In the sixth episode of "Say Nothing," titled "Do No Harm," the narrative
shifts gear to focus on the relentless spirit of resistance and the dire
consequences faced by Dolours and Marian Price as they embark on a hunger strike
in Brixton Prison. Their actions, driven by a deep-seated conviction to be
transferred to a women's facility in Ireland, unfold against the backdrop of a
prison system that is as unyielding as the sisters are resolute .
The episode begins with the sisters already locked in their cells, ready to resist the prison's authority by refusing food. Dolours' defiant message to the governor, delivered through a nurse, sets the tone for the episode: a battle of wills where the sisters are determined to make the system blink first . The governor's earlier threat to "bury" Dolours underscores the high stakes of their protest, highlighting the harsh reality that their lives are seen as expendable in the eyes of the state .
As the days of the hunger strike blend into each other, the physical toll on the sisters becomes increasingly evident. The stark contrast between the fast-paced actions of previous episodes and the slow, grinding suffering of the hunger strike is palpable. Dolours' description of their protest as a "staring contest" with the authorities is a metaphor for the unyielding determination of both sides .
The visit from their mother, Chrissie, is a poignant moment that reflects the deep familial ties and the shared commitment to the cause. Chrissie's pride in her daughters' determination, despite the visible concern for their health, is a testament to the complex emotions that war and resistance evoke. Her public statement that she "respects [her] daughters' wish to die" for their beliefs is a powerful declaration of solidarity with their protest .
The introduction of forced feeding as a response to the sisters' hunger strike is a gut-wrenching turn of events. The clinical and dehumanizing process is graphically portrayed, with Dolours' struggle against the guards and medical staff a visceral representation of the battle for dignity and autonomy. The ethical dilemma posed by Dr. Mansuri, who ultimately resigns over the forced feedings, adds a layer of complexity to the narrative, questioning the very nature of the state's response to the sisters' protest .
Dolours' interaction with Dr. Mansuri is a highlight of the episode, as it explores the personal and ethical dimensions of the conflict. Her challenge to him, stating, "I'm giving you the privilege of killing me," is a powerful assertion of her agency and the sisters' commitment to their cause, even in the face of extreme suffering .
The episode's climax, on the 208th day of the hunger strike, is a heart-wrenching scene where the sisters' physical deterioration reaches a critical point. Marian's near-death experience and the subsequent decision by the British government to transfer them to Ireland signal a pivotal moment in their story. The sisters' reflection on their sacrifices and the fight for their cause is a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the power of resistance .
"Do No Harm" is a masterful portrayal of the human spirit under duress, capturing the sisters' unwavering commitment to their beliefs and the harsh realities of their struggle. The episode stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Price sisters' hunger strike and its place in the annals of Irish resistance. It is a story of sacrifice, suffering, and the indomitable will to fight for what one believes in, told with a raw honesty that is both captivating and deeply moving .