Black Cake: Season 1/ Episode 4 “Mrs. Bennett” – Episode Recap/ Review

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As we conclude Covey’s tumultuous time in life, before motherhood, Benny’s 8-year absence is explored from start to finish.

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General Information

Network	Hulu
Release Date	November 8th, 2023
Director(s)	Tara Nicole Weyr
Writer(s)	Kara Smith
Newly Noted Characters and Cast
Older Gibbs	Jeremiah Birkett
Lynette	Rebecca Naomi Jones
Steve Dywer	Elliot Cowan
Joanie	Cherrelle Skeete
Previously Noted Characters and Cast
Covey	Mia Isaac
Gilbert	Ahmed Elhaj
Edwina	Leah Walker
Eleanor	Chipo Chung
Byron	Ashley Thomas
Benny	Adrienne Warren

Plot Recap

Wrapping Things Up In The Past – Covey, Gilbert, Edwina

So, Covey takes a step towards fate, engages with Gilbert, dates him, and seems ready to put Scotland and all that happened there behind her. But, with Edwina catching Gilbert and Covey together, she starts asking questions, and there is a push in Covey’s mind to run.

However, Gilbert doesn’t want to lose her again, so they run off together to America, California to be specific and start a life there. Gilbert becomes a civil rights attorney and Covey, seemingly becomes a housewife who may have let her husband in on many secrets but omitted one – her having a daughter.

What Caused The 8 Year Gap – Gilbert, Eleanor, Joanie, Lynette, Byron, Benny

Fast forwarding through the early years in America and past when Byron and Benny were children, we come upon the origins of Benny’s struggles with her parents that led to the eight-year gap. Since he was 6, Byron has been supported by his parents, mainly due to holding true to what he said he would do. Benny? With her wanting to be an artist, she never got the support she wanted or needed.

She was forced into college and tried to compromise by going to culinary school, but she dropped out of that too, and then she had her parents meet Joanie. Now, Byron met this lovely documentarian named Lynette, and his parents loved her, but Joanie? Well, in Benny’s mind, her parents never accepted her.

Now, is this true without question? I would say no, but Benny is the type to assume, maybe in comparison to Byron, she was never good enough and was the disappointment, and while Gilbert was unhappy about the investments he put into Benny, which didn’t pay off, he never said a word that made it clear he was homo-averse. If anything, Joanie seemed to be, to him, yet another sign of his daughter being all over the place and unable to stick to anything.

But with Benny having a thing about being the victim and not holding herself accountable, she held onto her narrative. She even pushed Joanie away to double down on how everyone wronged her.

Why Benny Missed Her Father’s Funeral – Eleanor, Lynette, Byron, Benny, Steve

With expecting her father to make the first move, and her mother’s olive branch not good enough, Benny found herself in the arms of Steve. In the art world he had a notable name and network, and he was charming, paternal, and perhaps what Benny needed at that time.

Problem is, the man was also abusive and insecure. In fact, him giving her a black eye is why she didn’t go to her father’s funeral two years after the Thanksgiving incident. But, Eleanor telling all her secrets opens the door for Benny to tell hers to Byron, who is saddened that he couldn’t be there for her in her time of need.

Though, he understands too well the hurt that can make you want to keep things a secret. Not in a dramatic way like his mother or sister, but just with how Lynette talks about him not getting that promotion and making it a race thing? It makes him wish she wasn’t following Marc and willing to bring up the subject.

New Character Description(s)

Lynette

Lynette is Byron’s partner, assumingly his wife, whom he met while she was doing a documentary on trailblazers like Byron in their industry.

• The actor is also known for their role in “Someone Great.”

Steve

Steve is a major figure in the art world, who does light installations and sculpting, that becomes Benny’s mentor, boyfriend, and eventual abuser.

Joanie

Joanie is Benny’s ex-girlfriend who witnessed the altercation that led to Benny isolating herself from her family for eight years.

Other Noteworthy Information

1. Gilbert and Covey were married on March 29th

Review

Low Points

Is This The End Of Young Covey?

Mia Isaac has been the hook, and this switch over to focusing on Benny and Byron feels a bit rough. Byron’s storyline has never pushed much in the way of interest, and Benny? The more we learn, the less interested I am since her storyline feels far too geared towards cheap sympathy. Thus creating animosity because the quality of storytelling isn’t going downhill, but feels like we’re cliff diving with no guarantee we’ll pop up to the surface.

On The Fence

Benny

Speaking of Benny as an individual, I want to recognize that a character getting a reaction out of the audience is all a writer, director, and especially an actor could want. Benny is a first-generation American who comes off as spoiled, a bit of a brat, and not necessarily that likable. A part of me does feel like she is a bit forced upon us, but, at the same time, Benny is the one with secrets.

It seems only natural, as Eleanor’s story concludes, even though she drops the bomb she had a third child, for us to explore Benny’s secrets. But, while I didn’t get into her character or feel for her much at all, I do appreciate the show not dragging it out. It took about four and a quarter episodes to know Eleanor’s story, but we got Benny’s major plot points in less than one episode.

Now, does this speak well for what may happen with Byron, who doesn’t really have much of a hook? Not really. But one can only hope this show didn’t peak early on, and it is all downhill from here.

Also Worth Mentioning

• The Time Jumping With Minimal Indication About How Much Time Passed Threw Me Off A Bit

Discussion Items

Let us know your thoughts in the comments:

1. How do you feel about the young Covey’s time on the show potentially coming to an end?

Episode Directory

Previous Episode: Season 1/ Episode 3 “Eleanor” (Series Page | Character Guide)

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