, Siobhain learns about this development and decides to inform Steve, who is now experiencing similar challenges to the ones Linda faced in the past. Despite Steve’s efforts to change and take on household chores, his inherent characteristics remains unchanged.
Motivated by curiosity and a desire to understand Linda’s newfound fame, Steve sets out to find her. He witnesses firsthand how the town reveres and celebrates Linda as their queen. Along the way, he encounters Carmel and Agnes, with whom Linda’s relationship has been evolving since she rented the caravan. Unbeknownst to them all, Linda harbors a significant secret about her personal life—nobody knows that she is married and has children. The title of Eel Queen was bestowed upon her because Carmel and Agnes believed she was a childless woman, as they, too, have suffered from similar experiences.
The title of the Eel Queen holds a significant importance in Carmel and Agnes’ life because they firmly believe that women are the rightful bearer of this honor. Carmel, who has endured the heartache of losing two children, carries an understanding that women are strong and resilient. Agnes, on the other hand, has faced the challenges of living with endometriosis, finds solace in Linda’s journey. As The Change comes to an end, a grim reality unfolds—the destruction of the forests, including the very tree where Linda had hidden her time capsule. This turn of events symbolizes the fragility of nature and the irreversible consequences of human actions.Â
‘The Change’ Ending Explained: Does Linda Reveal The Truth?
If Carmel and Agnes were to discover the truth about Linda’s marriage and children, it would undoubtedly disrupt the foundation of trust and understanding that has formed between them. Initially, Carmel and Agnes believed Linda to be a childless woman like themselves, but the fact that Linda has a husband and children challenges the authenticity of her claim. Carmel and Agnes might feel hurt and deceived by Linda’s concealment of her marital status and children. They may question her motives for participating in the eel festival and the sincerity of her interactions with them. Furthermore, the townspeople, who have embraced Linda and celebrated her as the Eel Queen, might also feel a sense of disillusionment upon learning about her hidden marriage and family.
The authenticity of Linda’s story and her representation of their struggles as childless women would be called into question, potentially leading to disappointment and a loss of faith in her as a symbol of empowerment. Linda, on the other hand, would face the consequences of her secret being exposed. She would need to confront the impact of her actions on the trust and relationships she has formed, both with Carmel and Agnes and with the wider community. From the perspective of Linda and the potential consequences of revealing her truth, the decision to disclose her secret becomes a delicate and complicated matter. It is crucial to consider both sides of the equation. If Linda approaches the conversation with honesty and vulnerability, it may open up a space for empathy and compassion. Carmel and Agnes may come to appreciate the complexities of Linda’s life and understand that people can face different challenges even if they share some common experiences.
Regarding Steve’s changes, this could become a pivotal moment in their marriage. If Linda’s decision to leave helped Steve realize the impact of his previous behavior and led him to change, then disclosing the truth may be a chance for further growth and understanding in their relationship. Steve might come to understand the reasons behind Linda’s actions and feelings of suffocation in their marriage, leading to more open communication. This could potentially be a turning point for both of them to address any lingering issues, learn from their mistakes, and build a more authentic and balanced relationship moving forward. In The Change, the symbolic connection between forests and women adds depth to the exploration of themes such as forgiveness and human relationships. The depiction of forests as places of sanctuary, mystery, and renewal mirrors the journey of the female characters in the series, as it resonates with the qualities traditionally attributed to women as caretakers and life-givers.