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NZ Herald
10 hours ago
- General
- NZ Herald
Top power company moves to stop disconnecting customers in hardship - Power to the People, part 3
'It was horrible. That's my family. Your blood runs through each other. It is hard to describe how it felt. 'I think most grandparents would die for their children or grandchildren, and it was painful to watch them go without. 'They were always sick. They had the flu all the time. It's hard to keep them warm, and they all slept in the same bed sometimes. 'It was sad when one of them would text me and go, 'Hi, Nan, we've got no power'. It embarrassed them.' They were on a joint plan where they could share credit, and the grandmother shared what she could, but often had to go without to do so. 'Everybody complained to me because my house was always cold. But it was always cold because I was trying to save money on power. 'A lot of people do this.' Disconnection fees 'punitive' Energy campaigners have condemned disconnections like these - and the fees power companies charge for them - as 'punitive and inappropriate' for an essential service like electricity. Their message seems to be having an effect. Last year, Contact Energy dropped disconnection fees after the Herald's Power to the People campaign and a petition by energy advocates Common Grace. Now Mercury Energy is moving towards dropping fees for non-payment from people in hardship. In response to questions on energy hardship from the Herald and Common Grace, it replied that it was only charging in cases of 'clear fraud' and had not disconnected a customer in hardship for non-payment since June last year. However the survey of power companies showed a majority still charged fees and said they would not stop disconnecting their customers for not paying their bills. The reasons behind keeping disconnections and fees included that it was a 'necessary approach' for some customers and there was a cost to providers to disconnect a customer. Campaigners and experts disagreed. University of Otago professor Kimberley O'Sullivan told the Herald disconnection fees were 'really problematic' and further hurt people in hardship. 'Non-payment often happens if a household experiences some stressor - say maybe someone in the house is unwell or gets hospitalised, the car needs fixing, someone loses work hours or a job, any of those things ... 'Even a household that was once fine can suddenly have a cascade where the bills start piling up and then they might be late with paying their electricity bill - which no one wants to pay late, because everyone needs electricity. 'Hopefully they can catch up, but if they can't, then they might get a disconnection notice, and if they still can't, they might be disconnected (now, thanks to the Consumer Care Obligations, at least there is a minimum process for the retailers to follow when this happens). Kimberley O'Sullivan, University of Otago, detailed the way people can fall into difficulties paying their bills and says the consequence of being disconnected hurts them further. Photo / University of Otago 'Once a household is disconnected, not only are they still trying to deal with whatever it was that put them into that situation in the first place, but the kicker is that there can be significant fees for disconnection and reconnection that need to be paid before they can switch the lights back on.' Consumer NZ's Powerswitch manager, Paul Fuge, agreed, saying disconnecting a vulnerable household that could not pay was disproportionate and harmful. 'Life can be tough. At different points, many of us may experience circumstances that make it difficult to maintain access to essential services,' Fuge said. 'These include job loss, illness, mental health struggles, financial stress, caregiving responsibilities, exposure to domestic violence, or challenges in securing stable housing and employment. 'Some households face even deeper, long-term hardship such as persistent poverty or severely limited incomes, which further compounds their vulnerability.' Fuge said having access to safe, reliable and affordable electricity was fundamental to people's health, wellbeing and ability to function in a modern society. 'Electricity is universally accepted as an essential service. 'Losing access has serious impacts, particularly for people with disabilities or health conditions who rely on electricity to sustain daily life,' he said. 'Providers of essential services must not place commercial interests above consumer safety and wellbeing. Electricity retailers, by choosing to operate in this space, accept a duty of care. If they are unwilling or unable to meet that responsibility, they should not be permitted to serve the market.' Fuge said retailers needed ways to recover unpaid bills. 'Of course, but cutting off an essential service to force payment from people who simply cannot afford it is both punitive and inappropriate'. Vulnerable households, who are already overrepresented among those having difficulty paying their bills, bear the brunt of disconnections. 