Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for The Buccaneers Season 2 Episode 5.
<em>The Buccaneers</em> faces a significant challenge with the character Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag). Since the show’s debut in Season 1, this Apple TV+ series has struggled to effectively integrate Lizzy into the narrative, as she often appears as a background figure in her friends’ storylines rather than being at the forefront of her own. In an attempt to resolve this issue, the writers have introduced a controversial romantic subplot involving Lizzy and the Duke of Tintagel (Guy Remmers). However, this unexpected love affair feels abrupt, as Lizzy and Theo barely share enough screen time to establish a genuine bond, let alone a passionate romance. Despite these challenges, it is evident that the series is making strides to develop Lizzy into a more prominent character, moving away from her previous role as a mere supporting player. Nevertheless, the ongoing issue remains: it’s difficult to invest in Lizzy’s storyline when more compelling narratives are unfolding around her.
The episode titled “A Whole Love,” which is the fifth installment of Season 2, signifies a pivotal moment for Lizzy fans who have been yearning for her character to take center stage. However, as the eldest Elmsworth daughter prepares for her wedding while grappling with her feelings for Theo, viewers find themselves preoccupied with other characters’ more engaging arcs. The plot thickens as we become increasingly invested in Jinny’s (Imogen Waterhouse) attempts to resist Seadown’s (Barney Fishwick) advances, Mabel’s (Josie Totah) turbulent relationship with Honoria (Mia Threapleton), and Guy’s (Matthew Broome) budding romance with Jinny’s friend, Paloma (Grace Ambrose). Ultimately, it becomes painfully clear that the show’s prior neglect of Lizzy has created a barrier to her character’s development, making it challenging for her to truly shine, despite the writers’ concerted efforts to offer her more narrative space.
Discover How ‘The Buccaneers’ Season 2 Episode 5 Marks Nan’s Return to England
The narrative opens with Lizzy enjoying a secluded retreat at Tintagel, a castle currently devoid of staff, as Theo has generously given everyone some much-needed time off. The dynamic between this unlikely couple is amusing and charming, showcasing the undeniable chemistry between Remmers and Ibrag. However, the plot takes an unexpected turn when Nan (Kristine Froseth) returns from her trip to Italy, nearly discovering Lizzy in a compromising state in her husband’s studio. Lizzy experiences a fleeting moment of guilt, with a tear rolling down her cheek, but the focus quickly shifts to Nan and Theo reconciling and opting to remain together, at least for the sake of appearances, until a mysterious bill — the specifics of which remain unclear — is passed, enabling her to bring Jinny back to England.
This newly formed agreement does little to alleviate the underlying tension at Tintagel. Upon discovering a misplaced earring within the castle walls, Nan is left feeling conflicted and uncertain. Simultaneously, Theo attempts to persuade Lizzy to reconsider marrying Hector (Jacob Ifan), suggesting that she should wait for Nan to leave England before moving in with him as his concubine. This proposition understandably unsettles Lizzy, leading her to decide to marry Hector despite lacking genuine love for him. She rationalizes that he offers a sense of safety and openness. Yet, as the episode concludes, doubts begin to cloud her heart. After a period of introspection, Theo intervenes just as Lizzy approaches the church, delivering an impassioned speech about how she deserves not only safety but also a love that feels authentic. The final scene of “A Whole Love” captures Lizzy surrounded by her friends, lost in contemplation about whether to proceed into the church or turn back.
Related
‘The Buccaneers’ Struggles to Define Lizzy, Its Central Character, and It’s Unmistakably Apparent
It’s high time for her to take the spotlight as the story’s heroine instead of remaining a sidelined character.
In the meantime, several other romantic storylines continue to unfold, with varying degrees of success. With Nan’s return to England, Blanche (Amelia Bullmore) feels liberated to accept Reede’s (Greg Wise) invitation to escape with him. Their shared moment is so sweet and endearing that we genuinely hope to see more of them in the future. Conversely, Mabel and Honoria’s relationship appears to be reaching its conclusion, as Honoria has accepted Reede’s offer to teach English in France. During this emotionally charged episode filled with heartfelt speeches, Mabel bids farewell to her lover while toasting her sister at a pre-wedding celebration. She even shares a poignant moment with Lavinia (Viss Elliot Safavi). After overhearing her daughter tell Conchita that she would never seek her mother’s counsel regarding love, Mrs. Elmsworth resolves to be more supportive and encourages Mabel to consider staying in England, despite her yearning to return to New York.
Explore Guy’s New Romantic Adventure in ‘The Buccaneers’ Season 2 Episode 5
However, it might be wise for Mabel to contemplate a trip to Italy herself, considering the plethora of intriguing plot developments taking place there. In “A Whole Love,” for instance, Guy’s emotional turmoil over Nan’s return to England seems to have dissipated following an exhilarating afternoon with Paloma. After hearing numerous whispers regarding her husband’s lackluster performance in bed, Jinny’s friend and landlady uncovers the complete truth about the couple she has been accommodating. This revelation leads to a confrontation where Guy explains that he is actually helping Jinny escape from Seadown. Following a couple of glasses of wine, Guy and Paloma find themselves growing closer and even spend the night together, engaging in a carefree, no-strings-attached affair. However, a close-up of Paloma’s new wedding ring hints that this pairing may not be a fleeting encounter, suggesting that their story will evolve further.
While Paloma and Guy indulge in their newfound romance, Jinny is left to face her struggles alone, as Seadown continues to harass her. Although he attempts to manipulate her into returning to England, he cannot hide his abusive tendencies. During a visit to his hotel with Freddie, Jinny is taken aback to learn that he has already arranged their departure from Italy, attempting to guilt her into believing she is depriving their son of his family and rightful status. In what is arguably the most impactful scene of the episode, Jinny sits isolated in her room, listening to the sounds of laughter and joy from Guy and Paloma, highlighting her profound loneliness. Despite her sister’s attempts to assist her and Guy’s sacrifices for her well-being, Jinny feels utterly powerless. This nuanced portrayal of her emotional state and the environmental storytelling surrounding her character starkly contrasts with the narrative choices made for Lizzy. It appears that, like Seadown, the writers have made a definitive choice regarding the depth of character development.
The Buccaneers
Lizzy Struggles to Shine Even in Her Spotlight Episode of The Buccaneers.
- Release Date
-
November 8, 2023
- Network
-
Apple TV+
- Showrunner
-
Katherine Jakeways
- Directors
-
Charlotte Regan
-
Kristine Froseth
Nan St. George
-
Alisha Boe
Conchita Closson
- Jinny’s storyline continues to captivate and intrigue in the second season.
- The emotional farewell between Mabel and Honoria is bittersweet yet beautifully executed.
- We hope that Blanche and Reede’s charming moments will not be their last.
- Despite being positioned as the lead, Lizzy struggles to command the narrative as she rightfully should.
