Written by John Edward Betancourt GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY -- "Force of Nature" Episode 104 -- Pictured: (l-r) AnnaSophia Robb as Alice, Alexander Hodge as Doug -- (Photo by: Tina Rowden/NBC)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
When we last settled in to discuss the magnificent new NBC series, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, we talked at length about how marginalization was a fine foundation for the destruction of life and a way of life for that matter as well. Since clearly, this group has been ignored for ages on end, and that builds frustration and fury. The kind that will absolutely erupt in a hideous manner when those emotions have nowhere to go. The only question that remains from that understanding however, revolves around what such an explosion would look like, and it just so happens… that the next episode in this series answered that question just fine. Because ‘Force of Nature’ saw such matters boil over, and in doing so, showcased how… sometimes marginalization’s snapback can manifest in decent ways, believe it or not. After all, this was a story that saw Birdie snap over the fact that her team was constantly being disrespected by others. Since someone felt the need to steal from the Garden Society. So, she naturally went after their competitors, since that was who everyone believed did this, in an effort to teach them a lesson. Because she wanted that respect and wanted to belong. Sadly, she learned that her son was the one who actually stole from the Garden Society, leading to conflict and more work for Joel. But this was a positive break born from marginalization. Since she stood tall over the fact that she wasn’t going to let anyone keep her team down. Christine however, well her journey regarding this was a bit more personal. Mainly because, her committee job at the school, was uncomfortable to say the least. Because the secret was out regarding what happened between her and Gary, and as people are wont to do, they were quick to ostracize her, judge her and whisper about her behind the scenes, and while she stood there. Which further marginalized her from the world and left her listless and eager for action. Which she promptly took with some advice from her friends. Wherein she stood tall and called everyone out that felt the need to judge her, for their own sour actions and nonsense. To make it clear that people make mistakes, and that marginalization has genuine consequences.  GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY -- "Force of Nature" Episode 104 -- Pictured: (l-r) Ben Rappaport as Brett, Aja Naomi King as Catherine, Melissa Fumero as Birdie, AnnaSophia Robb as Alice -- (Photo by: Tina Rowden/NBC)
But of course, this is a dark story, and while it was lovely to see some positives on such matters, there was also some darkness to be found regarding this theme. Because while those two were finding positive agency, Doug was struggling to find any in his life. For he came back home, and he did his best to make peace with Alice and forge a better tomorrow regarding their marriage. But he did have to compete with Brett again, and that wounded him. Thankfully though, Alice did make some effort to make him feel wanted and loved through his art. But clearly, the common ground they found in present day, will not last into the future. Mainly because we got a glimpse of dark times ahead.
Wherein Brett stepped in and tried to help Alice grow as a writer, something that Doug felt was a slight against him, and a slight against their relationship. As though once again, he had been sidelined and shoved aside in the name of other ideas and clearly, a different love. Which brought about a confrontation for the ages on the night that Quiche came into existence. One that spoke to how Doug was tired of being forgotten, tired of not being seen as a good husband, and that led to violence and dark implications. Since we also learned that Doug was wearing New Balance shoes on this night, and that the police were looking for him, and that… a weapon may have been used in the all-out brawl that he and Brett engaged in. Which of course, begs the question… is Doug, Quiche? Or if this just another amazing misdirection from a well-written show. Time will tell of course, but one cannot help but ponder upon those possibilities and upon a story, that really did showcase the consequences that accompany marginalization. Because the bottom line, be it positive or negative… is it will push people over the edge. Because people cannot stand being put in that place, cannot handle being ignored and brought down, and that made for another thoughtful episode and one ominous ending. One that will have us counting down the minutes to next week’s tale to learn more about Quiche and what happened after that hideous fight on that fateful night. Until next time. Learn more about Doug and the actor that plays him, courtesy of our interview with Alexander Hodge. Watch ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’
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