The Bold Type Review: Tearing Down The Donut Wall (Season 4 Episode 5)
Five must be a lucky number because The Bold Type Season 4 Episode 5, “Tearing Down The Donut Wall,” is the one that gives everyone their groove back. The romantic relationships on the show are mostly fun to watch. But it’s hard not to feel Richard and Ryan’s absences in particular. We’re not complaining at all.
Sutton is forced to think about her wedding, which naturally triggers missing Richard. However, her journey has nothing to do with him. It also has very little to do with fashion.
Carly’s uniform is almost a literal mirror for Sutton since she has weddings on the brain. She sees her mother trying on her wedding dress while drunk and bashing the men she depends on for happiness.
Of course, a wedding dress is going to feel like a straight jacket from that angle. Combined with the wedding dress shoot at work, anyone would be overwhelmed. It’s refreshing to see Sutton work through that very personal issue. It’s not drama for drama’s sake.
It’s also a relief that she actually likes wedding dresses. As long as she knows she wants to marry Richard, there’s no reason why a fashion assistant/aspiring stylist would feel restricted by a wedding dress. On the actual day, hers is going to be amazing.
The dilemma has very little to do with Carly’s uniform. That said, both Oliver and Sutton make solid points on either side of the uniform debate.
Speaking of sides, Kat identifies as queer or bisexual and has been sticking to dating females. On most of this episode, that makes very little sense because men are more likely to be seeking the casual sex Kat wants. So, it’s gratifying to see her hook up with the male bartender at the end of the hour.
Even when there are bisexual characters on TV, the fact that they can date both genders easily at any time is rarely respected. It’s good to see that The Bold Type does respect that. But it would be great to see Kat go a step further and seriously pursue a black man.
Race always matters. So, Kat going from same-sex relationships to representing black love would be fitting.
That said, the struggle not to become the lesbian who brings a moving van to the second date is light and entertaining to watch. “Fun” is a stretch because the breakup with vanilla moisturizer girl most definitely gave some viewers second-hand embarrassment through the screen.
Don’t get to the point where you have to break up with your one night stands by ghosting them at their friends’ birthday parties, readers. If the egg sandwich is worth the walk with your hook-up in the morning, order it to go!
The Fine Print
- Jaqueline’s separation story is easier to handle when Ian is off-screen, but it’s still completely unnecessary.
- I wasn’t able to confirm it, but I think they recast Carly and that’s going to take getting used to.
- Jane’s dad! It’s great to meet him.
- Jane’s love of weddings being a defense mechanism so she can protect her memories of her mom makes so much sense and it’s so sad. I wish she weren’t alone so she could get a hug while talking to her dad.
- The title of the episode is actually about breaking down personal walls, but it makes me hungry.
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.