'The consequences are real,' he said. 'Cold homes are a serious health risk, particularly for children and older people. Respiratory illness is a major public health burden in New Zealand, costing more than $7 billion annually and accounting for one in 10 hospital stays. 'People in the most deprived households are hospitalised for respiratory issues at three times the rate of those in better-off areas,' Fuge said. 'Consumer NZ strongly believes that using disconnection as a method of debt recovery is unsafe and must be phased out. The energy sector must move toward fairer, less harmful ways to prevent and manage debt.' Jake Lilley, from financial mentor charity Fincap, echoed O'Sullivan and Fuge, saying disconnecting a customer was a safety issue and should be avoided. Fincap's senior policy adviser, Jake Lilley, says disconnecting someone from their electricity is a safety issue. Photo / Fincap 'No one should be disconnected because they're unable to pay - and that's not currently what the regulations say. 'And disconnection fees, particularly where someone hasn't been able to pay, make the problem worse," Lilley said. He said the fees were often unlikely to be paid, and, if they were, it was usually through a loan. 'So they're just kicking the can down the road on the affordability issues. 'I do understand there would be some sort of cost to energy providers from others in the system. 'And that would vary depending on the type of meter. But regardless, what's the point? And really, when we look at it, it's an essential service. Would we expect people to be disconnected in the first place because they're unable to pay? And then they are facing further punishment that compounds the issue. Our concern is that it just lumps more debt.' Fuge, from Consumer, said any disconnection fees should reflect actual, reasonable costs to power companies. 'Our analysis of publicly listed fees shows significant variation across retailers,' Fuge said. 'Today, most disconnections are carried out remotely by meter providers, and the technical process is the same regardless of which retailer serves the property. We see no clear justification for the wide differences in what consumers are charged. Consumer NZ's Powerswitch manager, Paul Fuge, says if some retailers are waiving disconnection fees, others should be able to as well. Photo / Supplied 'With the widespread use of smart meters, disconnections and reconnections are now almost entirely done remotely and are largely automated. In most cases, there is no need to physically send someone to the property, as was required in the past. 'This means the actual cost to retailers for carrying out a disconnection or reconnection should be very low. 'Given this, it's difficult to see how high fees can be justified.' Fuge said retailers should not profit from disconnection fees and should not include general administration or debt recovery costs in fees. 'Disconnection and reconnection fees must relate only to the actual cost of the service provided,' he said. 'If some retailers are choosing to waive or significantly reduce these charges, it shows that the costs involved are not prohibitive, and that absorbing them is commercially feasible. This raises legitimate questions about whether the fees charged by others truly reflect the cost of service.' 'Fees reflect costs' - industry The Electricity Retailers' and Generators' Association, which represents Contact Energy, Genesis Energy, Manawa Energy, Mercury, Meridian Energy, and Nova Energy, said retailers did everything they could to avoid disconnecting customers and charging them fees. Chief executive Bridget Abernethy said disconnection was a last resort, and a household was typically only cut off if a retailer found the bill payer was not engaging. Abernethy pointed to Electricity Authority data showing the highest percentage of customers disconnected for more than 24 hours in any month was 0.038 (3.8 people for every 10,000 customers). 'Electricity Authority data demonstrates the industry's disconnection rates are very low. 'Disconnection for non-payment is a last resort, and Erganz members work with their customers to find solutions, including affordable payment options. Disconnections for non-payment typically occur only when a retailer is repeatedly unable to reach a customer despite their best efforts. 'It's a process that takes time and involves cost but, in line with the Consumer Care Obligations, disconnection fees do reflect actual costs.' Abernethy said customers facing difficulty paying for power should contact their retailer as soon as possible. 'Retailers have a range of ways they can help.' Bridget Abernethy, chief executive of the Electricity Retailers and Generators Association of New Zealand, says disconnections are a last resort and typically only done when a customer is not engaging. Photo / File Retailers acknowledged they were essential service providers and recognised this gave them a responsibility to support vulnerable customers, she said. She pointed to several options Erganz member companies had for people who had been disconnected and charged fees. 