Younger Review: The Bubble (Season 5 Episode 8)

This is a will they/won’t they that’s been a long time coming, and whether or not it lasts, Younger Season 5 Episode 8, “The Bubble,” gives us the chance to enjoy Charles and Liza together in a really satisfying way.

These two make so much sense as a couple, and it’s adorable to watch them carry on their secret and remain in their bubble.

We start with a montage that manages to be romantic and sexy while also capturing the awkward moments and the quirkiness of both of these characters, and then they move on to the texts, the secret rendezvous, the world’s cutest date on that carousel — it’s a slice of happiness that we want for Liza, and for both of them. It feels like this perfect storybook romance.

That beard on Charles is shocking, by the way, but if it is true that men who grow beards are hiding something, then it’s clearly even more symbolic that he shaves it at the end. Or, maybe, it’s just sweet that he shaves it for one person in particular. (Either way, let’s be glad it’s temporary!)

The secret of Charles and Liza’s new relationship is a lot more complicated than just a boss dating an employee, which would be enough of a problem on its own. But Charles is now in on Liza’s secret about her age, which presents its own set of issues. And then there’s Pauline.

It almost feels a bit too obvious that Pauline is blaming Liza and ready to seek revenge. Something about it doesn’t ring fully true to me, and I don’t know that it feels like something Pauline’s character would really do.

Regardless, it means yet another of Liza’s secrets is going to affect someone she cares about because the only way Pauline will agree to keep quiet about Charles and Liza is to have her sequel moved to another publisher.

Meanwhile, Liza isn’t the only one starting a new relationship. Lauren is having a dinner party which includes a woman she’s interested in, and the friends who join are Josh and Maggie.

Before I even get into the relationship piece of this, I have to applaud the way these friendships are being presented. It’s so positive. What could be dramatic and petty is completely the opposite.

Lauren, Josh, and Maggie have all met because of Liza, and they’ve all developed these close, great friendships that are nothing if not supportive.

So when the woman Lauren is having over turns out to be Maggie’s ex, yes, it’s awkward and difficult, but it ends up being Lauren who pushes Maggie to go after her.

And Josh helps her make a grand (very, very grand) gesture. Those friendships — all of the friendships on the show — are really what drives it.

Am I #TeamCharles? Absolutely. I love that part of the story. The romance is a big part of the show, and of course, Liza’s secret is the catalyst. But the friendships on this show are what keep us coming back.

What I am less interested in, unfortunately, is the Kelsey/Zane/Jake story.

It feels redundant (which, oddly, even Kelsey herself points out) and I want to see Kelsey get the chance to do something more.

What is nice to see is that Zane isn’t quick to take Zane’s book from Kelsey when he’s handed that opportunity.

It shows a level of professional respect that he’s able to put his feelings aside in that way — something that Jake clearly does not have for her.

Overall, this is solid episode that’s fun and satisfying to watch, and it’s only elevated in the way that it balances the romance, the importance of friendships, and that sinking reminder that someone is always going to have something over Liza Miller as long as she’s keeping secrets.

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

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Younger airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on TVLand.

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