The Bold Type Review: 5,6,7,8 (Season 4 Episode 9)
The title of The Bold Type Season 4 Episode 9, “5, 6, 7, 8” is a reference to the count we usually say right before we start to dance, but most of the Scarlet ladies are more likely headed down to the floor to cry.
The juxtaposition between the joys they are headed toward and the heartbreak that is coming make for a beautiful episode of television.
Some viewers may have seen Ryan’s full confession coming. I admit that I’m more eager to see on-screen relationships come through difficult times and succeed than I am to watch them fail. So, I take what The Bold Type gives at face value.
Ryan says he just kissed book tour girl, so fine. It’s also not really his place to tell Jane her brother’s marriage is ending. A smaller lie related to JaneStripe’s relationship may have been a more believable spark to this fire.
But people lie like Ryan, or even better. And there is almost always a moment of realization similar to the flashback scenes where all of his guilt becomes blatant for viewers like me. This story is depressing but so authentic.
It’s also totally relatable to believe in lies so you can keep believing in your dreams. The more time goes by the less Pinstripe deserves to be Jane’s dream. Hopefully, she has a standard and holds it. As much healing, as she has to do, Jane has deserved someone new and better for a long time.
At least she has a new vertical, though the timeline of that promotion is hard to believe. As for her “30 Under 30” recognition, it’s also suspect — but at least it’s “30 Under 30 Writers”.
Since we’re on the topic of promotions — why would a fashion influencer need a personal stylist all of the time? Maybe for specific shoots, yes. Oliver and Jaqueline love Sutton so her new position was always going to be at Scarlet. But, her career woes are only a device.
There is nothing wrong with moving across the country for your partner in reality. The Bold Three’s relationship would stay strong — it would just be different. The Bold Type couldn’t survive with Sutton in San Francisco for long, even if viewers still followed her journey on-screen.
Sutton may be putting on a wedding dress soon, but it’s doubtful she’ll get as far as “I do”. I really hope Sutton and Richard survive what’s coming for them. Theirs is a relationship that deserves to come out stronger through their struggles.
So is Sutton and Oliver’s, for the record. It’s very sweet of Sutton to spend her bachelorette party trying to fix her mistakes for him. But a stronger setup of the problem on The Bold Type Season 4 Episode 7, “The Space Between” would’ve made the resolution pay off that much more.
She is completely out of her mind to try and do a personal job on company time — and yes, if you look very closely there is a betrayal of Oliver in there. But one gets the sense it’s supposed to be bigger than it feels to viewers.
Oliver’s feelings are valid. But he never really says, “you hurt me so much because I care about you” or “your actions put my job in danger but you are also a privileged brat.” This particular storyline would’ve benefited from being drawn out a bit more.
Of course, there simply isn’t time for that because Soliver have to be healed for Sutton’s wedding. She’s going to need all of the support she can get as she turns her back on her future and walks back down that aisle. (We’re guessing here!)
The Fine Print
- Kat’s storyline isn’t landing because we aren’t seeing the people that matter on screen. Kat can help others tell their stories, but the floor isn’t hers at all here and it’s disappointing that The Bold Type doesn’t seem to realize Adena needs to be on screen for this. At the very least, people who have gone through conversion therapy need to.
- I need it on record that some Long Island girls are cool.
- The balance between joy and angst on this episode works so well.
- We’re happy Jaqueline chooses Ian. But it doesn’t change the fact that her whole struggle on this season has been unnecessary so far.
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.