'Several options [include] setting up affordable payment plans, referrals to government, community and social services, including budgeting support, working with customers to ensure their credit rating is not impacted by debt, and providing information about initiatives such as Power Credits, the Winter Energy Payment or the EnergyMate programme,' Abernethy said. Responding to calls for disconnections to be legislated or regulated away, Abernethy said it already existed in the form of the Consumer Care Obligations. 'Erganz members were key contributors to the development of the Consumer Care Guidelines in 2008, which eventually became the Consumer Care Obligations, and have made significant contributions to improvements over the past decade,' Abernethy said. 'Erganz members are committed to delivering best-practice customer service, and in many cases will go beyond these minimum standards.' Kate Day, co-director of advocacy group Common Grace, put the question to each power company to ask whether they would stop disconnecting customers for non-payment this winter. Here are their answers: Contact said it did not charge disconnection or reconnection fees in cases of non-payment. Toast also does not charge disconnection or connection fees for non-payment. Neither do Globug nor Wise. Mercury said it charged fees in cases of 'clear fraud' only and said it had not disconnected any customers in hardship for non-payment since last June. Genesis Energy and Frank Energy said disconnections were a last resort and pointed to their 'proactive process to contact disconnected households and offer support'. 'Last year, we attempted 1948 calls. Genesis does not charge a bond for onboarding or commission on debt collection,' Genesis and its subsidiary said. Ecotricity, also owned by Genesis, said its fees 'reflect the genuine operational costs associated with managing disconnections and reconnections'. Meridian did not address its fees, only saying it had among the lowest disconnection rates in the industry, but also it was a last resort for customers who are not engaging. 'Disconnection affects only a very small proportion of customers - 0.017% of our total customer base in 2024 - but there remain customers for whom this is a necessary approach. 'We only use credit disconnection as a last resort for customers who refuse to engage with us around unpaid bills and/or mounting debt. When customers do engage, we support them to get back on track. In the event a customer finds themselves disconnected and then advises us that they are in hardship, we won't charge the fees.' Pulse Energy Alliance said its fees were a way to recover the cost of disconnections: 'Our focus is to engage early with customers who are experiencing issues paying their bills to work with the customer to avoid disconnection.' Nova Energy said it had not changed its position on fees; they were still charged. The company pointed to its 'long track record of benchmark low disconnections for non-payment'. Electric Kiwi said it would remove disconnection fees from one of its plans, but disconnections themselves were still a necessary last resort. 'We are preparing to remove disconnection fees from our most accessible, no-strings plan. However, disconnection remains a necessary last resort in very rare cases where we are unable to reach any resolution with a customer and they will not communicate with us.' Switch Utilities, owned by 2degrees, was still charging, but said it would waive fees or refund them 'if a customer indicates financial difficulty'. 'People default on payments for a range of reasons, not just hardship. If their non-payment is because of hardship, then we want to talk to them, so that we can work together to ensure they can stay connected,' Switch said. The Electricity Authority's public figures on companies' disconnection rates in the year to May showed social retailer Nau Mai Rā had the highest rate per 10,000 customers, followed by Pulse Energy Alliance and Switch Utilities. Ezra Hirawani, chief executive and co-founder of Nau Mai Rā, said the high rate reflected the fact that the company focused on providing power to the more vulnerable households. 'What we're dealing with is the higher-risk customers that the other retailers don't,' Hirawani told the Herald. He also said Nau Mai Rā only disconnected a customer (without charge) when the customer was not engaging, which he said was a way to prompt them to re-engage. 'Loudest debt collector gets paid' Lilley, from Fincap, said some power companies insisted they only disconnected customers who repeatedly ignored requests for payment. However, this was a problem financial mentors saw with many struggling clients and was almost an expected response from people in hardship. 