The Perfect Couple Recap: A Nice Family Dinner

As a seasoned observer of human drama, it seems to me that the Winburys are a family in turmoil, each member grappling with their own secrets and demons. The story unfolds like a Shakespearean tragedy, with betrayals, guilt, and a dash of melodrama.


Appreciation goes out to episode writers Jenna Lamia (who also created and oversees the series) and Leila Cohan for understanding that even with just six episodes to unfold this intricate murder mystery, every compelling family drama should include at least one explosive family gathering. And boy, do we witness a full-blown Winbury crisis in “The Perfect Family.”

It’s clear that the atmosphere at the Winbury estate was becoming increasingly tense, given the deceased person, the scrapped wedding, multiple extramarital affairs, and the general lack of familial respect. However, this tension reaches its peak in episode three. This escalation is triggered by two main factors: Amelia’s mounting suspicion that the Winburys are not virtuous individuals, and the controversial People magazine interview that, despite Greer’s wishes, has not been canceled. (Is anyone actually believing this?)

The story begins by finding Amelia still at the police station, where she reveals some surprising information to Detective Henry and Chief Carter. It turns out that Merritt, contrary to common assumption, was not promiscuous; instead, she viewed sleeping with a man as giving away her power. Since Merritt was sleeping with Tag, it suggests that she must have deeply cared for him

The authorities are seeking tangible proof of the alleged affair, such as receipts and hotel bills, while they investigate the pregnancy claim, causing Amelia to search Tag’s office discreetly during early mornings. Unfortunately, she finds no incriminating evidence, not even the missing receipt for the bracelet we saw Tag searching for earlier. However, she encounters Greer in the hallway, who quickly senses something amiss as Amelia pretends to be looking for a drink and Greer knows affluent individuals typically have water carafers by their guests’ bedsides; Amelia’s ordinary behavior is almost unbearable for Greer. Most significantly, she warns Amelia that she wants her to feel at ease in their home, but will not hesitate to defend Tag if she sees Amelia in his office again. While Tag may have committed wrongdoings, Greer continues to shield him from potential consequences

As a cinephile, I find myself in agreement with Greer’s assessment during the People interview about unconditional love being demonstrated through odd and non-romantic behaviors like overprotection. While it’s not my style, I can see why some people do it. Tag, however, takes it a step further, emphasizing the importance of a healthy sex life in a marriage, which he describes as fantastic and enduring, albeit a bit goofy and unpredictable. Greer seems to disapprove, her discomfort evident as she listens to Tag’s serenade of “Greatest Love of All.” I can only imagine the tightening of her famously critical facade

In the interview, Greer subtly attempts to control her husband’s behavior, but once they’re alone while preparing for the family photo, she lets him have it. This scene could be expanded threefold as it offers a rich insight into the complex dynamics of Tag and Greer’s marriage. Initially, Greer scolds her husband for his sentimental talk, likening herself to a overworked horse. However, things quickly escalate as she makes snide, yet ambiguous comments about Merritt. Tag attempts to redirect the conversation by expressing his deep affection for Greer, stating that it’s his “sickness,” and expressing a desire to escape from their troubles. He doesn’t provide specific examples of the lies he’s referring to, but this is typical in a thriller. Greer shows no patience for Tag’s manipulations, reminding him that guilt isn’t transferable, before slapping him. In response, Tag kisses her. She pushes him away, composes herself, and walks away. This depiction encapsulates the challenges and conflicts found in many modern American marriages

The family photo is yet another example of Greer presenting the Winburys as a loving, aspirational family; God, isn’t she trying so hard to make that photo work? But Greer’s not the only one cheesing for the camera while she burns with white-hot rage inside. Amelia’s spent the day learning some interesting new information about people she thought she had a handle on. During a conversation with Abby about the Winburys and NDAs, Amelia learns that Abby also had to sign one five years prior after Will’s French tutor Mae Pratt mysteriously left without warning. Mae was apparently friends with Benji from school — Abby’s surprised Benji never mentioned it to Amelia. When Amelia questions her fiancé about it, he brushes off the lies-and-secrets part of the conversation and instead gets frustrated with Amelia for harping on these innocent little NDAs their family makes people sign. More normie behavior from Amelia.

Amelia finds herself uncomfortable with the situation so far, as her character is intended to be relatable and make reasonable decisions, which we appreciate. However, when Benji behaves oddly, it seems natural for her to investigate a bit. Upon peeking into Benji’s sketchbook, she discovers several images of Merritt hidden within. After all, curiosity can sometimes lead us down unexpected paths!

