Sanditon Season 3 Episode 5 Review: Episode Five

The penultimate episode of Sanditon throws in more than a few surprises for the residents, from a long lost relative to a shocking heartbreak, and an unexpected development. It’s an intriguing, if rushed Sanditon Season 3 Episode 5, “Episode Five.”

Georgiana and her mother are reunited at last just as wedding plans start. Meeting Agnes Harmon is a great moment, especially as we see how she fits in with the Sanditon lot. Particularly, seeing her react with the Parkers and the Montrose family tells us how mismatched Georgiana and Harry really are.

It’s clear to see that Georgiana has her mother’s determination and wit, as we see throughout the hour just how well Agnes can dole out quick retorts for the likes of Lady Montrose. While I love seeing her presence into Georgiana’s life, it’s a shame that it takes the story so long to bring that aspect of the story in, re-enforcing the idea that time constraints have led to missed opportunities and pacing issues with certain arcs.

Elsewhere, the off-the-charts tension between Colbourne and Charlotte, mixed in with the Augusta’s heartbreak in the face of Edward’s inevitable betrayal, feels like warring arcs competing for the audience’s attention, making one story suffer more than the other.

Fans have had the last season and a half to build up to Charlotte and Colbourne’s moments while we’ve only been sitting with the courtship of Augusta and Edward for the last few episodes, leaving little time to really develop the affection and depth in their dynamic. So, perhaps without meaning to do so, it feels more like a childish, impulsive decision on their part.

Despite the little time we really have had with Augusta, Eloise Webb does an admirable job conveying the heart-shattering sadness at having one’s love is not reciprocated. Her despair leads to some solemn advice from her former governess on the way back to Sanditon.

Charlotte: We cannot choose who we fall in love with. I know something of the agony you are feeling. But in time, your heart will heal, and this will come to seem no more than a distant memory.

It’s clear in that moment that it’s not just advice for Augusta, the meaning not lost on anyone else in that carriage.

Meanwhile, the Parker household is popping, making for a thrilling and engaging third act, filled with tension and plenty of moments of realization for all who arrive at the home.

Tom and Mary are at odds in the fact of the eviction notices served to Old Town residents and it’s evident that Tom hasn’t learned anything over the last few years. It’s only in the third act that Tom seems to realize what he would regret the most as Mary faints.

From Arthur and Harry to Charlotte, Ralph, and Colbourne, the final act moves rapidly through some big character decisions and marvelously heartrending scenes.

Georgiana’s proposition to Arthur to have him live with her and Harry is heartbreaking and another stark reminder of the circumstances that those living at this time who identify as LGBTQIA+ would have to subject themselves to.

Turlough Convery’s ability to absolutely break your heart in moments like this is amazing, adding even more dimension to his character.

Arthur: I would sooner live alone than live a lie.

Seeing how he’s brought Arthur to life and how we’ve seen him change over the last three seasons has been beautiful.

I hope we get to see Arthur have some level of contentment despite the circumstances of the time.

While Arthur is standing firm in his decision to live his life as he sees fit, Charlotte, Georgiana, and Tom are watching over Mary leading to an emotional revelation for the soon-to-be Mrs. Starling as they listen to Tom’s words of regret, apology, and pleas to bring his wife back.

Given the Austenian roots of the story, it’s clear that there is one ending in mind for Charlotte, and she’s seemingly arriving at that conclusion as well. Helped on by Ralph’s own “aha” moment during a conversation with the Montrose family and Ms. Harmon, the path is now clear for her to find love.

Will she allow herself that moment of happiness?

With only one episode left in the series, I’m curious to see how all the loose ends are tied up and whether everyone will be in for a happy ending.

Or will there be one more surprise up the writers’ sleeves?

 Random Thoughts

• Could Edward be genuinely redeemable? Did he really sacrifice his own wants and desires for the sake of someone he loves?
• Who else wishes we could have seen Georgiana’s mother earlier to get more of her?
• Lady Montrose’s behavior begins to make it clear that she is the persistently worst parts of Mrs. Bennett.
• Samuel and Lady Susan are adorable! I love that in their scheming, they wind up together. It’s so sweet, but much like with Agnes Harmon’s appearance, I wish we could have seen more of the development.
• Am I really feeling bad for Edward? Did that conversation with Lady Denham really make me feel him? Is he really redeemable?

 

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

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Sanditon airs Sunday at 9/8c on PBS.

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