All’s Fair: A Deep Dive into Episode 5
I’m never going to get over the fact that this character is literally named Carrington and Sarah Paulson agreed to play her. "All’s Fair" is such a confused show that it leaves me wondering why the heck it exists. If the Rotten Tomatoes results are any indication, I might be one of the three people watching this show, but that’s specifically because of work (no hate, Glee is one of my favorite shows ever). I think it’s time for Ryan to take a seat on the bench, at least for a little while, before starting up again. Also, why the heck is Carrington washing Chase’s hair? Please help me, Lord, and give me strength every Tuesday. After everything that happened in the last episode, we’re suddenly switching plots like nothing really matters. Each episode focuses on a different character’s story, but this is too haphazard. The cases take even less time each episode, sometimes being so sidelined that I forget they exist. With that said, let’s jump straight into episode 5 of "All’s Fair."
Spoiler Alert
Does the Team Manage to Get Juliana Out of Her Prenup?
A running theme in "All’s Fair" is that the cases often feel like mere set dressing, existing just to fulfill Miss Kardashian’s legal dreams. In episode 5, we meet Juliana, who wants to escape her prenuptial agreement after 40 years of marriage. The twist? It’s not her husband she’s battling against; it’s her daughter, Bethany, who has been appointed her father’s guardian due to his cognitive decline from early-onset dementia. Juliana expresses her desire to live freely, but Bethany argues that she can do that without divorcing her father.
This scenario sparks a discussion among the women at Grant, Ronson, and Green about the inherent biases in prenups against women. Liberty, one of the lawyers, voices concerns about the potential hypocrisy of her own future prenup, but she brushes them off, insisting she and her partner are diving in headfirst.
When the arbitration begins, it’s shockingly brief—lasting less than a minute. Liberty is the only one who speaks, suggesting that it would be easier to settle out of court than to let a judge decide. Juliana and Bethany share a hug, and just like that, the case is resolved. It raises questions about whether Juliana even needed to hire the team, as she essentially did all the work herself. Earlier, Liberty had her own doubts about prenups, but after this quick resolution, she feels more confident about making some adjustments to her own.
Why Is Carrington Crazy?
In this episode, we finally get a glimpse into Carrington’s chaotic life. While she loves her daughter, Ami, her behavior raises eyebrows. After dropping Ami off at school on her birthday, Carr notices her daughter is friendless and upset, leading her to decide that a school transfer is necessary. This decision requires Ami to write an essay, adding pressure to an already tense situation.
Carrington’s emotional state deteriorates during a crucial meeting, where she breaks down in front of a client played by Jennifer Morrison. This moment leads to Alberta Dome, a rival, offering Carr a business card, hinting at future collaboration against Allura, another character who complicates Carr’s life. Meanwhile, Carr’s personal life spirals further when she gets drunk with Chase, Allura’s ex, leading to questionable decisions.
After a run-in with the law, Carrington finds herself in jail, prompting her to call Alberta for help. Their conversation reveals Alberta’s ulterior motives against Allura, igniting a new partnership that excites Carr. However, her parenting struggles continue as she tries to make Ami’s life better by pushing her toward a competitive school for gifted children. The pressure mounts when Ami decides to write about Carrington’s self-harm tendencies for her admission essay, showcasing the heavy emotional weight they both carry.
How Does Dina Cope With Doug’s Worsening Health?
Dina’s storyline offers a poignant contrast to the chaotic lives of the other characters. As a devoted wife and career woman, she grapples with the harsh reality of her husband Doug’s declining health due to cancer. In discussions about prenups, Dina expresses skepticism about Juliana’s decision to leave her husband, emphasizing the importance of honoring wedding vows, especially in sickness.
As Doug’s condition worsens, he finally reveals to Dina that he needs to say goodbye, a moment that shatters her. She struggles to accept his fate, desperately seeking alternatives and clinging to hope. The emotional toll of his illness is palpable, and we see Dina’s strength tested as she navigates this heartbreaking journey.
The episode culminates in a powerful scene where Dina, overwhelmed by grief and anger, destroys her kitchen in a fit of rage. This moment encapsulates her struggle to cope with the impending loss of her partner, leaving viewers to wonder how she will manage to hold herself together in the face of such adversity.
"All’s Fair" continues to weave complex narratives that explore the intricacies of relationships, personal struggles, and the often chaotic nature of life. With each episode, the characters face their demons, leaving audiences both entertained and contemplative about the challenges they endure.
