THE BUCCANEERS Season Premiere Recap: (S02E01) The Duchess of Tintagel
The Buccaneers Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel,' picks up where the Season 1 finale left off. It's a strong start to the season that answers a few questions, ties a couple of loose ends and presents new narrative threads. In true show fashion, it's delightfully messy and chock-full of delicious d-r-a-m-a. Sure, the dialogue is corny. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
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We open with Nan (Kristine Frøseth) and Theo (Guy Remmers) emerging from the church after tying the knot. Patti (Christina Hendricks) and Tracy (Adam James) are in a panic, having learned that Nan's biological mother is there. They told Nan she was dead, but, you know, she's not. Meanwhile, Guy (Matthew Broome) and Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) are in the carriage, putting as much distance between Jinny and the abusive POS Seadown as possible. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+
Patti barrels into the reception to find Nell (Leighton Meester), aka Nan's bio mom. You can cut the tension with a knife. Patti urges Nell to meet her outside so they can talk. Elsewhere, Nan, like Patti, is also in panic mode. Conchita (Alisha Boe) comforts her friend. She reassures Nan that she did the right thing, sending Jinny away. They're soon joined by the Elmsworth sisters, Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag) and Mabel (Josie Totah). Our four Buccaneers hold hands as they forge ahead, making a beeline for the wedding reception. The Truth
Inside the party, Nan locks eyes with Theo. However, instead of approaching her new husband, she flees. Outside, Nan bursts into tears. It's all too much — the secret of helping Jinny escape, her love for Guy. The Dowager Duchess of Tintagel (Amelia Bullmore) finds Nan among the trees. She reveals that attendees are asking why the bride is MIA. Nan claims she can't live a lie. She must tell Theo the truth about Jinny.
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The Dowager reminds Nan about their arrangement. She vowed to protect Jinny in exchange for Nan marrying her son. Oh, and she wouldn't disclose Nan's infidelity to Theo, or with whom Nan was in bed. What a thing to hold over someone's head. The Dowager urges Nan to get back to the reception and perform her duchess duties.
Meanwhile, Theo asks Lizzy if she's seen Nan. Is it just me, or is there chemistry between these two? I see something brewing. Anyway, Lizzy glances at a man named Hector Robinson (Jacob Ifan), and they get their silent flirt on. Theo tells Lizzy about Hector, playing the matchmaker. We've Had Fun
Elsewhere, Lord and Lady Brightlingsea (Anthony Calf and Fenella Woolgar) break away from the wedding party for a spell. Lord Brightlingsea not-so-subtly hints at his desire for some sexy times. However, we know he's terminally ill, and at this moment, he's struck by a wave of weakness. He decides to lie down instead. Lady Brightlingsea cries once he leaves the room.
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Later, Mabel and Honoria (Mia Threapleton) share a dance outside. Mabel apologizes for Honoria's sick father. They chat about Mabel dropping everything to be with Honoria. She cast aside an engagement for true love. I hope nothing tears these two apart. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+
Next, Patti introduces Nan to Nell, claiming the latter is the former's aunt. Nell just hasn't been involved with the family for, well, 19 years. Nell and Nan reunite outside during one of Nan's panic attacks. She tells who she believes is her aunt about the Jinny situation. Nan didn't marry for love. Nell essentially advises Nan to accept her situation and move forward. This is the bed she's made. Nan must lie in it. Plus, Jinny is safe now, and Theo loves Nan. Sex on the Beach
Then, Theo finds Nan with Nell. The newlyweds walk to the beach, holding hands. Just when we think Nan will divulge the Jinny situation, she pivots, per the Dowager's instructions. She tells Theo the best decision she's made thus far is marrying him. They have sex on the beach. Nan thinks about Guy. Oof.
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Afterward, Nan reveals the truth about Jinny's escape. Theo is supportive. He didn't know Seadown was such an a-hole. Theo still doesn't know about Nan and Guy sleeping together … the night before. Elsewhere, Patti and Nell have it out. Patti tells Nell about her desire to divorce Tracy. We learn that Nell is Patti's sister, so if Nan were Patti's biological daughter, Nell would be her aunt. However, while Patti was nursing baby Jinny, Tracy threw himself on Nell, impregnating her.
Nell reminds Patti that she took Nan away from her. She didn't get to spend any time with her daughter. Not to mention, she was younger than Nan when Tracy approached her. Patti asserts they must keep this aspect of the lie in the dark. Nan must not know. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Not Content on the Sidelines
Outside, the titular Buccaneers light a lantern for Jinny. The views are stunning. We see Guy staring at the same Moon as Nan. Jinny sleeps beside him in the carriage. The following day, Theo lets Nan sleep in. Patti visits Nell in her room. She apologizes to Nell. She shouldn't have blamed Nell for Tracy's inability to control himself. Patti regrets not protecting her little sister.
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Then, Patti invites Nell to Thanksgiving. She should be involved in Nan and Jinny's lives. However, Nell isn't so sure she wants that. She's met Nan. Nan has her smile. Nell doesn't want to be sidelined as the 'aunt.' Perhaps it's best to cut ties. Meester is excellent in these scenes.