'There's this sort of push that people are refusing to engage, but, I imagine in many contexts, people have financial problems with not just their power provider. And they're probably juggling a lot, just to try to get their financial affairs in order. 'It's quite normal for someone who's in a very stressed situation to put their head in the sand as a coping mechanism. 'Your loudest debt collector is the one that gets paid, that might be the argument, but it's not helping the underlying issues here.' Monday: As Kiwis battle rising electricity bills, campaigners call for change Tuesday: Could you get a cheaper plan for electricity? Most companies won't tell Wednesday: Major company moves to stop disconnecting customers in hardship Thursday: Why our biggest power companies should be broken up (and why they shouldn't)
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'I have little sight but I still keep running'
A severely sight impaired woman from Jersey who relies on running guides is due to take part in her 250th Parkrun later. Jenny Stafford completed her first Parkrun in 2016 and, along with a guide and her guide dog Nan, is planning to participate in the milestone run at Quennevais Sports Centre. Ms Stafford has retinitis pigmentosa which means she sees very little and is just about able to distinguish daylight from night. She said: "I couldn't do it without a guide so I'm really appreciative of all of the guides who have been guiding me since my first run and continue to come along and guide me." More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey Since December 2016, there has been a co-ordinated a rota of about 25 volunteer guides to help Ms Stafford around the 5km (3.1 miles) course. Ms Stafford said: "I wouldn't be able to get to my 250th run without every one of them who has given up their Saturday morning to come and guide me. "I have very little sight - I just see bright lights. "It's all about communication, just talking and telling me about what obstacles there are." She encouraged anyone else with a sight impairment who might be interested in Parkrun to "come along and have a go". "You don't need to be super fit to take part in Parkrun, you can walk it at your own pace and there are plenty of friendly people willing to guide," she said. "I've made some really good friends through Parkrun. "I wouldn't have been able to get to my 250 without every one of them who has given up their Saturday morning to guide me." Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Charity hopes more people will learn Braille Parkrun volunteer hopes to inspire others to help White cane users walk to highlight challenges Jersey Parkrun
BBC News
12-07-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Sight impaired woman to take part in her 250th Jersey Parkrun
A severely sight impaired woman from Jersey who relies on running guides is due to take part in her 250th Parkrun Stafford completed her first Parkrun in 2016 and, along with a guide and her guide dog Nan, is planning to participate in the milestone run at Quennevais Sports Stafford has retinitis pigmentosa which means she sees very little and is just about able to distinguish daylight from said: "I couldn't do it without a guide so I'm really appreciative of all of the guides who have been guiding me since my first run and continue to come along and guide me." Since December 2016, there has been a co-ordinated a rota of about 25 volunteer guides to help Ms Stafford around the 5km (3.1 miles) Stafford said: "I wouldn't be able to get to my 250th run without every one of them who has given up their Saturday morning to come and guide me."I have very little sight - I just see bright lights."It's all about communication, just talking and telling me about what obstacles there are." 'Plenty of friendly people' She encouraged anyone else with a sight impairment who might be interested in Parkrun to "come along and have a go". "You don't need to be super fit to take part in Parkrun, you can walk it at your own pace and there are plenty of friendly people willing to guide," she said."I've made some really good friends through Parkrun."I wouldn't have been able to get to my 250 without every one of them who has given up their Saturday morning to guide me."
The Review Geek
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Review Geek
The Buccaneers – Season 2 Episode 4 'Ice Cream' Recap & Review
