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Queen Charlotte — Season 1, Episode 5 Recap

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By Olivia S.

- May 20, 2023

In the opening of Queen Charlotte, the adored purveyor of society news makes a remark about the Queen's forlorn state. As the plot unfolds, it becomes apparent that Lady Danbury and Viscountess Bridgerton are grappling with their own sense of isolation.

See Also: Queen Charlotte — Season 1, Episode 4 Recap

Amidst the intricate tapestry of Georgian society, Agatha finds herself struggling to define her sense of self in the aftermath of her partner's absence. From the tender age of three, she had been raised with the sole purpose of becoming his partner. However, with the newness of Lord Danbury's title, uncertainty looms large. The debate is over whether it will go to his child or perish with him. Alas, the fears plaguing young Agatha are soon confirmed by a legal advisor. She receives the shattering news that she no longer has her title and is now destitute. She now mourns her spouse alone.

As if fate had not dealt her a harsh enough hand, Agatha is further disheartened when the Dowager evades the matter of recognizing her young son as the heir to Lord Danbury. In the midst of her trials, the young widow discovers solace in the charming company of Lord Ledger, Violet's father. They begin taking regular walks together, and amidst the ambling, sparks of flirtation begin to fly. These provide a glimmer of hope in an otherwise bleak existence.

Charlotte's life, on the other hand, offers little reprieve. Expecting a child, she finds herself alone as Dr. Monro attends to her partner's medical needs. And if the situation wasn't already trying enough, her mother-in-law's constant meddling only serves to complicate matters further, leaving Charlotte to navigate the trials of pregnancy in a state of near-isolation.

Following a heart-wrenching letter from the distressed Queen pleading for assistance, her brother makes his way to her side. However, fulfilling her request to return home proves to be a precarious proposition, as doing so would constitute an act of treason, given that Charlotte is carrying the heir to the throne.

Doctor Monro's treatment causes excruciating pain to the King, and Reynolds can do nothing but listen to his agonizing screams. Brimsley, who is deeply concerned about the Queen's well-being, implores Reynolds to offer his support, but to no avail. In a heart-wrenching scene, Brimsley tries to comfort his mistress from afar, unable to bear witness to her suffering.

Charlotte departs from Buckingham Palace with the intention of relocating to Lady Danbury's abode. However, the Lady declines the responsibility, leading her to arrange for Adolphus to collect his sibling. In the meantime, Agatha pledges to become Charlotte's genuine companion, and their bond deepens over time.

Ever since the loss of her partner, Violet has refrained from seeking out physical intimacy, but she reveals to Agatha in the current era that her desire has returned. Conversely, Agatha discloses that she didn't find pleasure in sexual intimacy until after her own partner's passing.

Queen Charlotte successfully executes her plan to arrange the marriages of her two sons with suitable princesses. However, the brothers attempt to comically persuade their elder sibling, Regent George, to intervene as they are not fond of the idea. To their surprise, George supports the unions.

During the Georgian era, Lord Ledger pays a visit to Young Agatha and gifts her a paper hat to cheer her up before her upcoming birthday. They end up engaging in sexual activity.

Charlotte insists on seeing her partner and travels straight to Kew Palace, determined to see him. Despite Doctor Monro's attempts to stop her, she persists. Upon reaching George, she is in horror to see him under torture of a hot metal bar while tied to a chair by the doctor's assistants. Outraged, she orders them to release him and promptly fires Doctor Monro, instructing him to leave immediately.

Queen Charlotte is now streaming on Netflix.