Sanditon Review: Episode 3 (Season 2 Episode 3)

It’s time for the Sanditon fair, which reveals new sides to some new faces, brings about the same old sides to some familiar faces, and leaves a few questions lingering on the enjoyable Sanditon Season 2 Episode 3, “Episode 3.”

Georgiana tries to stop the courting of Mr. Lockhart while waiting for news on the reason for Sidney’s trip to Antigua. Watching her navigate between equal parts intrigued by his whole personality and unwilling to settle down, has been fun so far, and it’s sweet that she has Arthur to confide in.  

The question remains lingering over her story: what was Sidney doing in Antigua, and what does it have to do with Georgiana?

Elsewhere, Charlotte continues her governess duties and searches for Leo when she happens upon Colbourne trying to tame his horse which she manages to do. Though Leo was somewhat easy to win over, Augusta and Mr. Colbourne seem to be warming up to having her around.

While sharing more of her experience with love and loss, Charlotte’s been able to have Colbourne and Augusta slowly come out of their shell to feel organic to the circumstances surrounding her employment and their way of life on the estate.

Their afternoon picnic lends itself to a beautiful sort of olive branch extended from Colbourne to his niece and his daughter and Charlotte. Paired with that lovely moment where he offers Charlotte the cornflower.

A hint of promise is carried at that moment for what’s to come between the pair. But will Charlotte continue to be receptive to it?

If her delicate handling of the flower at the end of the hour is any sign, then I will be leaning towards yes.

Meanwhile, Arthur is trying to be what Sidney was to Tom, which means trying to make good on a replacement central attraction for the Sanditon fair. Arthur’s arc since Sidney’s passing has been interesting to watch, even three episodes in.

He’s trying so hard to compensate and be helpful, but Tom just brushes his offers at every turn. It becomes challenging to watch as you watch Arthur deflate further and further until Colonel Lennox swoops in and “saves the day,” offering the regiment’s hot air balloon as an attraction.

Of course, that offer ultimately comes with some cumbersome strings as the news about the Colonel’s decision to run up debts around town. Anyone that willingly accepts a man like Edward into their ranks and continues to employ him is a sign of a man not to be trusted, indeed.

When he’s not all smiles and chivalry in front of the young lady he’s trying to court, Lennox is busy trying to swindle money out of people, and it seems like Tom becomes his mark the minute he mentions the debts being run up all over town.

It’s a frustrating moment that could have been prevented and showcases just how easily led Tom can be at times in pursuing a potential profit for Sanditon.

Edward remains the absolute worst and more so now that Clara’s fallen back in the fray with a noticeable baby bump and some ulterior motives. By the end of the hour, they’re back to their scheming ways if Edward’s stealing Esther’s letter from Babington and that conversation in the garden is any sign.

But to what ends?

Random Thoughts

• I’m staunchly Team Colbourne for the moment because there is absolutely more to the story than what Lennox is saying; besides, the latter gives off big Wickham energy.
• If Edward does anything to ruin Esther’s marriage to Babington, I will be absolutely inconsolable.
• Allison’s first summer in Sanditon is going at a pace as she and Captain Carter go promenading. She seemingly doesn’t care for perception or how blatant she is with her admiration.
• Fraser seems to be doing the quiet, yearning thing, and it honestly has endeared me to him immensely.

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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