The Bold Type Review: The Truth Will Set You Free (Season 4 Episode 14)
The truth is doing many things on The Bold Type Season 4 Episode 14, “The Truth Will Set You Free,” but Jane is arguably the only person it’s setting free at the moment.
It’s heartbreaking to watch Sutton confess to Richard that she doesn’t think she’ll ever be ready to have a child. Metaphorically, she moves the burden of the truth off of her shoulders and smack into the middle of her marriage.
Richard’s reaction is all we need to see to know Sutton’s not completely “free” yet. Her confession is only the first step to getting there.
At the risk of jumping too far into the future, Sutton and us viewers have to consider that at this point, maybe Richard isn’t included in her definition of freedom.
Richard’s emotions are valid. He doesn’t express his anger through violence toward Sutton and he has the right to want children.
He’s supported Sutton unconditionally throughout much of their relationship. As sad as it would be if this causes their marriage to crumble, it’s good to see Richard have an unwavering point of view.
That’s not to invalidate Sutton’s feelings. In my review of The Bold Type Season 4 Episode 13, “Lost,” I discussed how empowering it must be for many women to see another woman say she doesn’t want children, and stand her ground there.
No one should stay with a spouse who they know doesn’t want children thinking that they’ll change their minds eventually. But the same is true the other way around.
On the surface, that’s a stalemate and the easiest option is to leave. But there is genuine love in this marriage. Where do Sutton and Richard go from here?
I’m as lost as both of them when it comes to figuring out the answer here, but we need to talk more about how not everyone wants children, and some people won’t change their minds.
So, this story is more than the sadness and frustration it evokes — it is necessary.
But as much as we need to free women from the expectations of motherhood, the state of society also makes open political conversations between liberals and conservatives vital.
If Ava’s lesbian conservative identity is supposed to be a shock, The Bold Type fails. I have had an inkling since they exchanged glances in the Safford lobby earlier this season.
I don’t agree with many of Ava’s views, but I like her as a character. Nothing in the world is as polarizing as it seems. Conservative queer people exist and I want to keep learning more about Ava to understand her better.
Does that mean Ava will change my views? Absolutely not. But Ava makes me uncomfortable, and that’s why we need to keep seeing more of her. Sometimes TV is the only place we are exposed to the “grayer” areas of life. It’s why nuanced representation matters.
There is no denying the sexual tension between Ava and Kat — so it will be a shame if she disappears too soon.
No matter how much she wants to, Jane can’t make her boobs disappear.
Watching Jane and her dad be so open with each other could be strange to watch depending on your relationship with your father. But Sutton and Kat can’t do anything more to help her and she only has brothers. In a way, her dad is the next best person to open up to.
Not only did he lose his wife, but he also watched her struggle with breast cancer. Jane’s support group isn’t even helping her much. Where else should she turn?
It’s sweet to see a “dad hug” do so much healing. Plus, he’s clearly proud of her work. When you have such a big champion in your corner, it’s easier to find the motivation to keep moving forward, even when you feel like giving up.
It would’ve been nice to see a picture of Jane’s mom in the DVF wrap dress to feel the connection more, even just through Jane’s face. But no matter what, any time Jane connects with her mom it brings depth to her work and her overall journey.
It’s good to see one of the bold three with her feet more firmly on the road to happiness. Kat and Sutton are both going to need Jane to be in a listening space very soon.
The Fine Print
- Jane’s cast of her boobs is so pretty. It’s sad to watch her get to the point where she cracks it, but it’s even better glued back together.
- Apologies to Kat’s current hookup (I think her name was Marissa) but hearing Kat call out Ava’s name while they are fooling around makes me laugh out loud.
- Jane’s writing and planning hobbies are #relatable. What does that say about me?
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 10/9c 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.