Meanwhile, Nan's maids greet her with a 'Your Grace' before dressing her for the day. She is the Duchess of Tintagel, after all. At the same time, Conchita and Dicky (Josh Dylan) ride their carriage back to London. Financially, they're in dire straits. Conchita's father gambled away the family fortune, and with Dicky's dying father, they're poised to become Lord and Lady Brightlingsea. This includes ownership of Dicky's mother, sister and all their debts. Conchita vows to look at the books. Perhaps they can trim the financial fat, as it were. Making New Friends
Then, a maid fits Nan for her gown for Lady Hadstock's Black-and-White Ball. This will be Nan's duchess debut. Nan continues to press about her sister. Is Jinny okay? The Dowager insists she has the situation under control.
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Conchita looks through the books and sighs. There's not a lot of monetary wiggle room. After this, Conchita meets Mrs. Merrigan (Amanda Bright) and her daughter, Cora (Maria Almeida). They're here for the London season to snag a lord or duke for Cora. Conchita recognizes the Merrigan surname — it's a well-known store in New York. However, in London, Mrs. Merrigan and her daughter are regarded more like grocers. Side note: I love Conchita's look in this scene. Conchita quickly befriends the Merrigans.
Next, Dicky brings his parents and sister together for a chat. It's time to air their grievances. Lady Brightlingsea wishes Seadown were here because he would at least hand her a sherry. Good times. Elsewhere, Lizzy runs into Hector, who's waiting outside the Marable house. Lizzy and Mabel are staying with Conchita and Dicky. Mabel watches her sister get her flirt on with Hector from the window.
Hector asks Lizzy if she plans to attend the Black-and-White Ball. And if so, if she'd spare him a dance. My girl Lizzy deserves to be happy. Let her be happy!
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Then, Conchita rejoins her in-laws with her financial findings. Could they perhaps sell the beach house? Sell the horses? Put some paintings up for auction? Lord and Lady Brightlingsea shoot all these ideas down. Lord Brightlingsea wonders if they could give a few tenants the boot. Conchita and Dicky despise this, but something in her father-in-law's words gives her an idea. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+
Later, Patti and Nell decide to head back to America. Patti gives Nell Tracy's boat ticket. Oops. She still plans to divorce him. Nan asks Nell about her falling out with Patti. When did they stop talking? As it turns out, 19 years ago. Nan is 19 years old. She silently puts two and two together.
After Nell and Patti depart in a carriage, Nan informs her dad that she'll arrange a carriage for him as well and buy him a new boat ticket. Nan definitely knows the truth now.
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Conchita and Dicky meet with Mrs. Merrigan and Cora. The plan is for Conchita to become Cora's mentor and teacher. Dicky reassures the Merrigans that Cora will find no finer an instructor than Conchita. And since the Merrigans are rich, the Marables are charging them. Perhaps this will help turn the financial tide for them.
Meanwhile, Theo finds Guy's coat with his stitched handkerchief in one of the pockets. Suspicious. The Dowager reminds her son that Guy Thwarte has spent more time in this castle than he has. It's also entirely possible that Guy has more than one coat. Theo acknowledges that his mother is right. Girl, all the red flags are waving in front of your face. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Dead or Mad?
Nan reads the newspaper and discovers Jinny is the hot topic of discussion. 'Lady Seadown Still Missing: Dead or Mad?' is emblazoned in bold, black letters on the front page. Uh-oh. Outside, Seadown himself (Barney Fishwick) confronts Nan, demanding to know where his wife is. Nan claims ignorance. Seadown threatens her, grabbing Nan's arm. He declares he'll find Jinny and apologize for 'how she felt.' Ew. Oh, and he'll give Jinny Nan's regards.
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Nan barges back into the castle and tells the Dowager about Seadown confronting her. He's actively looking for Jinny. And now that she's on the front page of every newspaper, he'll most certainly find her. The Dowager reminds Nan about the news cycle. The media will inevitably forget Jinny and move on to the next newsworthy thing.
Speaking of Jinny, she and Guy pose as a couple while checking into a hotel room. A woman, Paloma Ballardino (Grace Ambrose), shows them to their oceanfront room. It looks like paradise. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 1, 'The Duchess of Tintagel' — Photo courtesy of Apple TV+ Duchess Dazzles in Red
Nan gets ready for the impending ball. Upon her arrival, the Duchess of Tintagel dazzles in deep crimson. She takes Nell's advice, in a way, to paint that castle red. Her gown and makeup are a bit anachronistic, but she still looks stunning. It's enough to draw attention away from Jinny. The next day, we see the headline, 'Duchess Dazzles in Red.' Even Guy reads the paper and smiles.
See, kids. Fashion saves!
RELATED: Read our recaps of The Buccaneers
The Buccaneers drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+.
Hair and Makeup Artist Jacquetta Levon Talks Incorporating Reality and Fantasy for THE SERPENT QUEEN Contact:
[email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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