The Charm Offensive

Charlie takes a call from Parisa, who is also his closest friend as well as his publicist. Parisa threatens to sue Ever After for allowing Charlie to be physically harmed. Charlie confronts Parisa’s false claim that the women contestants are not interested in finding a husband, as most want to marry Charlie. Parisa reassures Charlie that most contestants are exploiting the show to further their careers, just like him. Charlie admits to feeling unlovable, a claim Parisa rebukes while encouraging Charlie to be open to love.

Having moved into the guest house with Charlie, Dev reviews facts about the contestants with Charlie. Charlie must select these women during “crowning ceremonies,” during which he asks each selected contestant if she would like to become his princess. If they agree, he presents the contestant with a tiara. Charlie and Dev arrive at a soccer field decorated in a Renaissance theme. The contestants face off in a jousting competition, using pool noodles as lances. Later, Charlie mentally acknowledges the women’s lack of effort in getting to know him. He listens attentively, but no one asks him any questions about himself. Charlie has a panic attack when a contestant kisses him, and Dev takes time to uncover the cause of Charlie’s distress. Charlie feels comforted by Dev’s comforting touch even though Charlie hates being touched.

Meeting with Maureen, Skylar, and the other producers days later, Dev deflects criticism about Charlie. Skylar doesn’t believe they have enough romantic content, while Maureen believes Charlie’s physical appearance hides his personality flaws. They work on developing storylines around the contestants until Charlie feels more confident. The group discusses the remaining contestants, focusing on who might make for a successful starring princess in the next season. Jules remarks about liking one contestant’s diversity as someone who is bisexual and has a diverse racial background, but Maureen immediately dismisses this idea as too bold for mainstream media. The meeting leaves Dev feeling sick. When Dev asks Jules for her opinion about how to coach Charlie, she suggests he take Charlie on practice dates since the men are already comfortable with each other.

Dev takes Charlie out to brunch after explaining his plan to practice dating with him. Charlie acts uncomfortable at the restaurant, and Dev learns that Charlie doesn’t speak with his family, nor does he date often. Charlie apologizes for being socially awkward and admits to lacking emotional intelligence. Slowly, Charlie grows comfortable with Dev, even allowing their knees to touch. Dev realizes that Charlie feels anxious while eating at restaurants, and they go back to the guest house. They continue to get to know each other as they work on a puzzle and watch TV. Dev apologizes for previously instructing Charlie to act like a model on Ever After, clarifying that he doesn’t believe Charlie should change for a romantic partner. When Dev reaches for a dropped puzzle piece, Charlie notices his body. Dev comments that he’s genuinely enjoying himself, and Charlie remarks that no one has ever reacted positively to a date with him. Charlie also confesses that he exercises frequently to help his mental health, not to build a physique.

Charlie talks to Parisa about the practice dates; Parisa hints that Dev might be sexually attracted to Charlie. Charlie confesses feeling more prepared to speak with the contestants but admits he’s not feeling romantically interested in anyone. Parisa suggests Charlie keep an open mind.

Charlie experiences a panic attack when asked about his past relationships. Although Dev calms him down, Ryan calls Charlie “crazy” and a “head case.” Dev shouts at Ryan while Jules whisks Charlie away to makeup. Dev asks Ryan if he thought Dev was “crazy” whenever he experienced a depressive episode while they were dating. Ryan calls Dev dramatic, refusing to apologize for his remarks. Later, Dev tells Charlie about his relationship with Ryan and his sexuality.

Dev and Charlie drink bourbon after the stressful evening. Charlie asks Dev about working for Ever After, and Dev explains loving movies and television, always intending to be a scriptwriter. When Dev tells Charlie he has a movie script featuring a gay couple in a Bollywood setting, Charlie begs to read it. Dev hesitantly agrees. Dev spills a few drops of bourbon on his shirt when reaching for his computer, and Charlie experiences an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) attack. Upon seeing the stain on Dev’s shirt, Charlie insists on cleaning the stain. Dev helps Charlie calm down by tapping out Morse code for “calm” on his shoulder, something Dev noticed Charlie do on set. He massages Charlie’s scalp until Charlie’s breathing returns to normal, asking him how he can help. Charlie realizes no one has ever asked him that before during a panic attack, and he appreciates Dev’s sensitivity. Embarrassed, Charlie runs to his bedroom.

The following morning, Charlie expects Dev to act weird around him. Instead, Dev makes Charlie vegan, gluten-free pancakes and asks Charlie about which contestants he plans on sending home. Charlie tells Dev that he has OCD, generalized anxiety, and a panic disorder. Dev replies that he assumed as much, telling Charlie his mental health doesn’t exclude him from finding true love.

Story notes for the editors review a scene of contestants discussing Charlie seeming anxious, though they quickly state they don’t think speaking about mental health will be approved by the editors. One contestant confides that she is bisexual. Maureen’s notes to the editors instruct them to remove the entire scene, instead focusing on gossip.