The Bold Type Review: Mixed Messages (Season 3 Episode 7)

Kat went canvassing on The Bold Type Season 3 Episode 7, “Mixed Messages,” and I have to say the storyline is not what I expected it would be. 

That’s not a bad thing. In fact, it leans good. But it is a lot to process as a white-passing Latina who has to tell people I’m Puerto Rican if I want them to know. 

When we are expecting a “powerful” episode of TV we sometimes start to picture it in our heads. For an episode about racial profiling, we might expect a huge confrontation or police.

Since we’re watching The Bold Type we might expect Kat to react, on social media or elsewhere. It might lead to the end of her political campaign. And, I’ll say it — as a viewer that might have felt worth it to me.

What we get is more nuanced than that, for which I’m grateful. 

I must say while I have no real problem expressing my views on just about anything on the internet, I have no interest in helping anyone run a political campaign. 

So, I really don’t know the first thing about canvassing or how to strategically pair up to do it. I do know that I’m absolutely shocked that Tia’s reasoning for saying she and Kat should split up is about race. And that in Manhattan, one of the most liberal (if not the most) cities in the country — she’s right. 

At the same time, it’s not shocking at all. Plus the subtlety of the scene makes sense. 

Bitchy Becky (we have to give her a name) is associating black with being a “robber” and calling an innocent selfie “casing her security system.” To me, that’s blasphemy considering who I know these characters to be. 

To Becky, who they are doesn’t matter. They are just their skin color and what she perceives that to mean. 

As ridiculous as I think that is — it’s not worth Kat building her record and potentially ruining her career. That would make Bitch happy. 

So, Tia is right that everyone needs to walk away. But I tend to agree with Kat that social media should be a part of the change she wants to make. 

I’ve recently had an experience which affirmed how difficult it is to make change via any online media. I now see what Kat learns on this episode.

Often people just react online. Sometimes more happens as a result and that leads to positive change. 

But sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes reactions are just reactions and Tia is right that on a political campaign where the goal is lasting change reactions that divert attention away from the real issue are not worth it. 

Even though Kat’s focus would be ending racial profiling, it would probably soon be forgotten and become an excuse to hate on Bitchy Becky.

Frustrating, I know. But I also know a few Bitchy Becky’s and trust me, they just use the hate to cry victim anyway. So, even getting the frustration out loses its appeal.  

Let’s chalk it up to both Kat and I learning different, but powerful, lessons about restraint and move on shall we? 

Oh no wait! Not before I say that it feels absolutely amazing to watch Kat not taking Patrick’s advice. 

Ok, now we can move on to Sutton. Sex or lack thereof was the framework of this episode, and while that’s all fun and games Sutton and Richard’s journey to sex again is quite sweet.

I’m ashamed to admit that I only vaguely remember Richard’s father dying. This explains why he was yearning for the suburbs recently. 

Remembering why your boyfriend won’t run past a certain pond is #girlfriendgoals. The sex at the end of the episode is literally dessert (get it? Because whipped cream?) but watching them get closer emotionally is the main course. 

Emotionally being there for your partner no matter what their age is so important. I love the way that Jacqueline gets Sutton to realize she needs to run with Richard again. I could use that advice for so many people in my life. I just wish I knew what their “running” was. 

I’m going to make a bold statement right now, pun intended. 

Whether it’s Richard and Sutton or Jane and Pinstripe, I need someone to have a knockdown drag-out soon. 

The Bold Type is great at mature conflict and resolution. But sometimes we scream at the people we love — and then we make up. Sometimes we scream at the people we love and we don’t make up. That’s life. 

We don’t see enough of The Bold Type‘s flavor of resolution on other shows, but some intensity would be so satisfying on the backend of the season on this show. Although there are so few episodes left, maybe I’ll regret saying that. 

The Fine Print

• Bitchy Becky literally says “Are you calling me racist?” and then “I’m calling the police.” Even if I had the time, I’m not sure anyone can unpack that with the venom it deserves. 
• Jane and Alex are roommates…yay? 
• Pinstripe is more out of line than not on this episode, even though it ends well.
• Richard being ready to call his friends for dessert is so great. But, does anyone have friends who can drop everything for cake like that at the last minute? If you do, keep them for always. 

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

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The Bold Type airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on Freeform.

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