Sanditon Season 3 Episode 3 Review: Episode Three

A significant trial, a surprise appearance, a shooting party, and a confession make for an engaging, edge-of-your-seat hour on Sanditon Season 3 Episode 3, “Episode Three.”

Georgiana’s day in court is here, making her the talk of the town and London again, much to her dismay. But this is the only way through if she wants to clear her name and keep her inheritance intact.

Sitting through those courtroom scenes is a test of tolerance to withstand the vitriol and lies from Lockhart and his attorney for Georgiana. The tension emanating from each scene is enough to keep you on edge, hoping this all works out the way viewers collectively hope for the young lady.

Defaming the people who cannot speak for themselves, from her father and mother to Sidney, is a bit of a choice. It’s effortless to hate them, putting viewers firmly in Georgiana’s seat and making you feel all the anger and sadness she must be feeling now.

I find Samuel’s part in this interesting, as Charlotte pressures him to defend Georgiana as she deserves to be protected in front of the court. Her speech puts a fire under him and gets him to do something that would make it easy for Georgiana to win the case.

Though oddly paced, seemingly speeding through the trial and the motions at a breakneck speed, it puts Georgiana in a heartbreaking position. With her determination to close herself off from any kind of gossip or potential pain and further heartache, what does that mean for her mission to find a suitable husband? I’m curious to see where this goes next.

Meanwhile, Tom is returning to his annoying habits, like not sparing a thought for those around him and only thinking of business and profit. Mr. Pryce’s continued insistence, mixed with Lady Denham’s wholehearted support of the project, proves to be an even bigger motivator for Tom to follow through on their plan even though they would be displacing the very citizens of the town that make it what it is.

The conflict leads to one of my favorite moments of the hour when Alexander confronts Tom, Mr. Pryce, and Mary about what tearing Old Town would do to the town, and Mary voices her support for keeping Old Town as it is now.

And then comes the moment we have been waiting for since that picnic last season: Alexander laying it all out on the line and confessing his love for Charlotte.

The scene is epic; his speech could be up there with any period drama hero. It’s a beautiful moment where he goes all out, speaking from the heart and pleading with Charlotte to stay.

The confession and epic kiss, paired with the backdrop of that cliffside, has solidified itself as a standout romantic moment in the series.

But of course, with three episodes left in the series, this isn’t the happily ever after we want for Charlotte and Alexander as she rejects him and walks away from him. Her explanation for why she must deny him is reminiscent of something we’ve seen before.

Only as I sit here writing this does it feel like what Sidney did to do what’s suitable for his family and not for himself.

Did anyone else see that, or am I reading too much into the explanation?

Though predictable in story beats, the episode is another fun watch and a solid step forward for many characters toward the finale.

Random Thoughts

• Lady Montrose continues giving BIG Mrs. Bennett energy in, at times, hilarious and frustrating ways.
• Lady Susan and Samuel’s team-up is a bit of a predictable story, but it is honestly delightful that they are going all in on this aspect, playing into the cliché and having fun with it.
• I am unsure how I feel about the Edward/Augusta arc, especially given his history and ability to play the innocent. I will say it’s intriguing in that the audience is about as clueless as to his true intentions as everyone was in the last two seasons.
• Arthur’s face, when he picks up on what Harry is subtly insinuating about his sexual identity, breaks my heart to see these two struggling and having to hide who they are or even realize what they want in a partner.
• I did not have Otis returning on my final season BINGO card but I certainly hope this isn’t the last we see of him! 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Sanditon airs Sundays at 9/8c on PBS.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

What to Watch on TV: The Owl House, Schmigadoon!, and Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies