Sanditon Review: Episode 5 (Season 2 Episode 5)

It’s time for the Denham Ball as the town is swept up in secrets revealed and heartbreak on display on another fantastic Sanditon Season 2 Episode 5.

The penultimate episode does an admirable job of building up some of the more entertaining stories of the season: Esther’s heartbreaking arc, Alexander’s tragic secret, and of course, the romantic entanglements of the three young ladies at the center of the season.

Esther’s descent into madness maintains one of the most tragic arcs of the season. As Edward has gotten Clara on board with his machinations, lady Denham is willing to go along with whatever Edward says, proving that she is just as easily manipulated as Tom despite her loud protestations.

It’s genuinely heartbreaking to see that Esther has effectively been cut off and isolated from the one part of her life that brought her so much happiness and joy, all in revenge. There is something about how this “descent into madness” feels as horrifying and cloying as any other horror plotline I can think of.

No one believes her, and the one woman she could call family thinks she is going mad. The question now remains will Clara continue to go along with Edward’s plan, or will she stand up and try to protect Esther?

Though the last moments of the hour don’t inspire much hope that she’ll do the right thing, I just hope she’ll show her the same kindness and grace that Esther’s shown her since baby George arrived.

It’s surprising how affecting this story is and how even after sitting through it, Esther’s despair stays with you. A true testament to Charlotte Spencer’s phenomenal subtle acting choices.

Meanwhile, Charlotte’s at a standstill with Alexander over their parting at the Denham Garden party. I genuinely like how they’ve built Alexander and Charlotte’s dynamic over the last few episodes.

Though it’s nothing like the chemistry and dynamic Charlotte and Sidney had, Charlotte and Alexander share a different kind of chemistry. A type of bond and realistic romantic ideals borne from significant loss and heartbreak that is accompanied by a comforting and, at times, challenging presence.

It’s not something that you see between Charlotte and Colonel Lennox, where a lot of that chemistry and tension is missing, as Charlotte has found ways to make her way out of the circles, he’s in.

Alexander’s past remains a well-kept secret for most of the episode until Charlotte’s Alexander comes clean about their history. When he reveals the truth, it’s remarkably interesting to see the reactions from Charlotte in front of him and Leonora, who is listening through the crack in the door.

Though it makes sense in hindsight, it’s still a surprising choice as far as Alexander and his animosity towards Colonel Lennox (going to show you that Jane Austen was right, and I reiterate my previous statement, never trust a man in regimentals).

Elsewhere, we have the fallout of captain Carter, his lies, and his Co-opting of Captain Frasier’s history to court Allison. While Allison is genuinely done with captain Carter, it doesn’t seem like Captain Carter is done with her. I enjoy how they are slowly setting up Allison and Captain Frasier, considering that he Cyrano’ d his way into that situation between captain Carter and Allison.

I hope we see the continuation of this promising romance in the finale and the following season.

Georgiana and Lockhart’s courtship has been an exciting aspect of the season in that he’s been able to provide a spirit that thrives in the unconventional much like Otis. But seeing Georgiana’s face at the end of the hour as he asks for her hand leaves a lot of questions about where Georgiana is mentally and emotionally especially considering she vowed not to marry or follow Mary’s recommendations to find a husband before her 21st birthday.

Will Esther be saved? Will we see three happy endings, or will any of them end in tears?

Only one episode left to find out!

Random Thoughts

• I absolutely love that Mary finally confronted Tom about what Sidney sacrificed so that his dream of Sanditon and his family could be saved from ruin. How oblivious do you have to be to not understand that your brother married Eliza instead of, you know, following his heart and obvious affection because he was trying to save Tom?
• The fact that Mary had to tell Tom that Sidney and Charlotte were in love feels deeply disheartening to see. Still, it proves just how much of a selfish, self-centered, oblivious person Tom truly is, and no number of apologies and forgiveness will change that.
• Alexander’s backstory is reminiscent of a story that would be borderline spoiling another historical drama on a particular streaming service for (potentially) an upcoming season. If you know, you know.

What did you think of this episode of Sanditon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Sanditon airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.

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