Movies

Grosse Pointe Garden Society is a middle-of-the-road NBC drama

BBG News

As a movie enthusiast, I found Grosse Pointe Garden Society amusing enough for now, but it doesn’t quite stand out in the crowd of memorable murder mysteries. The NBC drama has a unique charm as a light-hearted suburban series, avoiding the heavy, dramatic tone often associated with shows like How to Get Away with Murder.

However, what sets Grosse Pointe Garden Society apart from its peers is its ensemble cast, rather than a strong central character. Each actor delivers a distinct performance that brings their character to life, yet the storylines themselves could use a bit more oomph to match the series’ intended impact.

The story unfolds in a tranquil, affluent community, unlike towns portrayed in shows like “Pretty Little Liars” or “Riverdale,” where serene neighborhoods plunged into chaos surprisingly fast. Instead, Grosse Pointe offers a calm facade, with its inhabitants seemingly perfect but hiding their true selves beneath, engaging in gossip when someone slips from their impeccable image. The drama revolving around Birdie, Catherine, Brett, and Alice unfolds in “Grosse Pointe Garden Society,” which centers on the events preceding and following a puzzling death. Although each character has their unique storyline, both personal and professional, it falls short of fully establishing itself as a groundbreaking murder mystery series.

In simpler terms, unlike ABC’s “How to Get Away with Murder” and Freeform’s “Pretty Little Liars,” which had compelling characters, gripping storylines, and addictive elements, “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” doesn’t quite match up. Despite some initial intrigue in the first season, its decision to maintain a lighter, floral tone instead of delving into a deeper mystery drama hinders its progression. While there are occasional humorous moments or lines, the blend of comedy and drama never fully propels the series forward. However, this lighter tone does give it a unique feel compared to other murder mysteries with similar themes.

This series truly excels in its diverse cast of characters and their intricate relationships. Birdie’s longing to reconnect with the child she gave up for adoption adds depth to her character. The affair Catherine engages in and its subsequent consequences offer insights into Catherine and her husband Tucker’s journey towards rebuilding trust and understanding their marriage. Brett’s efforts to co-parent with his ex-wife Melissa, while asserting himself against Connor, her husband, give Brett a richer personality beyond that of a man yearning for his married friend. Alice’s family plotline showcases the deteriorating bond between her and her husband Doug, which is further strained after the loss of their dog, and how it affects her relationship with her mother-in-law Patty.

In this narrative, Alice’s bond with Patty plays a crucial role in shaping the storyline, compared to her relationship with Doug. The conflict between their contrasting viewpoints and a heartbreaking misconception over Alice’s dog’s demise ultimately leads to Keith’s death, which serves as the central theme of the series. On the other hand, the camaraderie between Catherine, Alice, Birdie, and Brett is what truly brings the show to life. Their interpersonal connections provide a solid foundation for the drama and highlight its most compelling aspects. Each character’s personal storyline offers insight into their individual flaws but doesn’t compromise the main four’s shared experiences or collaborative efforts. The dual timeline approach helps piece together how they all fit together, hinting that if the series were to continue, their close-knit group might grow as a result of revelations about the fateful night and its aftermath.

The Grosse Pointe Garden Society, in essence, is a commonplace television series. Its strongest aspects have significant growth potential should the show be renewed. Occasionally, a series needs a second season to fully develop its identity and uncover its finest elements. Season one laid the groundwork for much potential if the series progresses. Nevertheless, though there are unresolved storylines, if the show were to conclude with season one, it generally addresses most of its major questions, thereby providing a sense of resolution even if some aspects remain ambiguous.

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2025-05-20 18:14

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