The Charm Offensive

Maureen arrives on set, catching Charlie and Dev holding hands. They quickly separate. During a date with a contestant, Charlie receives a text from Josh Han. Josh asks Charlie to meet him for brunch to talk business. This surprise, and a contestant’s boisterous family gathering result in a panic attack for Charlie. When Dev arrives, the contestant confesses that she knows everything and is happy for the couple. The contestant encourages Charlie to break the show’s rules as she kisses him goodnight.

Per Charlie’s request, Dev accompanies Charlie to his brunch meeting with Josh. Charlie introduces Dev as his producer, not his boyfriend, which irks Dev. Dev finds Josh arrogant and insensitive. Josh makes snide remarks about Charlie’s “quirks” from their college days. When Charlie asks about the opportunity at WinHan, Josh explains how they need someone to integrate a new dating app. Josh explains the position is contract-based and only available to Charlie if he promises to keep his “quirks” in check. Dev shouts at Josh, defending Charlie, and abruptly leaves the restaurant. Charlie goes as well, telling Josh he is uninterested in working for him. Outside, Charlie grabs Dev and kisses him passionately.

Charlie and a contestant discuss their plan to carry out a fake engagement at the show’s conclusion. She agrees to cover for Charlie and Dev, although Dev is unaware of this plan. Dev walks into the gym just as the contestant kisses Charlie’s cheek. Charlie can feel Dev pulling away from him, guarding his heart.

Ryan pulls Dev from the filming crew to a secluded spot in the woods. Ryan confesses he and Skylar know about Dev and Charlie’s relationship and that the entire crew is concerned for Dev’s emotional well-being. Dev reveals he is in love with Charlie. Ryan doubts Dev will follow through with his decision to return to therapy, and he suggests Dev should be worried about Maureen finding out about Dev and Charlie’s intimacy. He leaves Dev alone in the woods as Dev experiences symptoms resembling a panic attack.

Before the crowning ceremony, Skylar helps Charlie with his tie while Dev is missing. Skylar encourages Charlie to follow his heart while alluding to the fact that she knows about Dev and Charlie’s relationship. While filming, the contestant Dev believes Charlie will choose pulls Charlie aside, asking him to send her home. She explains that she wants to find a different kind of love for herself, and she also wants Charlie to find his happiness. Maureen interrupts this scene, yelling at the contestant that she cannot break from the script. Charlie comes out as gay to Maureen, expressing his desire to choose a man at the final ceremony. Maureen threatens Charlie if he fails to propose to a contestant. Charlie looks at Skylar, Jules, Ryan, Dev, and the other producers as they fail to stand up to Maureen. He relents to Maureen’s commands before marching back to the ceremony and dismissing a contestant. Dev believes he wasted six years of his life working for Ever After.

Later, in their hotel room, Dev and Charlie embrace while crying. Charlie troubleshoots how to continue their relationship without breaking their contracts. Charlie declares his love for Dev, and Dev tells Charlie how he loves him, but he explains that he can’t be Charlie’s secret boyfriend. Dev confesses wanting a big wedding and four children. Charlie begs Dev to stay, and Dev spends the night. Dev leaves in the morning, leaving Charlie with a goodbye letter. Charlie finds Skylar, proposing a plan for the show’s end.