My Favorite Romantic Moment In The Buccaneers Season 2, Episode 3 Was The One I Least Expected

My favorite romantic moment in The Buccaneers season 2, episode 3, had nothing to do with the titular Buccaneers, and I wasn’t expecting it at all. The Buccaneers season 2 has been a relatively dark affair so far, with Nan (Kristine Frøseth) experiencing anxiety and depression during her marriage to Theo (Guy Remmers), Lord Seadown’s (Barney Fishwick) ever-looming presence, and the gossip mill surrounding Jinny’s (Imogen Waterhouse) disappearance.

Even so, The Buccaneers season 2, episode 3, “Get Her Out,” involved a hefty dose of romance and glamor; a nice reminder of the show’s roots and the power of a period drama romance. It was fabulous to see the Buccaneers all together again and enjoying themselves (for the most part, anyway).

While Hector’s (Jacob Ifan) butterfly-inducing proposal to Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag), Theo’s intense but endearing conviction about Lizzy’s worth as a woman, and Conchita’s (Alisha Boe) and Richard’s (Josh Dylan) rekindled spark were all romantic highlights of the episode, my favorite flirtation involved a Buccaneers character I honestly didn’t know was capable of flirting: the Dowager Duchess of Tintagel (Amelia Bullmore).

The Dowager Duchess Of Tintagel Is Such A Rich Character

It’s About Time We Saw Another Side Of Her

Though The Buccaneers is the story of young American women trying to find their way in England’s high society, I’ve been consistently intrigued by the Dowager Duchess of Tintagel. Throughout the show, the Dowager Duchess has been portrayed as an authoritative, cunning, sly, and stern woman, but it’s clear that she loves her son, though perhaps she doesn’t love him as much as the “Institution” he represents.

The Dowager Duchess is all about appearances, so the deal she made with Nan at the end of The Buccaneers season 1, in which she would protect Nan’s sister Jinny if Nan went through with her marriage to Theo, was not surprising. The two women have found common ground. How do you use your influence and wit in a world where women aren’t supposed to hold any power?

In a show that’s all about young women finding their “perfect” match, it’s wonderful to see one of the narrative’s older, wiser characters get a chance at some moonlit romance as well.

Theo’s mother’s role in the show has been crystal clear so far. She’s a mentor-like figure to the new Duchess, a maternal figure to the Duke, an ally, a foe, and a representation of England’s soon-to-be obsolete traditions. What she hasn’t been so far is a lover, but that all changed in The Buccaneers’ latest episode.

In A Darker Season, The Duchess’ Surprising Romance Was A Breath Of Fresh Air

This Second-Chance Romance Has So Much Potential

The Dowager Duchess talking to old flame in The Buccaneers season 2 episode 3

The Buccaneers thrives during its romantic moments, and, in my humble opinion, none were as romantic as the Dowager’s reunion with Hector’s father, Reede Robinson (Greg Wise).

Greg Wise previously portrayed Guy Thwarte (then called Guy Thwaite) in the BBC’s 1995 adaptation of The Buccaneers.

If you’re a romance aficionado and love a second-chance romance, I have a feeling this one is going to blow us all away. Their banter was off the charts, the flirtation level was high, and their dance felt incredibly intimate, despite taking place in a room full of people. I also love the way their history parallels Nan’s current predicament with Theo. The Dowager, too, chose duty over romantic love.

Reede seems to know the Dowager Duchess like nobody else. He sees her flaws and her virtues. He’s from a part of her life that we haven’t had a chance to explore yet, and I honestly can’t wait to see where their relationship leads. Thankfully, the showrunners have promised that there’s more to come from this intriguing pair; things may even get a little “spicy” (via the Express).

Lizzy holding hands with Hector in The Buccaneers season 2 episode 3

The Buccaneers Season 2, Episode 3 Review: I Loved This Gorgeous, Romantic Episode That Reminded Me Of Season 1

In episode 3, the Buccaneers celebrate Lizzy’s birthday with a fairy garden party that offers plenty of romance and joy for the characters.

In a show that’s all about young women finding their “perfect” match, it’s wonderful to see one of the narrative’s older, wiser characters get a chance at some moonlit romance as well. Later-in-life relationships can be just as compelling, if not more so, and in this more mature, darker season of The Buccaneers, the Dowager Duchess’ rekindled romance gives me a bit of hope.

New episodes of The Buccaneers are released on Wednesdays, exclusively on Apple TV+.