The Home Front (4x06)
The anguish and poignancy of this specific moment hit me every time I watch the scene. Them discussing the housekeeper ad, their banter ("finding your keys and everything else you misplace") - for a second things are exactly as they were, and ought to be.
As soon as Siegfried notices their unmistakable and familiar nearness, he distances himself from her emotionally in order to protect his soul from the unbearable pain her imminent departure will cause. He can no longer look her in the eye and desperately clings to propriety and aloof politeness to end the conversation between them in a civil yet determinate way. She's evidently taken aback by his sudden detachment. "You have your own life now, Mrs. Hall. You must make the most of it" just pierces the soul, doesn't it?
Then his faux smile and make-believe defiance. You can almost hear Audrey think aloud: "My life is here with you, you fool. Just tell me that you wish me to stay and I will." But she doesn't say it out loud, she withdraws. At the same time; her decision to never leave him has been made, I believe. Whatever the future may hold. The shot of Siegfried sinking into his chair, looking utterly defeated and then the fade into the silhouetted trees and dramatic night skies is just breathtaking.
Please forgive me for my little TED-talk. I'm sure this particular scene has been frequently dissected before but as I arrived quite late to the party, this is all fresh and gorgeous to me. :)
