Harlots follows the rivalry of two brothel owners, Margaret Wells and Lydia Quigley, and the antics of their girls. Wells and Quigley are positioned as entrepreneurs, seeing their opportunity for money and power, and stopping at nothing in their battle for dominance. This is at its core a story about women, and an exploration of the dynamics and economy of power and sex.
Our madams understand that one can be exchanged for the other, and that profits can be made along the way. Cynical, yes, but times being what they were, there were few lucrative alternatives available. This was a business where a woman could be in control of her own fate - to an extent. The writers do not shy away from the darker side of this way of life. This is, we are meant to suppose, progress.
When Quigley procures a virgin for a judge in episode two, this is much more brutal. At least Lucy Wells is aware of what is happening, and either approves of or consents to her deflowering. Enterprising, yes. And able to exploit male desire for her own profit. This question of who is exploiting whom is key to unpicking the feminist potential of the show. Is this just a matter of supply and demand? Who is in control here? What other options were there for young women?
Poverty, service or marriage are the obvious responses. Wells sees marriage as a cage, a way of being controlled by a man forever. Prostitution is a means to gain that money.
Her argument is slightly undermined when she pressures her older daughter, Charlotte Lady Sybil from Downton Abbey! This would make her financially secure, but Charlotte sees this as comparable to the cage of marriage. He is clearly a numpty, who can be easily manipulated by his desire for Charlotte. And yet, he has instrumental power on his side. He can turf her out of his grand townhouse with a word.