Ice Cream Episode 4 of The Buccaneers season 2 begins with Theo dancing about the house. It's obviously his way of trying to handle the overwhelming stress he's had to handle after the betrayal from both Nan and the Dowager Duchess. He throws his weight around, showing up at the fund-raider and immediately making a scene. All of this is his way of impressing Lizzy, who's in attendance and watching him. This act, coupled with his new wild-child persona is turning heads in a big way. Only one interests him though, and that's Lizzy. Despite the wedding with Hector being two weeks away, it seems she's having second thoughts now. When Lizzy asks what's going on with him, Theo believes his life is just getting started. It's hard to tell if he's masking his pain behind this or if he genuinely does feel alive. Unfortunately, Theo's arrival also has the adverse effect of overshadowing Hector, who's not happy that this fund-raiser has turned into 'The Theo Show'. He's not happy and neither is Lizzy. The latter decides to fight on his behalf but as things get heated, he and Theo wind up kissing. Meanwhile, the Dowager Duchess decides to head out and do a spot of gardening. Reede joins her and listens to her worries, specifically how she's not sure if Nan is going to come back. He encourages her to let her frustrations out. This storyline is quite interesting, seeing as it plays parallel to that of Guy and Nan. Reede and the Dowager had an opportunity to run away together in the past, but the Dowager smiles, retorting that fantasies are usually more appealing than the real thing. Interestingly, Reede actually offers the Dowager a more permanent accommodation, offering a place to stay with him. She's not going to leave though, believing she needs to keep an eye on Theo and try to stabilize her house. But hey, they can keep the dream alive a little longer, right? This idea of fulfilling fantasies is particularly evident for Nan, who shows up to see Jinny and Guy. She admits she's left Theo to be with them and she's not going back. Things are awkward though, especially between Guy and Nan. Guy is distant and very standoffish with Nan, and the awkward silence in the house is becoming unbearable. The pair do eventually hash it out outside, with Nan unwilling to understand the sacrifices he made for her. She blows him off, claiming that it's easy given he gets to 'live this wonderful life'. Eventually they do settle their differences, going for ice cream instead. In their absence, Lord James Seadown manages to track Jinny down. He hands over his card and encourages her not to 'give up on their family'. Seadown does leave eventually without causing a scene, but it certainly rattles her. Notably, she doesn't mention any of this to Nan or Guy. Meanwhile, Conchita plays matchmaker for Honoria at the fundraiser, trying to set her up with one of the men in attendance. Honoria is not happy that Conchita is playing cupid but the latter brings up that she has a child now so things are a bit more complicated. Plus, she promised her mum she'd do this. As for Nan, she realizes that she needs to finish what she started. Despite coming to see Guy, Nan has decided to head back and help her sister out by getting the bill passed. Guy is not happy, admitting he actually resents her for coming and getting his hopes up. As the episode closes out, Lizzy shows up to see Theo and decides to spend the night with him, where they end up having sex. The Episode Review Is it just me or does this Lizzy/Theo affair just feel so manufactured and crowbarred in for the sake of drama? They've had zero attraction to each other before 2 or 3 episodes ago and suddenly she's all over him and unable to keep her hands off. It just feels completely unnatural and breaks the flow of the episode, although I do appreciate it's here simply for the sake of stirring things up. The reunion between Guy and Nan is quite good though and it's edited well with the drama involving the Dowager Duchess too, with her story about how a fantasy is sometimes better than the real thing certainly ringing true here. As we reach the midway point of this one, it remains to be seen exactly how anything is going to be resolved. How will Nan react to Lizzy? What will happen with Hector? Previous Episode Next Episode Expect A Full Season Write-Up When This Season Concludes!
Geek Girl Authority
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Girl Authority
THE BUCCANEERS Recap: (S02E04) Ice Cream
The Buccaneers Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream,' finds Nan and Guy reuniting while Lizzy and Theo have a union of a different kid. Give me all the messy love triangles, please. Sure, some of the buildup in certain scenes in 'Ice Cream' feels inorganic and inauthentic, but at least Blanche and Reede are super cute. And, let's be real, this isn't award-winning high art. It's a soapy period piece with contemporary flourishes. I can appreciate it for what it is. That said, it is somewhat jarring that these separate storylines feel like four different shows instead of one cohesive entity. RELATED: Read our recap of the previous episode of The Buccaneers , 'Get Her Out' The Buccaneers, 'Ice Cream' We open with Theo (Guy Remmers) rotting in bed after Nan (Kristine Frøseth) absconded from the Tintagel castle like a thief in the night. He's having an understandable depressive episode, and sometimes, those episodes morph into dancing around one's room to non-diegetic music, particularly 'Modern Girl' by Bleachers. Meanwhile, Hector (Jacob Ifan) hosts a fundraiser for a school. He's been raising money for said school for five years now. They're 300 pounds away