Ep 5. Face Speckled

In Queen Sugar season 4 episode 5, entitled "Face Speckled," the Bordelon family is dealing with a lot of emotional baggage as they continue to navigate their personal and professional lives. Nova is still struggling with the aftermath of the article about her father, which has caused major rifts in the family and with her lover, Calvin. Meanwhile, Charley is dealing with the difficult decision of whether or not to sell her mill and Ralph Angel is still trying to find his place in the family business.

As the episode opens, Nova is at a book signing event for her latest work, which explores the intersections of racism, capitalism, and the prison industrial complex. Despite the positive reception of the book, Nova can't shake the negative comments she's been receiving online about her article on her father. At the same time, she and Calvin are still at odds, with Calvin unwilling to forgive Nova for her betrayal.

Charley, on the other hand, is focused on her mill and the possibility of selling it. She has a meeting with a potential buyer, but is hesitant to let go of something that holds such sentimental value to her. As she grapples with this decision, she also has to deal with the fallout from her brother Ralph Angel's mistake in the previous episode. RA mistakenly sold sugar that was meant for another buyer, causing Charley to lose out on a deal. Charley is understandably angry and frustrated with RA, but later in the episode she shows some vulnerability and admits that she's worried about losing her connection to him as they grow older and take on different roles in the family business.

Ralph Angel is also grappling with his place in the family business, and is anxious to prove himself as a valuable asset to the mill. He makes a bold move by proposing the idea of creating "boutique sugars" to appeal to a more niche market. While Charley initially scoffs at the idea, she eventually comes around and agrees to give it a shot. This is a good sign for Ralph Angel, who is still trying to find his footing in the family business.

The theme of family and legacy is very prevalent in this episode, as the Bordelons confront their past and their roles in shaping the future. This is most apparent in Darla's storyline, as she is still dealing with the aftermath of her addiction and the effect it had on her relationship with Ralph Angel and their son Blue. Darla goes to an AA meeting and runs into an old acquaintance who reminds her of their rough past together. Darla is visibly shaken by the encounter, but later in the episode she finds the strength to confront her demons and face the consequences of her actions. This is a powerful moment for Darla, who has come a long way since her days of addiction and is now a valued member of the Bordelon family.

Overall, "Face Speckled" is a strong episode that highlights the complex relationships and dynamics within the Bordelon family. It tackles tough themes like addiction, legacy, and family loyalty with grace and sensitivity, and continues to develop the show's rich and multi-dimensional characters. This is a must-watch episode for anyone invested in the lives and trials of the Bordelons.