The Bold Type Review: #Scarlet (Season 4 Episode 2)
In the words of Tiny Jane, “We’re engaged!” And oh, have we earned it.
The Bold Type Season 4 Episode 2, “#Scarlet,” switches the focus from Jaqueline to our Bold Three, and while there wouldn’t be a show if that didn’t happen, we need to mention it because we’re so happy.
Let’s live in that engagement moment for a little bit because it’s a great TV proposal scene.
It’s not perfect, or grand, and if we’re being honest the circumstances that Richard and Sutton are facing right now aren’t necessarily ideal to get engaged under. But all of this is OK — it’s life.
They do work at Safford and Scarlet, so fun, fancy parties like the Scarlet digital launch are part of their lives. Obviously, it makes sense that they’re dressed up for that. They met in the room they get engaged in, which is just sentimental and believable enough.
Only two elements about the scene could’ve been tweaked — the fact that the promo video for the episode forecasts that Richard is proposing and the music.
Taylor Swift’s “Lover” is a beautiful love song, but it just doesn’t belong behind this scene. Someone wanted to put it there, and that’s fine. But it’s a warm, cozy, making out by the fire song; it’s not a “we’ve just had sex in the boardroom at work where we met” song, even if that’s where they get engaged.
There is a sexier song that is also romantic that belongs there. But it’s forgivable because The Bold Type‘s music is usually on point.
Since music is on the brain, let’s talk about how great Kat’s story with Bella Diaz is.
Bella isn’t out yet, a refreshing and unexpected twist on the story. There is definitely more to explore here, and I’m hopeful that the journey Bella has left to take is the whole point.
There is such a deliberate, artistic choice made with her first scene and the video she sends Kat at the end. Hopefully, a character that has been given such consideration doesn’t just disappear.
Viewers who read episode descriptions might know Bella isn’t straight. But even someone who doesn’t know this probably notices how much she uses the pronoun “he” in her first song, making the use of “she” that much more significant in the video she sends Kat.
The Bold Type may be the first time this writer has heard a song using pronouns specifically referring to a same-sex relationship, especially on TV.
This is just proof that we need more of the inclusivity The Bold Type has always focused on with representation and beyond.
Specifically where relationships are concerned, the absence of any love triangles right now is impressive and respectful of both the characters’ maturity and viewers.
Sutton and Jane may have rocky roads ahead of them with distance and trust respectfully, but there are stories to be told on those roads that hopefully won’t veer off into love triangle territory.
Put frankly, triangles are boring and our heroines are above them.
The Fine Print
- Getting actual celebrities to record testimonials about a fake magazine is awesome.
- While parts of Jaqueline’s story this season are compelling, Ian is better as a supportive side character.
- A nanny is an easy, perfectly reasonable solution to Jaqueline and Ian’s problem.
- Trust after cheating is such a great topic to explore, I hope we’ll get to watch Jane dig deeply into this.
- Alex just exists in the world right now, when is he going to matter to the story?
- I would die for a mock copy of print Scarlet, this is not a drill.
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 Thursdays at 9/8c 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.