Younger Review: The Talented Mr. Ridley (Season 5 Episode 4)

Younger Season 5 Episode 4 “The Talented Mr. Ridley” is one of the show’s best episodes yet, and it’s definitely the best so far on Season 5.

“The Talented Mr. Ridley” has practically everything I love about Younger; there’s relationship drama, there are laughs, there’s communication, and romance. The fallout from Charles learning Liza’s secret is still fresh and the tension between them is threatening their work relationship as well as the company.

Charles learning about Liza’s age hasn’t lessened the unresolved sexual and emotional tension in the slightest if anything this revelation has ramped up all of their scenes and tossed in a heaping amount of angst. The opening scene at Diana’s party shows us exactly that.

Charles is on the edge of letting his complicated emotions about Liza show through in front of everyone else. But that’s perfectly on brand for him, as he’s never been one to truly hide his stronger emotions. I think we all remember his outburst when he thought Liza was dating another man his age.

Further toeing the line of professionalism Charles interferes with Liza and Kelsey’s meeting with a potential writer because he’s jealous. At that moment, Charles comes off as very “I don’t want you but I don’t want anyone else to have you either,” which is not a good look for him.

Thankfully by the end of the episode, Charles is able to recognize that and he apologizes to Liza.

Charles: You’re good at your job. Millenial needs you to survive right now, and I don’t want to jeopardize that.

This moment of open honest communication gives me so much hope for Charles and Liza. He’s determined to walk away from their relationship, but this is a positive breakthrough even while he’s refusing to get to know who she really is.

The emotions are still raw, and he’s trying to protect himself and the company, but something tells me he won’t be able to hold out forever.

Liza also connects with a writer she can relate to, he’s her age and he has faced similar struggles in the industry. I’m still firmly Team Charles, but I definitely don’t mind Liza having a bit of fun with Don in the meantime. Does anyone else think it’s possible that Don and Liza could write a book together? Perhaps something about ageism?

Meanwhile, we also get to see a lovely softer side to Diana. She’s fun and personable at her game night party, she’s soft and flirty on her date, and she’s remarkably human and happy.

After being emotionally abused and manipulated in her romantic relationship last season Diana definitely deserves to be treated nicely and have a good time with someone who actually cares about her. Her plumber is so not her typical type but he may be exactly the right person for her.

I’m also really loving her growing friendship with Liza. They share things that friends would about dating and men, and Diana confides in her beyond just bossing her around as her assistant.

After watching Younger struggle to get past the bitch-boss trope with Diana this relationship feels really refreshing and earned.

OTHER THOUGHTS: 

• Josh struggles one day into his new no-sex no-alcohol goal, but I think a dog might actually be a good thing for him while he sorts out his relationship issues.
• Kelsey and Zane’s flirtation continues to be delightful.
• Josh and Maggie’s friendship is also really really cute.
• Does Charles really think that millennials don’t read about things that happened before we were born? Come on buddy.

What did you think of this episode of Younger? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Younger airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on TV LAND.

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