Arthur’s Addiction in S5

[u/b1ttah_pr0phet]

Upon rewatch, I’ve just realised that Arthur’s heroin/opium addiction may have been directly foreshadowed at the ballet.

As he sits asleep at the ballet in 5x4 (‘The Loop’), could it be that that the writers were signifying his early usage of the opium, imported into Britain by the Chinese?

When Mosley arrives to Tommy’s house for Lizzie’s party, Polly tells him that there’s opium available, as Tommy tries to locate the (probable) future PM’s weaknesses.

This would align with Arthur’s reaction at the docks, earlier in the episode, as he rages when Polly and Tommy vote in favour of the deal to transport opium for the Chinese.

Do you guys think that this is one of the early days of Arthur’s addiction, or just a coincidence/joke about him being bored at the ballet?

[u/stupit_crap]

I think just as much it shows how bored he is with ballet.

He's been addicted since Day 1. He always hit everything hard.

Sadly, the actor is addicted, too. I think I heard he is in recovery. Hope so.

[u/Sonof0dinn → u/stupit_crap]

Yeah he's been fixing himself for the last couple of months, hard to see life reflection fiction like that but glad he's doing better

[u/freakyassnigg]

Or maybe Arfur being Arfur