From the moment when Maxton Hall burst onto our screens in 2024 and we saw the protagonists of the series, Ruby y Jamesmeeting for the first time in unpleasant circumstances (remember when his Rolls-Royce splashes mud on her), it became clear to us that this story of enemies who become lovers would be much more than the classic “popular boy falls in love with the girl nerd“In its place, what we saw was a romance loaded with reflections on the social class, privileges and responsibility. Oh, and lots of passionate shirtless scenes too…
For those who have not yet seen this proposal, you are in luck, on Prime Video you can catch up. We tell you: Maxton Hall It is a German production based on the novel Save Meof Mona Kasten. It is starring Damian Hardung in the role of the privileged and arrogant James Beaufortheir to an immense fortune, (we must think of the Roy family of Successionbut British and with fewer swear words). And then there is Ruby Bell, performed by Harriet Herbig-Mattenwhose family, although not poor at all, belongs to the well-off middle class: he goes to school by bus, works in a local cafeteria and can only access the University of Oxford thanks to financial aid.
And this is where the series’ commentary on social class really makes sense, serving as a reflection of the real experiences of dating someone from a different social class.
From the first moment, heJames’s privileges become evident. On one occasion, he offers Ruby money to keep quiet after discovering her twin sister’s secret, and later believes he can return to the team. lacrosse as if nothing had happened after being expelled. These attitudes not only cause Ruby to lose all interest in him, but also reveal a common stereotype: the belief that the upper class can buy their way out of any situation.
Just as arrogance and James’ bragging about money makes Ruby doubt his character, Real relationships between people from different social classes can also be full of obstacles. Misunderstandings about how the other values money can lead to major conflicts or, as in the case of Ruby and James, lead to a rather heated argument. We all remember that scene from the second episode where Ruby bluntly calls James “pathetic,” “boring,” and “empty” in front of the entire class.
As the season progresses, we begin to uncover the layers hidden behind the arrogant facade of James: His insecurities and the pain caused by his father’s demands make it clear that, beyond his bank account, he is as vulnerable as anyone. Despite its initial harshness, Ruby He also begins to realize this and, after an apology, the couple lives at a turning point. In fact, once their emotional barriers are broken down, Ruby y James They get closer and end up starring in a torrid kissing scene in the fourth episode.
While we may not all end up dating a James Beaufort (notice how the tears start to fall?), or experience the exact same problems they have in their relationship—like your dad blackmailing you into leaving your girlfriend—the power imbalance that is shown between someone with more money than the other, we do see it every day in real life.
So how is it possible to deal with it? If we take note of the lessons it leaves Maxton Hall, The key is to find a middle ground. James had to learn to recognize his own privileges, grow up, and understand that he can’t always get his way. For its part, Ruby had to understand that money does not define a person and that, perhaps, his own prejudices prevented him from seeing that behind all that wealth there was someone real.
And for us, no scene better reflects that moment of encounter than the beginning of the episode four. It is a fleeting moment, which passes in the blink of an eye: a day after James will charge Ruby in his arms, we see him waiting for her at the school entrance, ready to enter with her. No reproaches, no insults, just the couple walking side by side, with respect and admiration.
Catch up on the full story of James y Ruby in Prime Video. We are in the second season.
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