Ep 5. Episode 5

The drama continues to unfold in Harlots season 2 episode 5, titled "Episode 5." Set in 18th century London, the show follows the lives of brothel owners, their respective prostitutes, and high society patrons. This episode picks up where the last left off, with tensions brewing between the powerful Wells and Quigley families.

As Margaret Wells (played by Samantha Morton) and her family prepare for a lavish dinner party, she receives a surprising visitor in the form of her former lover, Nathaniel Lennox (played by Justin Salinger). Nathaniel is now a powerful businessman and has come to offer Margaret a tempting proposition that could change the course of her family's future. Meanwhile, Margaret's daughter Charlotte (played by Jessica Brown Findlay) continues to struggle with her relationship with Sir George Howard (played by Hugh Skinner), who is still trying to purchase her from Margaret.

On the other side of town, Lydia Quigley (played by Lesley Manville) is also dealing with her own set of problems. Her most prized possession, her young Irish girl Fanny (played by Bronwyn James), has gone missing, leading Lydia to suspect that her rival Margaret may be behind it. While Lydia investigates Fanny's disappearance, she is also contending with the wrath of her assistant and former prostitute, Nancy (played by Kate Fleetwood), who has had enough of being treated poorly by Lydia.

As the evening's festivities begin, tensions between the two families come to a head when Nathaniel makes a surprise appearance at Margaret's dinner party. Margaret and Nathaniel's complicated history is revealed, which only serves to further ignite the feud between the two families. The party takes a sudden turn when a shocking discovery is made in the backyard, forcing Margaret and her loved ones to make some tough decisions about their futures.

Meanwhile, Charlotte's relationship with Sir George Howard takes a dangerous turn when they are caught in an intimate moment by her mother's new lover, Jacob (played by Aidan McArdle). Jacob sees potential in Charlotte and makes his feelings known, threatening to harm Sir George if he continues to pursue her. This puts Charlotte in a difficult position, torn between her feelings for Sir George and her desire to protect him.

In Lydia's world, Nancy's anger reaches its boiling point when she finally confronts her boss about her mistreatment. This sets off a chain of events that could have dire consequences for Lydia and her brothel.

Overall, "Episode 5" is a gripping and intense installment of Harlots that showcases the complex relationships and power struggles between the show's characters. With surprising plot twists and stunning visuals, this episode is a must-see for fans of the show and newcomers alike.