The Bold Type Review: Revival (Season 3 Episode 8)
Let’s rip off the metaphorical bandaid on The Bold Type Season 3 Episode 8, “Revival.”
Adena’s back and it hurts…me, you, Kat, Jane, Sutton, it hurts us all.
The initial scene where Kat and Adena see each other isn’t very awkward, honestly. It’s just the right amount of awkward for two exes who once loved each other very much….and have unfinished business.
I admittedly didn’t get the chance to rewatch their breakup before this episode but even if I did I’m not sure I’d understand what happened
There also absolutely nothing wrong with Jane agreeing to hire Adena. Where it does get very awkward is when Jane and Adena talk about Kat in the coffee shop.
But maybe that’s because if I’m going to have to watch the awkwardness of Jane insisting Kat is very, very happy and very, very fine — I at least want to also hear a little bit more about the photoshoot plans.
That’s probably the journalist in me. The scene makes sense, it just gives me more second-hand embarrassment than Kat and Adena seeing each other.
It also makes sense that Jane and Sutton tell Kat how Adena feels. That is friendship, even though it’s a really difficult choice.
I suppose The Bold Type has helped me create a new litmus test for whether I need to pass information on to my friends or not. Could it possibly change their futures? If yes, I’m telling, no matter that they might be mad at me about it at first.
Jane and Sutton have their own lives to live. They’ll always be Kat’s friend but they have their own future loves to worry about. A “what if” about Kat’s biggest love so far is way too much for anyone to have on their backs.
I am happy that Kadena meet up at the end of the episode. I also don’t think it’s exactly the right time for them to get back together. Tia is probably not Kat’s “one” but she’s a good person. It’s going to suck to watch a good person get her heart stomped on, and Kat shouldn’t do it right now.
Because it’s mean but also because Tia’s her campaign manager and the election is coming up.
Did we just rip off the bandaid or did we make the cut deeper? It’s just one of three really complicated situations on this episode so no matter what, let’s move on.
The Pamela Dolan story.
First of all, the aesthetic is perfect. The content of the story is the most important aspect, of course. But these pictures are not just pretty, they are part of the content. So, black turtle necks that force readers to focus on the abuse the women suffered and nothing else? Perfect.
You know who else is perfect? Jacqueline Carlyle. But she would chastise me for calling her perfect so let’s just say that the words she speaks to the models on the shoot when Pamela’s lawyers begin intimidation tactics are perfect. She says,
“[…]Like all of you I lived with my secret. I thought by keeping it I was in control. But then I realized that what I was actually doing — was surrendering my power. My power to help other women. You ladies are all so much more powerful than you realize. Don’t let Pamela Dolan or anyone take that from you.”
The show should be spending a little bit more time on this storyline. It’s important. A rather brilliant to take an abuse storyline that flips it a little bit. The Bold Type addresses sexual assault on Season 1 of the show — in September 2017 — at the very beginning of the #MeToo Movement before everyone felt obligated to do an episode addressing the issue.
I’m not saying these episodes aren’t important — they are. I’m saying every show addresses these issues with varying degrees of success. It’s TV’s job to entertain us and address important political issues sometimes. But The Bold Type is in the position dig deeper into this issue because they’ve already addressed it before from the more common angle.
After every episode lately, I’m singing the praises of the writers for forcing us to deal with the fact that women have power too, and they abuse it just like men sometimes.
I don’t make a habit of taking women down, but there are some that deserve it. Women are shamed for trying to “take down” other women all of the time. But whether it’s physical abuse or some other kind of power, no one should get away with it just because they have a vagina.
There are women worth fighting against. Pamela Dolan is just one. Thank you,The Bold Type for driving home that female voices matter even when they are speaking out against other females.
Speaking of female voices that matter, Sutton will Stitch and Bitch about me if I don’t talk about her storyline.
Feeling uncomfortable accepting expensive gifts is a real mood. I understand it so deeply, but I still scream at the TV every time Sutton doesn’t let Richard show appreciation for her.
He’s never just throwing money at her. He cares. I don’t know much about love languages…but Richard deserves one, even if he is loaded, and maybe his love language is giving gifts.
As a disabled woman, I see something a little bit deeper here, too. “Independence” is amazing and I’m proud of Sutton for creating her own. But there is nothing wrong with needing help from other people.
I need it a lot, whether I like it or not. So, whenever I see a TV show preaching that it is human to need help and depend on each other I am filled with joy.
You go Sutton Brady, you accept that $2500 sewing machine from your man who loves you and wants to make life easier for you. You deserve a loving partner…and you definitely earned the right to have at least three hours back in your day.
That “little bitch” you call a sewing machine took too much from you girl!
The Fine Print
- I’m super neutral about Pinstripe right now and him being away on a book tour isn’t helping.
- I feel myself starting to want Jane and Alex together but, no Esme, no. Men and women can be roommates on TV and it doesn’t have to be sexualized.
- I already have election nerves and I’m not even sure which way I want it to go, as long as there is no recount.
- They have very much let the story of Oliver being a foster parent go on the back burner and that is not OK.
- I’m not complaining at all, but I did notice Patrick’s absence from the episode. Can we keep it that way, please?
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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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.