The Bold Type Review: The Deep End (Season 3 Episode 4)

The reasoning behind the title of The Bold Type Season 3 Episode 4, “The Deep End,” is easy to figure out. Sometimes, that’s not always the case. But all four, yes, four of our Scarlet ladies are jumping off the metaphorical deep end on this episode, and I’m right there with them — all four times. 

Kat, Jane, Sutton and Jacqueline are diving into personal projects that scare them. Honestly? I don’t necessarily agree with every single one. But women need to support women and I stand by that — I don’t just say it. 

The theme we’re about to discuss is people who don’t support women but say they do to stay publicly relevant. Why are we discussing this? Because all four women’s jumps are fueled by rage.

OK, rage is a strong word. But even Sutton — who I was originally going to leave out of my count — is driven to begin designing her dress again no thanks to Dana Jacobs’ harsh critique. 

We have Kat, who is driven to run for Councilwoman in part because she is angry that women are being misinformed about abortion.

There is Jane, who is rightfully angry that Pamela Dolan might be abusing her models.

And last but not least there is Jacqueline, who seems scared but thankfully ready to tackle the world of digital if she has to.

Thank goodness because she has really been scaring me. Plus work is work but I don’t want to live in a world where it’s normal for men to assign vaginal rejuvenation stories to women, especially against their will. Patrick needs to leave soon. 

But back to the more important people on the episode. Because there are two quotes that we need to talk about. When Jane asks Oliver his opinion on Pamela Dolan, he knows the rumors she’s talking about. That is all the proof she needs to hear to know she has a story worth investigating. But he says, 

My two sense? Drop it. A woman as powerful as Pamela will do whatever it takes to protect her career, even if it means destroying yours.

Like I said at the beginning of this review, I try to walk my talk as best I can. But no matter what, there are women like this in the world, even though we are in the middle of #MeToo and the Women’s March movements.

Sometimes these women march next to you and tweet the right things. But when it comes down to real support like sharing your work or supporting you through a rough day they are nowhere to be found. 

Those are everyday examples that you and I might encounter. But The Bold Type is obviously going for something more high stakes and dramatic. They’re using a photographer. But I hope this is a reminder to every woman that this can happen in any profession be it acting, writing, or politics.

It’s exciting that the show seems to be starting to dive into the process of investigative reporting. I’m proud of Jane’s conviction. The truth is, even if the pursuit of this story “ruins” her career it will be worth it. 

Oliver is right. Women like this exist. They also “win” on the surface. But Jane will have the more fulfilling journey while standing up for what she believes in. As long as she keeps the other standout quote of the episode in mind, she’ll be fine. She says, 

Women are just as capable of bad behavior as men are.  

It’s true. But the flipside of this quote is “Well-behaved women rarely make history.” This one reminds me of politics. Which brings us to Kat. 

I’ll be honest. I was not a fan of the idea of this storyline. But the execution has me open to it. 

First of all, the previous candidate drops out. So, it isn’t like Kat seeks candidacy out. Is it realistic? Probably not. But then again, what is a “realistic” path to office these days?

If you are picturing one, do you trust that candidate? So, I’m not going to judge the show I love for daring to tackle a political story head-on. 

I will say that the abortion aspect of the storyline is heavy on tell. We don’t need to flashback to Kat’s abortion experience. I’m just hoping that in the future we see the struggles of some of her constituents. 

Realistically, Kat absolutely won’t work in the Scarlet office all day now, no matter what she is saying. If episodes balance her time and take her run seriously, this could be a satisfying storyline. She’s starting at Councilwoman after all. I can dig it. 

From previews, it seems like they might be shifting this into a romantic story with Tia. That would take so much power out of the political aspect of everything for me I hate that they might go there at all. 

But let’s talk about that when we have to because right now all I want to say to end our talk about Kat’s campaign is this: 

Just so you know I smoke weed sometimes. I support immigrants rights. And I had an abortion. 

That sounds like a damn good campaign slogan to me. However, it does bother me that she’s apologizing for how she’s dressed, especially to the voter. 

I want to end on Jacqueline because something has felt off about this season from the very beginning and I’ve always known what it is. Jacqueline has been shrinking and I don’t like it at all. 

Power struggles at work, especially with a man, is a great topic for The Bold Type to tackle and obviously Jacqueline is going to have her weak moments. But prior to this episode, she had been giving up before the real fight for her job even began. 

Can I just say it? I need her to literally knock Patrick off of the imaginary Scarlet throne he thinks he’s on. The rightful queen needs her throne back. 

That last sentence was rage-filled. So, we’ve come full circle, friends. I’m excited to keep watching all of the ladies swim. Preparation for these dives has taken long enough. 

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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