Maxton Hall, you’ve done it again. Maxton Hall Season 2, Episode 5 was beyond what I imagined. I already had a feeling there would be tension you could slice with a knife and tears streaming down my face, but this episode completely blindsided me. I didn’t expect my Thursday night to feel like this.
Next week is the last episode of Season 2, and somehow, I still can’t wrap my head around that fact. If you’re watching along this November, I hope you feel the same. It feels like the season is only just beginning, yet there’s so much to process — and so much to wrap up. And even though Maxton Hall was renewed for Season 3 earlier this summer, it still feels bittersweet to wait for it. Especially after what happened in episode five… and what might happen next.
There was so much happening this week. The sad moments overshadow the good ones in a way that highlights a completely different side of the series — one we haven’t fully seen before. Even though it hurts that there’s only one episode left, this season has shown me a deeper understanding of these characters. I feel sympathy for people who genuinely make me want to reach through the screen and comfort them myself.
That being said, this episode covered everything and nothing at the same time — in the best way. More and more shows are releasing 2–3 episodes at once and then switching to weekly drops. It makes things feel like they move faster than I’d like. Season 1 feels like a calm little bandage compared to the chaos we’re dealing with now. And somehow, it still feels like things are only getting started.
Ruby and James: The Heart Of The Show
Ruby and James are, simply put, uniquely written characters. I follow a lot of foreign-language series, and the main characters always steal my heart — but these two do it every single episode.
Looking back at Episode 1, their relationship is clearly built differently compared to now. There’s trust, there’s comfort, and there’s dependency — but not in the unhealthy way that makes you think “maybe they should stay away.” Instead, it makes you wonder: What’s really holding them back?
Mortimer is obviously a wall between them, and this episode reminds us how deeply his influence affects everything. James is a Beaufort, and Ruby will always be someone who gets caught in the crossfire of that name. She loses her scholarship — something I had a bad feeling about — but seeing it unfold still hurt. It raises questions about what’s next for James… and especially Lydia. All they have left is a father who cares more about the Beaufort name and the company than his own children. Screw anyone who gets in the way of that — even family.
Ruby’s Head vs. Her Heart
We see so much growth in James in this episode. He’s no longer the boy he was last season, or even in the first couple of episodes this year. He’s not running this time. Even with everything crashing down, he’s choosing to stay and fight for her. And guys, I love that trope so much. Like, yes — fight for her.
Ruby knows it too. James wants to introduce her to his father, his school, his world. He wants to help her get her scholarship back. He wants to be part of her life — even if it costs him his. Sometimes, as viewers, I think we overlook moments like this. We assume James would never walk away from the Beaufort name. But why not try to have both? Why not try at all?
Ruby, meanwhile, is torn between her head and her heart. She thinks of her family, of Oxford, of how much she’s worked for it. But her heart speaks James — the journey they’ve been on and the work he’s put in.
They reach a sort of reconciling moment at the end, but I can’t help feeling that the rope they tied back together is about to snap again soon. I can’t believe I actually felt bad for Mortimer when he cried. Granted, I’m an empath — sue me — but how do you go from that sweet moment with your kids to doing that? And then go even lower? Like please.
Lydia Deserves More Credit
Lydia, played by Sonja Weiber, is a huge part of this episode, and as much as I’ve dismissed her character in past reviews, I feel differently now. We’ve seen so much growth — both from her individually and between her and Ruby.
She’s been carrying so much this season (and last). Most fans overlook her story because they’re here for Ruby and James — and trust me, I get it — but this is the first time I’ve truly seen her so clearly.
Seeing her relief when Sutton (played by Eidin Jalali) reacts positively to the pregnancy was beautiful. He’s not angry, not doubtful, not running — he just wants to be there for her. As someone who grew up on 2010s teen dramas, I’ve seen plenty of questionable relationships. And I’m curious what direction the show will take with them, given the age gap and the fact that their relationship isn’t a secret anymore. I read up on the book series earlier this year, and apparently, their story goes well there. I can only hope we get the same — even if tears are involved.
And then Cyril. Cyril, count your days.
The moment Cyril, played by Ben Felipe, took that picture? I knew it would blow up. And when Elaine popped up behind him, equally hurt, and told him to take it? I just know that’s getting out. What’s a drama without drama? And of course it’ll affect Lydia’s future — her career, her reputation, everything. She finally has someone who sees her potential and isn’t ashamed of her. She’s complex, and I love her for it.
The Cinematic Beauty of This Episode
One thing I constantly notice about this show is how cinematic it feels. The lighting, the color palette, the symbolism — everything is stunning.
But this episode? Especially the Midsommar-themed party? I was obsessed.
The show doesn’t just rely on dialogue — the visuals carry so much. The lighting on the grass, the costumes, the dreamlike atmosphere. It reminds us that they’re all temporarily hiding from the real world of Maxton Hall. It’s like a dream they’re desperate to stay in.
But reality always returns.
Final Thoughts
This episode was the bittersweet calm before the chaos. Mortimer is far from done with Ruby and James — hacking James’ phone and sending photos to the principal? I mean… can the boy breathe? And I’m almost sure he exposed something about their connection to Oxford. If you have theories, please share.
The ending says everything. With James in her life, Ruby will always be looking over her shoulder. Oxford is her dream. James is her heart. But what matters more to her future?
This hour showed us more than we realized. James and Ruby aren’t who they were at the beginning — and that growth, that change, scares them. No matter how sweet their moments are, the Beaufort storm is still right behind them.
The next episode is going to destroy me. Internally. Emotionally. Probably physically. And I am not ready to wait a year for Season 3.
But I’ll watch anyway.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of Maxton Hall Season 2, Episode 5? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
New episodes of Maxton Hall stream Fridays on Prime Video.
