A tale of murder and mischief as it explores society's myth of perfection and the contradictions that exist beneath the idealised facade of marriage, sex, parenting and friendship.
In the affluent beachfront community of Monterey, CA, a suspicious death at an elementary school fundraiser draws attention to the frictions that exist among some of the mothers. An incident with the children at school causes battle lines to be drawn.
Jane deflects Ziggy's questions about why they moved. Madeline hears her theatre production might get derailed, and is outraged over a slight from Renata. Celeste suggests she and Perry see a counsellor. Nathan and Ed hope to smooth out tensions between their wives.
Hoping to irk Renata, Madeline organises a trip to compete with Amabella's party. After another spat, Celeste succumbs to Perry's charms before their first session with a therapist. Jane seeks Madeline's help with Ziggy's family tree project and opens up about her past.
Nathan invites Madeline and Ed to a couples' dinner to discuss Abigail. Celeste prepares for a city-council meeting about Madeline's play, despite Perry's concerns. While Madeline is confronted by a skeleton from her past, her sleuthing reveals a key player from Jane's.
Madeline receives encouraging news about the play from her director, Joseph Bachman, but is left concerned by his icy demeanour. Principal Nippal and Ms. Barnes share their conclusions about Ziggy and Amabella with Jane. Celeste is put on the spot by her therapist.
Madeline worries about the can of worms she's opened for Jane. Jane confronts Renata about a petition going around school regarding Ziggy. Dr. Reisman urges Celeste to start thinking about her exit strategy. Bonnie tells Nathan about Abigail's secret project.
After yet another fight, Celeste takes steps towards her independence. Before the school's long-awaited Fall Fundraiser, Madeline deals with fallout from her past, while Jane learns who's really been hurting Amabella at school.
Madeline is worried by Bonnie's behaviour and later shocked when Abigail says she's not going to college. Mary Louise, Celeste's mother-in-law, offers her unvarnished assessment of Madeline's character. Jane learns that she's known in town as one of the "Monterey Five".
Renata faces an uncertain future when Gordon lands in legal trouble. Corey asks Jane out on a practice date. After a challenging therapy session with Dr. Reisman, Celeste opens up to Mary Louise about her relationship with Perry. Ed confronts Madeline about her secrets.
Mary Louise tries to get closer to Jane. Rather than address her troubles at home, Renata focuses her wrath on Principal Nippal. Madeline is forced to confront her issues at a couples therapy session with Dr. Reisman. Celeste remains conflicted by her memories of Perry.
Celeste accuses Mary Louise of overstepping boundaries with Jane. Renata endures a prying court hearing with Gordon. Jane opens up to Corey at Amabella's birthday party. Madeline continues to try to make things right with Ed.
Renata deals with the fallout from Gordon's legal troubles and attempts to help Celeste. Bonnie relives painful memories from her past.
Celeste is blindsided by Mary Louise. Gordon continues to disappoint Renata. Bonnie contemplates a solution to her mother's suffering and her own ongoing guilt. Ed entertains an unusual proposition before catching Madeline in an unguarded moment.
Celeste questions Mary Louise about a tragic event from Perry's childhood. Madeline worries their lie is tearing the "Monterey Five" apart.
