Sanditon Episode 5 Review

Tensions are heightening in the town of Sanditon as the various plotlines start to simmer.

The annual cricket match between The Gentleman and The Workers is approaching but the Workers threaten a boycott due to Tom Parker’s (Kris Marshall) broken promises. The cricket match proves to be an opportunity for Charlotte (Rose Williams) to arrange a secret meeting between Georgiana (Crystal Clarke) and Otis (Jyuddah Jaymes). Esther (Charlotte Spencer) is made to spend time with Lord Babbington (Mark Stanley) in the hopes there would be a marriage proposal – even though Esther longs for her stepbrother.

The cricket match was a piece of light-hearted fun that the various dramatic storylines branch off from. The most obvious was the tension was between Tom and the Workers. Tom wanted to keep his financial problems a secret from the whole town and they would find out if The Workers didn’t show up. During the match the workers constantly gave Tom dirty looks and aimed the ball at him.

The cricket match also expanded on the love triangle between Charlotte, Sidney (Theo James), and Young Stringer (Leo Suter.) Charlotte volunteers to replace one of the cricket players, which forces Sidney to work with her, and the pair end up having fun together. Whilst Stringer bowls against Charlotte, leading him to go easy on her. During the match Charlotte shares smiles and glances with both men. Although Charlotte’s choice should be obvious: Stringer. At least he’s nice.

Esther and Lord Babbington suffer envious looks from a green-eyed monster, Edward (Jack Fox). Esther allows Lord Babbington to court her for two reasons. The first was to keep Lady Denham (Anne Reid) happy, the second was to spite Edward for rejecting her in the previous episode. But something unexpected happens – Esther grows to like Lord Babbington. He was kind and friendly – he’s able to make Esther smile and laugh. This in turn makes Esther a little bit likeable and less of an ice queen. But all Lord Babbington can only offer security, Edward can give passion and forbidden love – even if he’s a selfish bastard and has an evil smile like a soap villain.

The episode also sets up some storylines for the upcoming episodes. Clara and Edward draw their swords as they battle to become Lady Denham’s heir. Timely, considering Lady Denham’s health starts to deteriorate. Even with health issues Lady Denham is still a dominating character and she had the best line in the episode by stating ‘you don’t marry for love!’ Anne Reid has had an incredible year considering she has been in Years and Years and steals Sanditon whenever she’s on-screen.

The other storyline set up at the end of the episode involved Georgiana and forces Charlotte to go to London. Going further into detail will lead to spoilers, so all I will say is it’s a plotline wouldn’t normally be in a Jane Austen story.

The fifth episode wasn’t as strong as Episode 4 which had the delights of Clara and Esther verbally sparring. Yet the show has picked up a lot of steam as it has built up all its romantic and domestic drama.