Episode 5 of Black Cake dives deep into the untold story of Mabel Martin, Eleanor's long-lost "other daughter," whose face Eleanor only laid eyes on during her diagnosis. In a quest for healthier eating options, Eleanor stumbled across a video of Mabel, a revelation that shook her to the core. It was then that Eleanor confessed, her voice laden with pain, that she had once attempted to take her own life. The surfing incident, it transpired, was no mere accident.
Mabel, a renowned cookbook author and public figure, leads a vibrant life in Rome, while her adoptive parents, Wanda and Ronald, reside in London. Her world revolves around her teenage son, Gio, and the memory of her former partner, Paolo—Gio's father, who passed away, leaving Mabel to pick up the pieces. Their move from Rome to London was a testament to Paolo's passing.
During a TV shoot, Mabel was ambushed by a fellow panelist, accused of "appropriating Caribbean culture." Her claim that culinary traditions are shared across cultures sparked a firestorm, leading the online community to "cancel" Mabel for her beliefs. She felt wronged, and in many ways, she was right. Yet, Gio disagreed, voicing his desire to forgo school and university, a sentiment Mabel dismissed without hesitation.
Amidst the turmoil, Mabel was invited out by James Kellen, a renowned American chef and TV personality who had also been on the show's panel in Tuscany. Fascinated by Mabel's unique identity, bold ideas, and unwavering passion for food, James proposed the prospect of a TV show tailored for her. However, on the eve of their date, Charles Mitch delivered a bombshell, revealing Mabel's adoption—a truth she had never known. Eleanor, unaware of Mabel's ignorance, was equally shocked. Mitch urged Mabel to take her time before responding to his request to join the family in California for the final recording, as Eleanor desperately sought to reunite all three siblings under one roof.
B & B are enraged by this new revelation, each for their own unique reasons. Benny struggles with a sense of inferiority and fear of comparison to her sister, while Byron sees Eleanor's secrets as a profound betrayal. Both have grounds to resent Eleanor for this revelation. Byron, fueled by anger, considers calling Mabel directly, but Benny dissuades him. However, Benny eventually succumbs to Steve's incessant messages and agrees to meet him at his apartment, reassured by Steve's assurances that the contract with Helena for Benny's painting is final.
Lynette visits Byron's house, and they apologize to each other. As they discuss Mabel, Byron receives a call from Marc, the institute's new director, inviting him to a panel discussion on diversity. Though on leave, Byron gladly accepts. However, Lynette's frustration boils over once again, and she leaves Byron, this time with a sense of finality. It seems Byron may be left alone.
When Byron answers Eleanor's phone and deflects a salesman, he stumbles upon yet another betrayal. Multiple instances of Mabel's name in the call logs indicate that Eleanor was in frequent contact with her, likely under an alias, as Mabel is unaware of her true origins.
Mabel wanders the city, still reeling from the revelation. Unable to contain her agitation, she wakes her parents late at night and confronts them with the truth about her birth. Despite their attempts to explain, Mabel cannot escape the shadow of betrayal that engulfs her. She desires to leave the house and take a break from her adoptive parents.
Benny arrives at Steve's house and shatters his sculpture into pieces, signaling the end of their toxic relationship. When Steve returns, he is not angry but desperate, pleading sincerely for Benny to stay. Benny had earlier called Byron for a lift, and as he approaches, she considers Steve's pleas with newfound hesitation. Upon Byron's arrival, Steve begins mocking him, and a verbal spat quickly escalates into a physical altercation. Byron easily overpowers Steve but continues to beat him mercilessly. The scene ends with a commotion, people filming, and the wail of approaching police sirens.
