The Wages of Sin (Upstairs, Downstairs)

"The Wages of Sin" is the fourth episode of the first series of the British drama Upstairs, Downstairs, originally broadcast in 1971. The episode revolves around the character of Sarah Moffat, the housemaid, and explores themes of sexual indiscretion, class differences, and the social consequences of illegitimate pregnancy in Edwardian England.

The narrative focuses on Sarah’s secret affair with a tradesman and her subsequent pregnancy. Her initial attempts to conceal her condition ultimately fail, leading to exposure and condemnation from both the upper-class Bellamy family "upstairs" and some of her fellow servants "downstairs." The episode portrays the societal pressures and moral judgments imposed on unmarried women in that era.

Key plot points include Sarah's initial naiveté, her growing fear and desperation as her pregnancy becomes undeniable, and the differing reactions of the Bellamy household. While some characters, particularly Mrs. Bridges the cook, display a degree of sympathy, others, reflecting the prevailing social attitudes, are less forgiving. The episode culminates in Sarah being dismissed from her position, highlighting the limited options available to women in her circumstances.

The episode's title, "The Wages of Sin," is a reference to the biblical verse Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death," underscoring the perceived moral transgression and the punitive consequences Sarah faces for her actions. It illustrates the harsh realities and social stigma associated with premarital sex and illegitimate children during the period. The episode serves as a commentary on the hypocrisy and inequalities inherent in Edwardian society, where the rules and expectations applied differently based on social class.