from their goal. He thanks his fiancée, Lizzy (Aubri Ibrag), for supporting him before asking for bids for a vase. Mabel (Josie Totah) wastes no time loudly voicing her dislike for the vase (I love her). However, Honoria (Mia Threapleton) begins a bidding war with Lord Halcrest (Michael Jean-Marain), a buddy of Richard's (Josh Dylan). THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. Ugly Vase Then, Theo makes a surprise appearance, pledging 350 pounds for the vase. He's the winner. Theo gives it to Honoria. Hector admits that Theo has never attended his fundraisers before. Later, Theo tells Hector point-blank that Nan is gone after the latter asks about her. He smiles to soften the blow, making Hector believe it was a joke. Of course, Lizzy knows the truth. RELATED: 10 Questions We Need Answered in The Buccaneers Season 2 Elsewhere, Nan reunites with Guy (Matthew Broome) in Italy. Initially, he's incredulous. He can't believe he's seeing Nan in the bustling marketplace. Then, Jinny (Imogen Waterhouse) pops up with Freddie. She embraces her baby sister and introduces her to her child. Next, Lizzy asks Theo how he's doing. He admits it hurts that Nan left; however, he feels he can breathe again. As if he can finally keep his head above water. Theo insists his life isn't over. Lizzy asks the duke what he wants. After he gives her the once-over, Theo teases that he longs for another drink (to start with). Matchmaker, Matchmaker, Make Me a Match Then, Conchita (Alisha Boe) and Richard conspire to set up Lord Halcrest with Mabel. Well, more like Richard plants the seed. After all, they've already used Mrs. Elmsworth's advance to pay off some bills. Conchita looks hesitant to dabble in her friend's romantic life. RELATED: 7 Questions We'll Never Get Answered in The Great Season 4 Later, the Dowager Duchess (Amelia Bullmore) tries her hand at gardening after retreating to her cottage in the middle of nowhere. Ugh, I envy her. Reede (Greg Wise) drops by for an unexpected visit. She informs him that Nan is gone and Theo won't speak to her. It'll blow over eventually. Reede decides to help the Dowager — aka Blanche — smash some rotten pumpkins (but they weren't listening to The Smashing Pumpkins). In Italy, Guy and Jinny take Nan to their humble abode. Nan observes as Jinny and Guy tend to Freddie. After this, Nan asks Jinny if the latter is in love with Guy. Jinny's living the life Nan wants (minus the 'being on the run' bit). Jinny reassures Nan that this isn't the case. Despite this suspicion, Nan insists she'd do it all again — marry a duke to save Jinny's life. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. Lord Boring Meanwhile, Richard pulls Mabel into a badminton game. She would play with Lord Halcrest against Conchita and Richard. Mabel's knack for racket sports is known the world over. During the game, Conchita and Richard notice that Mabel and Lord Halcrest seem to be getting on. Once it ends, though, Mabel is content to return to Honoria's side. She's uninterested in entertaining 'Lord Boring.' RELATED: Read our Bridgerton recaps Mabel asks Honoria if she pined for her. Honoria not-so-subtly hints that Conchita and Richard were trying to play matchmaker with Mabel and Lord Halcrest. Of course, Mabel's one and only is Honoria. At the same time, Jinny informs Guy and Nan that she's out of milk for Freddie. Both volunteer simultaneously to fetch some for her. Jinny believes they should go together so they can sort their sh*t out (not her words). Later, Guy gives Nan a tour of the town. Nan calls Guy out for acting strangely around her. Guy states that her visit caught him by surprise. Sure, he asked her to join him, but that was months ago. He assumed her lack of a response was a response. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. You Know Why The argument pivots to the sacrifices they've both made to save Jinny. Guy calls out Nan for being 'entitled' after she diminishes his sacrifice because he's living in paradise. After tempers cool, Guy claims he couldn't believe his eyes in the market today. He sees Nan everywhere, so the genuine article standing before him took him aback. Nan suggests they get ice cream. RELATED: Geek Girl Authority Crush of the Week: The Buccaneers ' Lizzy Elmsworth Then, Lizzy and Hector have their first argument. Hector is frustrated because Theo's stealing all the attention at his fundraiser for the school. Lizzy reminds her fiancé that it's not about this secret rivalry between Hector and Theo — it's about the school. Tempers flare, so Lizzy storms off. Next, Theo finds Lizzy. Lizzy confronts Theo regarding his presence today. He's not there to support the school; it's about his bruised ego. Lizzy demands to know why he's here. 