As much as Kennedy's loss pains me, I am definitely glad to see William Bush again in "Loyalty".

God, I love that man's voice.

And his rapport to Hornblower is just..., it's... well, let's simply say sentences like the one below thrill me beyond measure.

Hornblower: "I have shared a berth with Lieutenant Bush, Major Cotard, and I considered it an honor!"

or, when they talk about Bush becoming Hornblower's First Lieutenant in Hotspur:

Hornblower: "I feared you wouldn't want to."
Bush: "I feared you wouldn't ask."

Yay!

Furthermore, after having read the first novel by C. S. Forester, I am surprised by the generous addition of subtext to the (rather boring) originals. "Midshipman Hornblower" had no Clayton eager to go to his death in Hornblower's stead, Kennedy's role is practically nill, and Pellew's concern is never addressed so obviously. Whoever adapted these books for television should be awarded the slasher medal of excellency. With pictures like this


I can even see an AU love affair between Simpson and Hornblower. Not that I hadn't already seen lots of non-con possibilites during that beating dear Clayton had to break up with a cocked pistol to Simpson's face.

So many slashable men to chose from... what agony!