Currently, Amelia isn’t aware of the most damning evidence against Benji Winbury (Mr. Mate for Life) – Mr. Mate – which Detective Henry and Chief Carter have discovered. Upon examining Merritt’s phone, they found that she had been ignoring someone who was in distress – remember the “DL” from episode one? The caller left a voicemail, and guess who it was? Yes, Benji himself. His voice sounded panicked, assuring Merritt that he wouldn’t reveal “this” once she arrived in Nantucket, as whatever “this” is would shatter Amelia’s heart. Given Merritt’s attachment to Tag in the flashbacks, it seems Benji may have been infatuated with her, but was it just a one-time fling? Or is there something more complex at play here? Despite Benji appearing to have feelings for Amelia, an affair would be unexpected. However, as we know, the Winbury boys are known for their shady dealings!

From a movie lover’s perspective, let me share some thoughts about young Will, a character who seems to be smitten with Merritt. His actions could potentially lead him into tricky situations. At the rehearsal dinner, he manages to steal a moment with Chloe Carter when she’s busy catering. They sneak away to his secret beach hideout on Nantucket, where wealthy teens like Will can unwind. It appears that Chloe has feelings for him too, so they spend the evening sipping blueberry mojitos

It appears that Chief Carter may soon be addressing Will in a more formal manner due to some developments: The prints on the oyster knife found at the scene match Will’s, the sand at the scene has both Will and Merritt’s blood, and Will has been liking every single post of Merritt on Instagram

In the midst of everything – the interrogation, the photoshoot, the confidentiality agreements, the clandestine photographs, and Will’s overall demeanor – it all lingers when the entire family, comprising Bruce, Karen, Isabel, and Shooter (who had just been released from the police station), gather for dinner. It’s rather invigorating to find a character in a murder mystery openly expressing her thoughts instead of concealing her worries and shying away from delving into the evidence. This is precisely what Amelia does; within moments of starting the meal, she questions not only the reason behind making people sign NDAs but also challenges the notion that Greer is a public figure by bringing up Mae Pratt’s case

Wow, events are spiraling rapidly here, largely due to Tom who, still bitter over his dad’s rejection and seemingly indifferent about reconciling, seems to find great amusement in watching his family’s discomfort. This could very well be the highlight of his life; he’s thoroughly enjoying himself. He promptly shares the details with Amelia without delay: Mae was Will’s tutor in French, Tag began an affair with her, and when Tag ended it, Mae attempted suicide. To maintain a semblance of order, the Winburys agreed to a financial settlement with Mae, which required her to depart. However, let me warn you, while Tom is narrating this tale, chaos ensues. His father labels him an “insecure little prick,” Greer tries to divert attention, and Will reaches his boiling point. He detests this family, and wishes them all ill, but his disdain for Tag runs particularly deep. He can barely stomach the sight of his father and storms out

In the scene, Abby, who appears increasingly fixated on pleasing Greer, attempts to prolong a discussion about Chablis versus Chardonnay, but her efforts fall flat. The banter between Dakota Fanning and Nicole Kidman during this exchange is delightful; it’s a shame they didn’t have more shared scenes in the movie

Greer holds back her emotions for a while, but when she realizes Tag isn’t making an effort to talk to Will, she shouts at him, “Go and check on your son, Tag! Show some initiative for once!” However, Will is nowhere to be found. Despite the late hour and the situation, Tag appears unbothered on the beach, but Greer gives him another stern warning: “If anything happens to him, I swear I’ll never forgive you.” And it seems she means every word! She might have a valid reason to carry out that threat

It seems Will is embarking on a journey across the vast oceans as a means of fleeing from his troubled family background. He has carried the burden of guilt for years since Mae left unexpectedly, and this stems from confessing his feelings for her just before she departed. The weight of her attempted suicide and the embarrassment from the situation plunged him into depression – only to find out later it was Tag being his usual manipulative self. The unfortunate twist in this tale is that Chloe arrives to check on her friend, and instead of dissuading him, she decides to join him on the boat. Consequently, they embark on a treacherous voyage… straight into a looming storm. It’s time for Chloe to reconsider her decisions, don’t you think?

As a movie enthusiast, here’s how I might rephrase it:

Wedding Favors

Since the police haven’t gathered enough evidence to detain Shooter, he goes back to Summerland. Upon arrival, he speaks privately with Greer and asks, “I didn’t mention anything about the money, but should I be concerned?” Greer reassures him, but the question remains, what was the money for? As for Shooter, it seems he might have some cause for worry, I hope he isn’t being set up as a scapegoat in whatever this is about

It’s incredibly fitting that Abby, who has been with the Winbury family for at least five years, remains unsure about whether Will is 13 or 17

Detective Henry gets some intriguing details about the Winbury family from Isabel: Currently, most of Tag’s family fortune is locked away in trusts that they can’t access right now, which explains why Greer is so productive as a writer – it’s their main source of income. Additionally, Will appears worried and down, whereas Benji reportedly had anger issues in his youth – severe enough to get expelled from school

• My greatest dream has come true: Carter and Henry are friends! Chief Carter is showing off his fancy store-bought pasta sauce (he adds his own garlic), and the two are commiserating about the joys of raising teenagers. I would not hate a buddy-cop spinoff with these two.

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2024-09-06 00:11