'You know why,' Theo responds. They kiss. After a few seconds of passionate smooching, Lizzy breaks away. She insists she must get back to the party. Wine for the Heartbreak Elsewhere, Blanche and Reede chat about what's next. Blanche supposes they'll have to wait for Nan to return. Reede tells her about how he nursed the heartbreak of losing her all those years ago with a case of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. This gives Blanche an idea. RELATED: Read our Dickinson recaps Guy and Nan realize the ice cream place is closed. Then, a man approaches, asking them in Italian if they're there for the bride or the groom. Guy discovers that Nan is fluent in Italian as she rattles off a response. The man invites them to the wedding. There, Nan and Guy dance joyfully, uninhibited, among the guests. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. Meanwhile, Jinny hears a knock on the door. Unfortunately, it's Seadown (Barney Fishwick). Jinny tries to slam the door in his face, but he catches it. Uh-oh. At the same time, Lizzy barrels toward Hector after her clandestine kiss with Theo. Mabel asks her if there's anything amiss. She brushes Mabel off. Then, Mabel notes Theo watching them from afar. She seemingly begins to put two and two together. Hector apologizes to Lizzy for being selfish and shortsighted. He's grateful to Lizzy for keeping him levelheaded. RELATED: TV Review: The Serpent Queen Season 2 It's Us In Italy, Seadown holds Freddie, much to Jinny's terror. Seadown tries to appeal to Jinny's sensibilities. He thanks her for taking care of their son. Seadown asks Jinny about his name, which she refuses to disclose. Then, he pivots, claiming that Jinny makes him a better man. Seadown claims he 'seemed hard-hearted in the past,' which is as close to an apology as he will ever get. And it's still not an apology. Seadown claims he loves Jinny and wants to be a father to their son. Jinny asks him to leave. Before he departs, Seadown leaves the name and address of his hotel. Jinny can meet him there to talk. This is how abusers do it — they plant seeds of doubt. He hasn't changed. He's still a POS. THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. Later, Mabel calls Conchita out for trying to set her up with Lord Halcrest. Whenever someone catches Mabel's eye, she talks to them. She's not shy. Then, it's here that Mabel learns about her mother paying Conchita to find a marriage match for her. Mabel reminds Conchita that they've been friends forever. She's not like Cora. She storms off. RELATED: 15 Song Covers We Want to Hear on Bridgerton Stolen Kisses Then, Reede invites Blanche to stay with him in France in the weeks before Hector and Lizzy's nuptials. Blanche politely declines, stating that she must remain nearby for Theo. He might not think he needs her, but he will. Next, Paloma (Grace Ambrose) catches Guy and Nan holding hands as they leave the wedding. Naturally, she's suspicious. She assumed Guy and Jinny were married. Guy takes Nan to a secluded spot by the water, where they finally kiss. In England, Hector bids farewell to Lizzy, seeing her to her carriage. He hopes Lizzy is happy. Lizzy looks pensive, but she reassures him that she has every reason to be happy. He kisses her hand before they part ways. Jinny stayed up all night, painstakingly mulling over her options. She starts packing her belongings while reassuring Freddie that Nan will save them. Then, she spots Guy and Nan outside, dancing and laughing. It's now early the next morning. Guy and Nan lie entangled together in bed before going to sleep. RELATED: Read our recaps of The Buccaneers Coming Home Later, Nan and Jinny reunite on the balcony. Nan admits she and Guy forgot to buy milk. Jinny claims that, despite this place being a paradise at face value, it becomes less so when you realize you can't go home. Nan spies a newspaper with the headline, 'Momentum Gathers as Duchess Backs Women's Bill.' THE BUCCANEERS Season 2 Episode 4, 'Ice Cream.' Photo courtesy of Apple TV+. Then, Nan tells Guy she must return to England. Jinny can't leave Italy until Parliament passes the women's bill. It'll offer her protection. This also means Nan must remain married to Theo since the duchess title gives her the power to enact true change. Guy is frustrated. Nan's Italian excursion offered him a taste of her, a glimpse of how life could be. He's heartbroken. Put Matthew Broome in more period dramas, please, and thank you. He's not only handsome and charming, but the man can brood . He can bless us with drama . Blanche finds a case of Châteauneuf-du-Pape, perhaps courtesy of Reede. Jinny takes Freddie to meet Seadown outside his hotel. No, girl, no . Meanwhile, Lizzy arrives at Tintagel. She and Theo have sex. Y'all, a second love triangle has hit The Buccaneers : Nan-Theo-Lizzy. The Buccaneers drops new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+. Hair and Makeup Artist Jacquetta Levon Talks Incorporating Reality and Fantasy for THE SERPENT QUEEN Contact: [email protected] What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events. Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet. Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium. Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
