Grand Hotel Review: You’ve Got Blackmail (Season 1 Episode 5)
Grand Hotel Season 1 Episode 5, “You’ve Got Blackmail” is Yoli and Javi-centric. So, it is no wonder that is it my favorite of the season.
Javi’s admission that he slept with (or has been made to think he slept with-an important distinction I think because Javi is much more than what people think he is) a staff member leads to one of the best Grand Hotel bits ever: the Sex Police.
It works because it matches how terribly awkward Alicia is, but it also brings key relationships to the forefront, namely Yoli and Alicia and Yoli and Marissa.
Sisterhood takes vulnerability, and step-sisterhood takes real effort on top of that. Everyone comes with old wounds.
For Yoli and Alicia, the Sex Police role forces them to talk to each other beyond surface-level sass. Also, the topic of their conversation isn’t about their parents. There is a freedom to their discourse that allows vulnerability.
With the better footing and sense of urgency, the two are able to open up and it’s really beautiful. I love the sincere gratitude Alicia feels because Yoli comes out to her. I love the way that Yoli shares how she admires Alicia’s tenacity even more.
Sisterhood is so important and “You’ve Got Blackmail,” surprises with how strong the women’s allegiances are.
Alicia going out on a limb for Yoli and Gigi standing up for Ingrid are really wonderful examples of women being there for each other, even if it risks pissing off people they care about.
The dig that Yoli takes at Carolina is well-earned and a lot nicer than it could be. Even though she isn’t in the trust zone, Carolina also shows up on the episode with the good intel on Ingrid and Mateo.
She thus proves that she shouldn’t be underestimated either. Carolina is paying attention, so watch out.
Carolina’s character is also a good reminder that being vapid and shallow is not the same as being stupid. Her mind is not empty, it is just not focused on the things other characters care about.
I need to give major kudos to the Grand Hotel team because so far the steamiest and sexiest sex scenes have showcased lesbian sex and a disabled character getting it on (not all together, although that would be pretty hot too!).
So often, LGBTQ and disabled sex scenes are more toned down than heteronormative and abled bodied scenes, if they are shown at all!
The Grand Hotel team clearly understands that being sexual and sexy is not tied to being straight and abled.
Gracias a Dios!
I am loving the steamy hook-ups, even if we’re just learning about them from people who are overhearing.
Who gets to be sexy and sexual on shows matters and I am legitimately appreciative that these firey love scenes are being given to Yoli and Javi.
From a more zoomed-out perspective, this episode sets up the chessboard for us.
We learn big and important pieces of information (more on THAT reveal in just a second) and the general map of who is important to the mystery takes shape.
The pacing of the mystery is something that Grand Hotel is consistently getting right. It is also building depth for the characters rather than constantly introducing new ones, and that is pushing it right into that four star zone.
I was legitimately afraid Yoli was going to be a background character. I am so glad my fears were totally unwarranted!
Now, let’s speculate shall we!
The HUGE reveal that Sky and Yoli were in love makes several new things possible. First, Yoli probably wrote that note!
But now the question is why?!
Is Yoli so sure that she can’t tell her mom about Marissa because Gigi discovered Sky and Yoli together and flipped out? Could Gigi have told someone to make Sky disappear in a misguided attempt to protect her daughter?
It would break my heart, but I also kind of love the idea of Yoli herself being the bad guy. What a twist that would be!
Importantly, Sky and Yoli’s love story also shifts what is possible for Danny and mystery girlfriend. What if she isn’t HIS girlfriend at all, but is Sky’s!?
Danny never says that he has a significant other. He just says it is complicated. And, after seeing such an intense accident (Poor Norris got straight-up Meet Joe Black‘d) Danny could be legitimately afraid of getting Alicia pulled into any of it.
The interconnected web that has already been woven on the show is really cool. I must admit, the whole thing is a lot sharper than I gave it credit for in the beginning.
I hope Grand Hotel just keeps on sharpening.
Room Service
- Ingrid knows that she isn’t easy to like, and that actually makes me like her a lot more.
- Part of me stupidly hopes that Ingrid magically gets pregnant from Javi, instead.
- Mateo is such a stinker, but WOW does he look good in that ring. Meow.
- Mr. P’s explanation of how he wants to fight his cancer is just beautiful. Fighting doesn’t always look the same for everyone and his story is a needed reminder.
- More of the adults having sexy times, please!
- Roselyn Sanchez is such a deeply talented actress. Her and Bichir elevate all their scenes and it lets the newer actors shine too. Love seeing this show family growing.
What did you think of this episode of Grand Hotel? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Grand Hotel airs Mondays at 10/9c on ABC.
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Janelle Ureta
Janelle Ureta is equal parts Veronica Mars, Raven Reyes, and Rebecca Bunch, but she aspires to add some Tammy Taylor to the mix. An attorney turned teacher, Janelle believes in the power of a well-told story. She is currently exploring how to tell short stories, 140 characters or less, on twitter. She loves to talk about TV, and right now she can't shut up about Timeless, Dear White People, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The 100, or Younger.