The danger of straying so far from its original source material has turned The Buccaneers into something of a Mexican soap opera—overblown, erratic, and often confusing. Episode 7, “Every Single Piece of My Heart,” is tense and overflowing with drama (to excess), yet it tries to tie up storylines that were admittedly fraying. One of the biggest mysteries? How the psychopath Lord Seadown happens to be the brother of the sweet and supportive Richard and Honoria Marable—both of whom seem far more concerned with Jinny’s well-being than their own sibling.

Let’s unpack it.

In Italy, Guy is busy picking flowers for Antonia, seemingly ready to deepen their romance, until he spots Seadown on the street and abandons everything. He rushes home to urge Jinny to flee, only to discover that she’s been back in contact with her ex-husband, half-believing his lies about having changed. In mere seconds, Guy snaps her out of it and they begin packing to run—only then realizing that Freddie has been kidnapped by Seadown. They immediately set off for England.

In this universe of light-speed ocean travel, Seadown is already back home, chatting with his evil-leaning mother, who supports his “reclaiming” of his son. But when he casually mentions that he’s considering killing Freddie—because Jinny only loves the child, not him—his mother starts to worry.

Meanwhile, at Richard and Conchita’s house, everyone is working together to pass a law that could free Jinny. Just then, Jinny and Guy arrive unannounced (yes, also via warp-speed travel). Nan and Theo are keeping up appearances but are clearly distant. We find out Lizzy called off her wedding, and Hector, of course, is heartbroken. Nan and Theo’s relationship remains secret—they barely speak, but every glance they exchange is emotionally loaded.

When Guy and Theo finally reunite, there’s awkwardness, but they find common ground. Nan also gets a fleeting moment with Guy, who apologizes for being harsh. She makes it clear: he was always her choice; marrying Theo was just a way to help Jinny.

The Buccaneers head en masse to the opera, hoping to find a political ally for their cause. But who shows up solo? Seadown. His unexpected appearance throws everyone into a panic. Back at Conchita’s, Seadown’s mother helps execute his latest scheme: she tells Jinny Freddie is safe and that she should meet her husband at the opera for a conversation. Yes, it’s a trap—and Jinny walks straight into it.

The girls—especially Nan, who seems to always be dramatically running from one place to another—try to stop Seadown from committing Jinny to an asylum. He stages a scene, pretending she attacked him, and Jinny is locked away.

Time becomes a blur. Even a hunger strike fails to soften anyone’s heart. Jinny ultimately gives in, agreeing to behave and return to Seadown. He lets her see Freddie briefly, but otherwise maintains the same sociopathic control.

Eventually, Jinny’s mother-in-law grows a conscience and tells Richard and Honoria where Jinny and Freddie are. She apologizes: she’s always known Seadown was dangerous and possessive but hoped he would change. The siblings go on a rescue mission alone—but of course, it doesn’t go smoothly.

At first, Seadown believes they’re making a cordial visit. But he soon realizes Richard is distracting him while Honoria escapes with Freddie. Jinny is locked in another room, and Richard breaks the door down to get her out. As they try to leave, Seadown stops them at gunpoint. Richard confronts him, giving Jinny time to flee. Seadown seems poised to take his own life; Richard pleads with him and—of course—a gunshot rings out. Jinny runs back in to find Richard dead and Seadown in shock.

Jinny arrives in London barefoot (and on foot, despite the trip realistically taking weeks). She is met with relief by her friends, but when Conchita asks about Richard, Jinny breaks down in tears—signaling the worst has happened. What comes next? We still have three episodes left to suffer—ahem, to find out.

Next week, the focus shifts back to New York, with Nan and Jinny’s parents facing divorce and Nan finally discovering who her biological mother is. Does it still matter?