Secret Diary of a Callgirl S03E04 'Episode Four'

Three different relationships, three different outcomes. This episode focussed on love, heartbreak and moving on. The relationship between Belle and Duncan continues to be a focal point, and just as soon as the writers put the two characters together, they tear them away just as fast. It looked like Bambi and Byron were heading for the same fate, until the dying moments of the episode proved otherwise. And of course, Jackie and Ben’s relationship flame flickered and died before our very eyes.

Ben made it clear at the beginning of the episode that he wanted to end things with Jackie. It seemed somewhat clear from the start of this story arc that it could never turn in to anything serious. Aside from the fact that Jackie has a husband, Ben just didn’t seem to be ready to settle down. And in some way, they were both long to be something they could never have. Ben seemed to be merely substituting Hannah for her sister. It is clear that the two still have SOME sort of feelings for each other – and I’m sure that will be actively pursued further down the track. This was made clear to me with Hannah’s reaction to him dating her sister, and in this episode where Ben clearly stated he didn’t want to hear about Hannah’s sex life.

And I believe that Jackie wanted a taste of Hannah’s life. She wanted to know what it was like to not be married, to be free to make alternative choices and in some regards, to throw caution to the wind. Perhaps the breakup with Ben is what she needed for her to wake up. She has now gone back to her husband to try to work things out, and it is unclear as to whether she will be back.


Now that Duncan and Belle have finally had sex, it will be interesting to see what happens next. It seemed at the start of the episode where they are discussing kinkiness, that Belle was almost flirting with him through her broad minded sexual exploits. That he should be impressed that she has no fear in doing something kinky. And although we know this to be true through her past experiences, the way she repeated herself seemed a little attention grabbing. Almost like she wanted to be noticed by him for this. And of course he knows what she does in intimate detail. This may be an attraction to a degree, but the fact that she is a prostitute will come into play down the track, just as it did with Alex. Belle dished out this advice to Bambi in this episode and the one prior, so it’s not like she’s unfamiliar with the situation.....

Perhaps Belle herself is headed for trouble, trying to find love again.

I felt genuinely sorry for both Bambi and Byron. I liked these characters together, and when I saw them having the ‘talk’, about how things down the track are going to be different, that he may ever start to resent her because of her job. Although he denies it, it does sound like a valid concern – and Bambi almost tries to take a pre emptive strike. To end things before she gets herself too involved. But he shows up at the end of the episode and makes a grand gesture. A declaration of love that seemed a little out of character for the show, but completely befitting of Byron.

It was also interesting to see Belle/Hannah look on the two lovers longingly when they embraced. It reflected what her and Duncan have not shared, even though they have had sex, he seemed to almost brush her off afterwards.

FURTHER THOUGHTS

- Good to see Hannah and Ben back to being friends. It almost felt like there was something missing in this last few episodes where they were barely talking. This however, gave rise to Bambi, who I actually think might be my favourite character in this show.
- Was interesting to see the contrasting relationships. The beginning of one, the ending of another, and the tricky/complicated unsure stage...
- In a way, was glad to get rid of the sister. It was good to see that side of Hannah though, and who knows, family might come back into play soon. Would actually like to see Hannah with her parents at some stage too.
- It was nice to see a blossoming friendship between Ben and Bambi as well. When she’s lamenting about her situation with Bryon, with Hannah telling her its doomed, I thought it was a nice touch for Ben to give her a little bit of hope.
- Sploshing may be one of the weirdest sexual thing the show has ever covered..... Perhaps I live a sheltered life, but I’d never heard of it before
- Also notable that although Belle didn’t enjoy sploshing the first time, I think it almost seemed like she was doing it for the wrong reason. She did it because her editor asked her to pursue something kinky. But she gave it another go, and actually seemed to not mind it the second time when she really just let herself go. It seems like her thing with Duncan may be, to some extent (although some people may think this suggestion is a bit of a stretch) is interfering with her work.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“Sploshing, the art of getting wet, and down, and dirty.” Belle
“He’s your editor, not your pimp.” Ben
“Who needs boys, when you’ve got girls and champagne.” Belle
“What is kinky? Something with kinks or twists. Well that’s all of us, isn’t it? It’s just a matter of finding who fits with your kinks. To be loved, unconditionally. That would be something.” Hannah