‘Conversations With Friends’ 1×05 Review: “Episode 5”

When things seem to be getting to a point where Frances can deal with them, there is always something that is going to knock her a little off balance. She’s not an emotional person, but emotions are what overtake her.

She’s not discreet.

And as their last day of holiday in Croatia starts, she can’t believe that it’s coming to an end. Melissa doesn’t need her help in the kitchen, so she takes her coffee outside to where Nick is.

When it comes to Frances, with every single episode, I am convinced more and more that she truly doesn’t know how to deal with any of this and I think she’s ready to see the complications and consequences of her choices. Nick is subtly reminding her of these things when he tells her that what they are doing is insanely risky.

Melissa and Nick had to have been happy at one point. They did get married after all. I can’t say that I am shocked when Nick says that he loves his wife after Frances line of questioning.

Frances is a person who wants all the answers, but isn’t one that wants to answer the questions. She’s fishing for compliments all of the time, but what she’s neglecting to see is that getting these answers may bring her answers she also doesn’t want to hear. Of course it is something that she’s taken aback from – him saying that he loves his wife. But I have to wonder, is she expecting him to say he loves her? Frances asks when he stopped being in love. He says he doesn’t think he did stop.

The truth does hurt and hearing it bluntly can be a different layer of pain. But that happens. Pain – I mean.

Their last day is happening and Valerie, Melissa’s agent is coming. This puts everyone on edge, especially Melissa. It’s this weird moment, because you can see that there are complexities going on here, but what Nick sees is a chance to spend time with Frances.

Anyone with eyes can see that there is something going on with Frances and Nick. Nick asks if she wants to go to the market with him and she says sure. As she goes to get her stuff and comes back, she runs into Bobbi, there is a lot to be said for the tension between these two.

I can’t blame either one fully for the fact that they aren’t getting along. Bobbi seems to like to manipulate her, making Frances feel guilty who she is. But Frances doesn’t let her in nor does she stand up for herself.

Bobbi who asks if she is annoyed with her. Frances says she thought Bobbi was annoyed with her. And for what seems like the first time, Frances is actually honest and admits that she’s annoyed, and that Bobbi made it awkward. Bobbi says she notices that Nick is into her. Frances could hook up with him if she wanted to. Again Bobbi with the awkward.

Nick and Frances are leaving for the market, and I have to say I was so glad that Evelyn tagged along. Frances and Nick need to be less alone together and more really taking into account what they are doing. But these two manage to sneak a moment and while Frances is trying on sunglasses, he comes up to her and apologizes.

These two are always apologizing.

He says sorry about earlier, he was a bit blunt. Yet is it blunt to be honest and love your wife? Nope. But loving Melissa, he says it doesn’t change the way he feels about her. Frances says don’t worry about it, but you can tell that’s all she’s going to do.

Worry.

I think we can all get that knowing how to carry on an affair and the reasons why you’re doing it – that’s just a complicated thing.

But by now, I think we’re all wondering, when are we going to get to know more about Melissa and Nick and what their issues are? Because I am truly not getting their dynamics. And I am truly not getting Bobbi and Melissa’s dynamics.

But we are about to get to know Melissa’s dynamics with her agent. That shit is complicated. Melissa wants everything to be perfect, but nothing is as simple as it seems.

When Melissa has a fit over a lemon and storms out of the kitchen, Nick tells Frances to rest, that it will be fine. She does what he says and leaves.

When rejoining the group, she’s a little put off because she finds Nick and Bobbi talking.

She walks up on both of them. Bobbi offers her wine. Melissa calls for Nick, she comes down by the pool and joins them. Melissa apologizes for being a brat and apologizes over being a brat about the lemons. Nick tells her that she is forgiven and they leave hand in hand.

And you can tell that really bothers Frances. But should it?

Bobbi and Frances sit there. Bobbi says they were talking about this and that. But they didn’t mention her if that’s what she’s wondering.

Frances says she’s pretty sure he’s in love with his wife. Bobbi says ppl can be in love and have meaningful relationships, it’s not some finite resource.

The truth is, that’s what I believe too, so I get what Bobbi is saying. I also understand that love isn’t something that you can turn on and off. It just remains.

Frances asks if it would depress her to sleep with someone who loves someone else. Bobbi says not if they love her too. And as the words spill from Bobbi’s lips, you can’t help but hope that Frances is hearing her.

As the day progresses and Val arrives, the tension just remains. Everyone is on their best behavior, but it just won’t be enough.

There is excitement because Melissa’s new book is there, but then there are the passive aggressive digs at Nick. Melissa is trying to steer it away from that, but it’s not working. Valerie is getting on everyones nerves, but everyone else is handling it. Bobbi and Frances aren’t.

As the table clears and it’s just Frances, Melissa and Valerie there, Frances becomes insanely irritated as Valerie talks shit about Nick and the issues that he’s had.

Melissa tries to explain everything away, but the way she does it makes me seriously dislike her. She acts as though being there for her husband is an inconvenience and that she shouldn’t have to defend him.

And Frances can’t do that. She lashes out and storms off. Valerie scoffs at her, but it doesn’t phase Frances.

I do understand that Nick can’t follow her, but I was thankful that Bobbi did. These two have a weird friendship to me, but I also have to think of all my complicated friendships and then I think – we’ve all been there.

Bobbi and Frances are there to lift each other up, even though it’s not always the best thing. As they return to the table though, Bobbi isn’t going to be able to help her. Melissa asks Frances to help her with glasses.

Frances feels the need to be proper and apologize. I wouldn’t have done it. I woulda ratted her out to her husband and been like you bitch. But yes, it’s not the time or place. Melissa tries to explain to Frances that Valerie is a good friend and she’s important professionally. She can’t really afford to upset her. Melissa is mortified to admit it. Melissa talks about the last year, she wants to defend Nick, but she gets tired of it. How does one get tired of defending the person that they love at their darkest times. Melissa says that she does love Nick and asks if there is anything that she should know about Nick.

I am curious what she thinks that she knows.

I am curious what Nick is telling her.

I am curious why Nick thinks that after it all, it’s a smart idea to go to Frances room.

I think it’s great that he noticed that something was wrong with her. Frances is starting to think about the repercussions and consequences of what she’s done. In the span of a day, she’s head from Nick and Melissa that they still love each other. She doesn’t know what to do with that information.

Nick on the other hand, he did think of the consequences. He thought of the possibilities. And he thought that it would be worth it. He thinks that in a weird way, he didn’t worry about how things would be if it turned out terribly, because it would still be worth it.

But that’s going to be put to the test quickly, because after having sex and falling asleep they loose track of time. They also don’t know how to lock a door, because Bobbi walks in and sees them asleep together.

Nick is panicked internally, but Frances is worried about her relationship with her friend. Bobbi asks her how long this has been going on via text. Frances tells her the truth – since Melissa’s birthday.

They say the truth shall set you free.

Conversations With Friends is streaming now on Hulu.