For a series I’ve been waiting for what feels like far too long for, the emotional payoff is worth it. Maxton Hall Season 2, Episode 4 is exactly what I was hoping for after last week’s first three episodes. If I didn’t mention this last review, I’ll do it now: the first three episodes were great, but they definitely made me miss Season 1 a bit. Season 2 has different feelings involved, and it’s not like I dislike Season 2 already, but I think every series I watch where the main couple isn’t together, I’m distraught.
That being said, this episode offered a lot more than the darkness and hidden truths from the first three episodes, but it definitely felt like a foreshadowing for what’s to come. It was a quiet and romantic emotional payoff that felt deserved — even after Season 1 as well.
The iconic pairing of Ruby and James, finally together. It’s been something I’ve only ever wanted since Season 1 They got a lot more screen time this episode, and their reunion was everything I could have hoped for. But oh boy — like I said, it did feel like this tiny bit of foreshadowing to all the sadness we are about to endure.
Ruby & James: The Emotional Reconnection
Now, off to my favorite pairing: Ruby and James. Their reconnection was quite possibly all I could have ever asked for. Dare I say I was kicking my feet last night watching them finally get their date and just be with each other.
All that distance, grief, and confusion was clear this episode, and it’s not like they both forgot that — especially Ruby. But this episode just gives them that moment to be together. It shows us just how much James loves Ruby, regardless of what his father thinks. He’d risk it all for her, and she lives through his mind very much rent-free.
I’m a huge fan of the way they displayed their relationship this episode. Like I mentioned, it does feel like a bit of foreshadowing of what is to come. But the laughter and lightness of their relationship were refreshing to see. Because sure, last season we saw him falling — and her! — but not these moments where they’re just a couple. Disregarding everything on the outside and relishing in their happiness and opportunities.
It’s like hiding from the world, and the tension that rises above them in the first half about the secrets and hiding themselves makes those moments special. It makes us realize that we would rather have them, if not at all.
The Apology, the Picnic, and the Calm Before the Storm
The apology happened to be a favorite moment of mine this episode. It was something we were clearly all waiting for, but the way it was executed was beyond what I thought. He was getting a glimpse into her world — the world where it’s not pressure and guidance. Just freedom, freedom to choose what future you want.
Ruby is not seen as particularly eager in this moment, but her readiness for the lack of barriers around them is something she wants, even in secret. Their dinner with her family was by far such a sweet and innocent moment between the two. Maybe the calm before the storm.
Even then, announcing to everyone that they are in fact dating was something where I was like, “Wait, oh, we’re already telling them? Okay!” It was like we were in public territory, but here the father was demanding that he stay away from Ruby. And then he turns around at the end? Yeah, it is going to be absolute chaos, and I will be so angry at that man.
It’s like we had our final moment at that picnic, and now we’re at that “what is coming next?” moment.
Ruby’s Scholarship & Rising Tension
Something that was quite exciting was Ruby getting a scholarship offer from Alice Campbell. This pushes her from more than “Ruby Bell” or “James’ girlfriend,” but into her own path and own career. It shows us a lot and shows us that her life is moving forward. She’s entering these big steps in life and getting all these opportunities — and James is stuck, forced to be something he doesn’t want to.
I’m not sure if I’m the crazy one, but we didn’t even get to hear about his Oxford interview, like what?
Piggybacking off what I just said — we not only have James’ father, but Elaine. Two forces are doing everything they can do to drive the two apart. His father is watching, and Elaine is a complete menace. I don’t care, I said it. Like… how are you going to try to drug Ruby and her friend, then act like you’re the victim? You guys will be hearing from me many times in these reviews about how I dislike both, even more so next week if he catches them at the house.
This exposure between the two is like shadows following them, even if it’s this bliss they’re feeling at the moment.
Character Arcs, Change, and What’s Coming
I loved Maxton Hall Season 2 Episode 4, that much is known. It had me feeling happiness for them, after all we went through last season and these past few episodes. It balances the tension and happiness well. It’s more than just a boarding school couple but something that is seen as a sort of catch-and-release moment. Like they’ll never fully escape — not if Mortimer, played by Fedja van Huet, keeps coming.
I personally would have forgiven James the second he pulled up to that celebration dinner last few episodes, but hey, Ruby girl, you held out longer than I would have.
The character arcs are something I am always intrigued by. I love the trope of when he changes just for her. It shows a vast difference in who they used to be compared to who they are now. James is not the same person as last season. He is there to show Ruby that even with his father’s wants lingering in the air, it’ll always be about his needs. At least he’ll try to let it be.
Ruby is empowered — we see that clearly. She isn’t the girl who hides or shies away from girls like Elaine anymore. Ruby wants to feel how she is. She is that girl, I don’t care.
That being said, change is here, very much so. The scholarship plotline feels a bit fast, I won’t lie. But I feel like it’s due to this change that is coming. We are getting sunshine and rainbows and bliss in Ruby and James’ world, but I guarantee you, Mortimer is coming back to that house and catches them. And ruins her future right along with his.
The fact that we have only what… two more episodes? Makes me shocked. Because it’s a lot to wrap up, and somehow last season felt longer. But I hope we get a little bit of breathing room to contain these emotional beats, and I do think it’s purposeful though. The bliss and the highs. It won’t last.
Final Thoughts
Maxton Hall Season 2, Episode 4 is that turning point for Ruby and James — and not only that, but for the viewers. They aren’t just back together, but they’re ignoring the stares and the judgments; they’re going for it. Even taking her on a date and ignoring the world for an afternoon won’t erase the shadows that linger above them and the power plays.
If you want a cute little episode of Ruby and James, this is it. Enjoy it while it lasts. I won’t be prepared for next week — just prepare yourself while you can.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Maxton Hall Season 2, Episode 4? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
New episodes of Maxton Hall stream Fridays on Prime Video.
