In which we are once again at the place where we scream at our television for two people to just talk to each other and put us out of our misery. It’s the one with all the hookups, the one where we roll our eyes too many times, and the one with the wedding. “The Duke and I” is overall a fairly solid episode with some beautiful moments that reiterates the importance of transparency in relationship. Whether that’s romantic or platonic, it matters and we’ll keep saying just how much until it’s no longer our concern. Much like Queen Charlotte, we could all tell when someone’s lying, except maybe Daphne, but that’s neither here nor there, the point of “The Duke and I” is marriage. Marriage is what brings us here today. (I hope you read that all in the voice of the priest from The Princess Bride. If not, please go back and do so.) It’s the episode where two become one and more animal metaphors confuse the living daylights out of women.
We’re now five episodes in and situations have escalated, characters are revealing their true motives—some not as great as others. But we have a wedding to plan, and it doesn’t go as quickly as desired because the queen demands a show, which we’re not mad at because that was our favorite moment in the episode. However, it’s the aftermath of last week that we’ll get into first, and Anthony choosing to apologize to Simon is a great step. The thematic importance of choice carries on in this episode as Anthony decides to be the bigger man and apologize to Simon for shooting at him. He also plans to discuss Daphne’s dowry, but Simon isn’t into the idea stating that he isn’t marrying her for money, plans to provide for her, and the money can be placed in a trust. What an excellent decision because yes, the concept of dowries are indeed a custom we find somewhat offensive as well. Simon and Anthony need larger moments of vulnerability, but that’s hopefully something that can be rectified next season—as far as this moment goes, it further serves to improve Anthony’s character in allowing him the opportunities to showcase growth.