The Bold Type season 4 episode 3 review: Spice up your life
By Andi Ortiz
It’s almost entirely an uphill battle on The Bold Type this week — but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Grab a few bloodys, here’s what went down.
Let’s just address this right off: If you’re going to have Sutton point out how “Posh Spice” Jane’s new ‘do is, and have Jane respond with “spice up your life,” it should be on the episode playlist.
Unfortunately, the Spice Girls didn’t make the cut for The Bold Type this week, but things were indeed spiced up.
This week, Jane tried spicing up things with Pinstripe by trying tantric sex. Though to be fair, it was more so intended to get things back on track, since they haven’t been intimate since Ryan returned from his book tour (and conveniently, it helped Jane write an article, because obviously).
It’s meant to heighten intimacy and facilitate a more spiritual connection. Unfortunately, all it does is create an awkward staring contest, and Jane can’t fully open herself up to it.
On the suggestion of Sutton, Jane asks Ryan to tell her everything that happened on the night he kissed another woman – Alana…something. It’s refreshing to see the conversation play out on screen, and so calmly. It’s something that actress Katie Stevens has been openly proud of, and for good reason.
Jane and Pinstripe seem to navigate through it gracefully…until they try their tantric adventures again the next night. Now it’s Ryan who’s in his head. Can anyone remember the last time a male character on a show couldn’t perform because he knows he messed up? (It’s scenarios like these that subtly remind you how necessary shows like this are).
Don’t worry though, Janestripe isn’t sunk just yet. As Jane reminds us, a relationship is a marathon.
Meanwhile, Kat’s focused on the actual marathon. And can we just talk about how this woman is thriving since losing this election? In choosing to focus on herself and putting her knowledge and influence to use, Kat has done a crazy amount of good this season, and we’re just three episodes in.
This week she helps a trans woman, played by the effervescent Ianne Fields Stewart, get a spot in the marathon, running as her true self. There are some bumps along the way, along with a few reality checks, including a “woke off” with Jane.
This is the second episode now where Aisha Dee and Katie Stevens have gotten to play best friends and foils to each other’s character, and it’s truly magnificent. Kat and Jane always have this line of communication open, and though it may be awkward, it’s real, and they give it exactly the weight it needs.
Naturally, Kat pulls off her mission in the end. Chloe gets to run, and looks fabulous doing it thanks to Sutton.
Much to Sutton’s chagrin, it’s the only styling she’s done in awhile, and it looks like it’s going to stay that way. Thanks to Scarlet’s transition to be an all-digital publication, Oliver’s on a hiring freeze, meaning he can’t promote Sutton.
As frustrating as it is, this is one of those times where The Bold Type hits the nail on the head in terms of reality. But, as is also the case in real life, there is something Sutton can do about it: become an influencer.
She’s skeptical, but I have a feeling she’ll come around. Mostly I just really want her to be @MrsDickHunter on Instagram. (No, not really. Okay, like 60/40.)
Speaking of becoming Mrs. Dick Hunter, Richard appears to be thriving as well! He’s been in San Fransisco for all of ten minutes and he’s already rocking some sultry west coast scruff. I so look forward to Sutton’s comments on that when they reunite.
Sadly, while we wait for their reunion, it looks like a split is ahead for Jacqueline and her husband. Though, if I’m being honest, this feels a bit like it came out of nowhere.
We’ve barely gotten to know Ian at all in the last three seasons, at least not in a memorable way, and now he’s this cold, unforgiving man who’s deeply unhappy with Jacqueline?
Watching her navigate this will undoubtedly be great storytelling though, so at least we have that to look forward to.
Next. The Bold Type season 4 episode 2 review: No more looking back. dark