Written by John Edward Betancourt GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY -- "Pollination" Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Jocko Sims as Tucker, Aja Naomi King as Catherine -- (Photo by: Daniel Delgado/NBC)
Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
It is definitely safe to say that season one of the magnificent new NBC series, Grosse Pointe Garden Society, will go down as one of the finest explorations of modern America ever put upon the small screen. For not only has the series taken the time to explore the duality of the American Dream in the 21st century, and what’s driving some of our divides and our darkness. But it has also taken the time to explore how our desire to hold to old concepts, such as the majesty of suburbia, and what American life should look like, has left us confused, and listless and unable to handle matters that are evolving away from old haunts. Such as the relationships that mean the world to us… for they no longer resemble what was once the watermark for love and marriage in the age of Americana. In fact, that particular conundrum is top of mind today, simply because it was front and center in this week’s episode of the show. A feat that ‘Pollination’ accomplished by deeply examining all the relationships in this show and how they relate to that central concept. For instance, Birdie and Joel’s storyline explored how… we are taught in America that love is a dream-like experience that will bring us endless joy when we commit to it. But we soon learn that it is in fact, hard, and doesn’t always go as planned and brings about hurt. Hurt that prompts us to wall off our emotions and reserve them until we find the dream partner, and that prevents us from finding happiness. Since Joel revealed he’s in a loveless marriage and Birdie does want to be close to someone, and well, they clearly want each other and connect but won’t. Because the lessons they’ve learned about love have confused them. As for Catherine, well she and Tucker took the time to explore how the expectations we have of a perfect marriage in America, can create the problems that divide couples no problem. For we truly believe that men are to be stoic and unemotional and that women are best seen and not heard, and in a relationship in America… the bond should fix all things. But they were a couple in crisis here. One that realized that a happy marriage goes beyond status and stature. It requires honest communication, and effort and moments that spice things up, and their learning of that lesson… allowed for it come out that Tucker tuned Gary up because of the emotions he hid behind, and Catherine made it clear she wants to feel desired, and she found ways to express that. Granted, that meant putting on QUITE the show for the help, but the lesson was there.  GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY -- "Pollination" Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Ben Rappaport as Brett, AnnaSophia Robb as Alice, Alexander Hodge as Doug, Ginger Gonzaga as Cricket -- (Photo by: Tina Rowden/NBC)
Plus, this episode also took the time to deeply explore the flawed dynamic between Brett and Alice, and how that also ties into some of those outdated concepts of traditional relationships. Since Brett was livin’ that bachelor life by hitting up the apps and having some fun. Which meant that Alice went ignored and she of course, raised a stink about that. Because she enjoyed the balance she had and how she could have the best of both worlds with Brett in her life. But Brett had his own needs and wants and needed that intimacy and that led to a battle, one where it was pointed out that Alice really did expect him to be at her beck and call. All because, in our modern world, there’s this belief that we can find others to compensate our needs when our relationship doesn’t supply it all, and we hold to that, rather than make what we have a billion times better.
All of which was a powerful exploration on modern love, and the flaws we’ve created because we are so immersed in dreams of perfect love and the belief that smooth sailing in love comes naturally. When in fact, it requires work and a reality check and that made for a powerful story that fleshed out this world further… and of course… this episode didn’t forget to further explore the nightmare to come. In fact, this episode’s flash forward took the time to ponder upon how… the Garden Society might not be looking at a clean getaway after all. Because Catherine and Birdie, who were in charge of moving Quiche’s body and car, needed gas, and of course… had zero money on hand. Which prompted them to find drugs on Quiche’s body to use in trade and that trade ended… with Catherine giving up a bracelet that harbored an inscription. One that could tie her, and her friends, to the crime. Not to mention, more clues arrived in this tale. Since we know Quiche spent some time at the bar where Misty slings drinks and Gary, happened to have some good drugs on him. But as always, time will tell on such matters, and in the meantime, we need to celebrate another thoughtful tale from this series. One that really explored the simple things we are missing when it comes to our relationships and how and why we are missing them. Along with adding new depth to the characters, since Tucker is even more mysterious than expected and well, it’s safe to say we are simply craving more from this brilliant series. For the death of Quiche and their identity is as compelling as the time we spend with these characters, who reflect us all in some way… and our struggles in trying to navigate a world that is locked into concepts and other such fluff, over what is important and right in front of us. Until next time. Watch ‘Grosse Pointe Garden Society’
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