Ready, Set, Love 1×05 “Hansel and Gretel” sets the stage for the final episode of season 1. And within it I can smell the betrayal. Son could also smell it and that’s why he brought it up to Day. But I feel the betrayal simmering under the surface and I don’t know if I’m going to be able to forgive Almond despite how adorable he is. Because as much as you may like your life, all comfortable on the farm, there are people suffering for your comfort. And it really made me stop and think about what we’re okay with because it’s easier than facing the truth that there are some messed up things happening in our world. Leave it to Ready, Set, Love to make me realize that in the middle of a show that is so unserious more than half the time.
The whole plan to take down The Farm was well-intentioned and found a balance between the serious situation that they’re in but also all the buffoonery that we have experienced in this show until this point. And I really have to give it to Ready, Set, Love for actually making me tear up twice during “Hansel and Gretel.” The first time was between Chanel and Bovey. The confrontation that they had might be the first time where they really saw each other for the women they are becoming. I think Chanel finally realized how pivotal and amazing Bovey is. And Bovey realized that Chanel doesn’t have a choice. She’s just following what she’s told. That’s heartbreaking. And that hug felt real. Even the actress, when you looked at her forehead, you saw her veins pop up and you could tell that she was having this visceral reaction all the way through her body. That’s commitment.
The other time that I got all choked up was when Paper started crying to Almond. Paper is my sweet summer child and deserves all the good things in the world. And he’s had his eyes opened to the reality of what his existence means in the grand scheme of things. He wants out and he’s got a man in mind. Paper cries with Almond because this is his brother and he feels like he can trust him. But I know in my heart’s heart that Almond has betrayed them. He made it very clear to Valentine that he likes where he’s living and he doesn’t want to know his family. And I’ve watched enough shows to see what that means. Even Son recognized it when his brother offered to help. It’s not just me being pessimistic. Almond is comfortable where he’s living and he’s not ready or doesn’t want to confront the pain of what his existence means in this place.
For Day and Son, they’ve given in to what they want. I do wish there was a little bit more time and development but maybe I’m just so used to the way that Hollywood does stuff where everything has to be difficult. Maybe sometimes things are easier than TV would like me to believe and things just work out. Maybe Day and Son just work out and they know they want to be together so why not be together? There’s also something so powerful about choosing someone to be your person, in our world and theirs. It’s a little bit more difficult for them because there are set rules that keep them apart. But they’re willing to push back against social convention to be with each other. And the fact that it was their choice, makes it all more powerful.
At the end of the day, Ready, Set, Love is about choice. It’s set in a dystopian world that is super serious and has some high stakes. But it’s about choosing what you do and who you love. That might seem like a simple concept but truly think about the things that you do in your day-to-day life and how much is obligation and how much is your own choice. Plus there’s the matter of the fact where the right thing to do might go against what you want to do. Even more so if the right thing to do shifts your entire world and makes your life harder. Because it isn’t just about us, it’s about all of us. And I can’t believe that I’m getting this deep in a review for a show that has slow motion, brilliant comedic timing, a heartfelt romance where I just want them to kiss and be happy, and then Valentine getting shot and falling off a bridge. But sometimes you get the best messages or lessons about the world from the oddest sources. Ready, Set, Love 1×05 “Hansel and Gretel” just happens to be that.
And before you go, don’t forget to read our review for 1×01, 1×02, 1×03, and 1×04.
Ready, Set, Love season 1 is now available on Netflix.
