Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for <em>The Buccaneers</em> Season 2 Episode 4.
In a seemingly insignificant moment in The Buccaneers‘ latest episode, there exists a poignant reflection of the theme permeating this week’s narrative. Seated on a park bench, Blanche, the Dowager Duchess of Tintagel (Amelia Bullmore), engages in a heartfelt conversation with her long-lost love, Hector Robinson (Greg Wise). They ponder the resilience of their affection and speculate whether their love could have endured the trials of a lengthy marriage. Blanche expresses her belief that their relationship may not have thrived if they had married in their youth. For her, the allure lies in the fantasy of their perfect life together, untouched by the harsh realities that often accompany long-term commitments. This dreamy perspective starkly contrasts with the unforgiving nature of real-life relationships.
This reflective exchange is sharply contrasted with a scene featuring Nan (Kristine Froseth) and Guy (Matthew Broome), who passionately vow to remain devoted to each other until the age of 105. However, Nan isn’t the only character whose dreams are dashed in the episode titled “Ice Cream.” The series is rife with various aspirations, and Nan’s yearning for an adventurous life with Guy is just one among many. There’s the enduring love of the elderly couple discussed earlier, alongside Jinny’s (Imogen Waterhouse) desperate wish to escape her abusive marriage in a society that offers women scant rights. Additionally, Mabel (Josie Totah) harbors her own dreams of a romance with Honoria (Mia Threapleton) without the societal barriers that deem same-sex love a taboo. Throughout “Ice Cream,” each character will come to the sobering realization that their deepest desires may merely be figments of their imagination.
Exploring the Start of Lizzy and Theo’s Scandalous Affair in ‘The Buccaneers’ Season 2 Episode 4
The writers of The Buccaneers demonstrate clever storytelling through subtle nuances, a technique not frequently employed in a series that often lays everything bare for its viewers. This is exemplified in a scene where Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag) fiddles with her loose engagement ring shortly after sharing an intimate moment with Theo (Guy Remmers). While this new romantic pairing feels slightly rushed, the show is committed to exploring their relationship. In “Ice Cream,” Hector (Jacob Ifan) organizes a fundraiser, becoming irate when Theo arrives solo with a hefty cash donation, effectively overshadowing Hector’s efforts. This situation inadvertently pulls Lizzy deeper into the duke’s allure, leading to a series of interactions that, although charged with chemistry, still seem unjustified. The episode climaxes with a passionate kiss in the woods, concluding with Lizzy ending up in Theo’s bed—marking the beginning of a scandalous extramarital affair just two weeks shy of her wedding.
While Lizzy and Theo’s affair may be the most shocking event in “Ice Cream,” it pales in comparison to the compelling narrative surrounding Jinny’s turmoil following Lord Seadown’s (Barney Fishwick) unexpected visit. This development is a direct consequence of Nan’s choice to abandon Tintagel in search of her sister and Guy in Italy. Right from the outset, it was evident that Seadown had ulterior motives when he informed the Duke about his wife’s escapade with Guy. Thus, Seadown’s promises to Jinny to return her to England are hardly surprising. What catches the viewers off guard—at least this viewer—is Jinny’s seemingly reluctant acceptance of his offer. Although she has not boarded the boat yet, her willingness to meet him at his hotel and discuss baby Freddie suggests she might be contemplating a return to him.
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Relationships at Tintagel have never been more fraught.
Jinny’s motivations for entertaining Seadown’s offer are complex. As he astutely points out, her life on the run is incredibly challenging. She finds herself longing for the comforts of her previous life, including the loss of support from loved ones, particularly her sister. Additionally, Jinny feels a heavy burden of guilt for making Nan unhappy, forcing her into an aristocratic life merely to ensure her safety. Consequently, witnessing Nan and Guy enjoying their time together in Italy becomes emotionally overwhelming for Jinny. She struggles to reconcile the idea of forcing her sister back into a loveless marriage just to protect her son, knowing the emotional toll it would take on both of them.
The Heartbreaking Split of Nan and Guy in ‘The Buccaneers’ Season 2 Episode 4
Despite the affection between Nan and Guy, she remains acutely aware of her responsibilities toward her sister, a realization that becomes apparent after an awkward reunion. Following their initial encounter, Nan and Guy rekindle their chemistry and indulge in spontaneous adventures, breaking into celebratory weddings and whispering sweet nothings to one another. However, upon seeing a newspaper article highlighting her fight for women’s rights, Nan is faced with another difficult decision. She resolves to return to England and reclaim her role as a duchess, with the hopes of creating a better future for Jinny and Freddie. This decision deeply troubles Guy, and he has a valid point. It’s not just the fact that Nan chooses to leave that frustrates him; it’s the fact that she allowed him to glimpse what their future could have been, treating what should have been a sincere promise of everlasting love as merely a vacation from reality. The plot feels somewhat redundant, as Nan has previously abandoned her life with Guy for Jinny. Does she need to revisit this painful cycle?
In a more intriguing subplot, Mabel is beginning to recognize that the lack of respect for her desires extends beyond her mother. Conchita (Alisha Boe) and Richard (Josh Dylan) have no qualms about leveraging the Elmsworth wealth to find a suitor for their youngest daughter, who unequivocally has no interest in men. Initially oblivious to the underlying motives, Mabel eventually realizes that the badminton match that Conchita and Richard invited her to is more than just a friendly game; they aim to match her with a dull lord. Mabel resolutely rejects this notion. When Honoria reveals the truth behind their intentions, Mabel confronts Conchita, who justifies her actions by stating that she accepted Mrs. Elmsworth’s (Viss Elliot Safavi) arrangement for her daughter’s comfort, potentially jeopardizing their friendship.
Ultimately, while “Ice Cream” is packed with narrative twists, it lacks the impactful events that characterized earlier episodes of The Buccaneers. Nan’s storyline feels repetitive, and Lizzy and Theo’s romance is yet to find its footing. Nevertheless, Mabel and Jinny’s arcs are compelling enough to redeem the episode. Jinny, in particular, emerges as a more nuanced character as we witness her struggle with the aftermath of her abusive relationship. “Ice Cream” poignantly highlights her emotional turmoil and the heavy guilt she carries, showcasing a remarkable growth for a character who largely played the role of a mean girl in Season 1.
The Buccaneers
Two particular storylines save an episode that feels mostly repetitive and uneventful.
- Release Date
- November 8, 2023
- Network
- Apple TV+
- Showrunner
- Katherine Jakeways
- Directors
- Charlotte Regan
Kristine Froseth
Nan St. George
Alisha Boe
Conchita Closson
- The reappearance of Lord Seadown adds depth to Jinny’s character.
- The dialogue between Blanche and Reede, along with Lizzy’s fidgeting with her ring, showcases the subtlety that ‘The Buccaneers’ can achieve.
- Lizzy and Theo’s romance still lacks sufficient development.
- Nan’s storyline feels like a repeat of previous arcs.
