The fourth episode of "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" opens with a glimpse into the future, where Doug and Alice appear to be thriving in harmony as they gear up for a grand garden party. Doug, lacing up his running shoes, catches our attention; notably, these are the very same shoes we spotted at the climax of the previous episode, hinting at a possible narrative thread. Off he goes on his usual jog, only to return with an envelope containing a bombshell – evidence that Alice has been awarded a writing gig in New York. To Doug's astonishment, it transpires that Brett secretly applied for this opportunity on Alice's behalf, intending to expose her dissatisfaction with Doug at the upcoming garden party.
Tensions flair as Brett confronts Doug, leaving Alice caught in the crossfire. The altercation spills over into the festive atmosphere, turning the garden party into a battleground. Adding to the drama, the policeman from the previous episode reveals he was actually inquiring about Doug to Brett.
In the present timeline, Birdie grapples with finding her niche within the Garden Society, her situation urgent as she seeks to please her supervisor and avoid a jail sentence. Desperation sets in until she overhears whispers about a break-in orchestrated by the Bloomfield Hills Garden Guild, a rival faction aiming to sabotage their upcoming competition. Seizing this moment, Birdie conceives a plan.
Meanwhile, Doug returns home, albeit temporarily, to collect his mail. Alice, anticipating Brett's visit for companionship, had stepped out to fetch snacks. However, Doug's demeanor is distant, brushing off Alice's attempts at reconciliation with icy silence. The situation escalates when he drops a bombshell: they're facing eviction due to three months of unpaid rent. For Doug, this serves as a catalyst for their inevitable separation, paving the way for Alice to pursue her New York dream.
Desperate to turn things around, Alice embarks on a quest for alternative employment, only to find her interview endeavors consistently veering off course, leaving her at a seemingly insurmountable dead-end. Matters worsen when her attempts to gain ground with Brett falter, hindered by Doug's suspicions of their growing closeness.
Meanwhile, Catherine too finds herself in a quandary, her presentation at school reduced to a paralyzing standstill. As the Special Events Chair amidst a tumultuous relationship with Tucker, she faces pressure to resign, labeled as unable to "set a positive example." The whispers of her marital strife have spread across town, leaving her unsure of how to navigate the scrutinizing gaze. Later, at the Garden Society, Birdie endeavors to comfort her, reassuring that she's not alone and urging her to ignore the detractors—advice easier given than taken.
Turning the spotlight on setting examples, Birdie marches to Joel at the police station, fresh from stitching up her fellow gardeners' wounds. Prior to this, she had infiltrated the Bloomfield Hills Garden Guild, charming her way into potential membership before seizing an unlocked moment—literally stealing a glass champion cup from their cabinet and rushing straight to Joel. Joel, astonished by her audacious act of breaking and entering to expose what she believed Bloomfield Hills was doing, nonetheless agrees to aid her—but not without a price: a drink together later. Amidst this intricate dance, it emerges that Birdie once carried a secret pregnancy during her high school days.
Joel fulfills his role diligently, revealing that the rival garden group was not responsible for the break-in at the Garden Society. It was Ford! Understandably incensed, Birdie confronts him that very night, detailing how his actions could cost her her standing within the club and even land her behind bars.
After pondering extensively on what measures to take concerning the school, Catherine returns to the scene, deftly highlighting the shortcomings of several other parents in attendance. Boldly, she calls them out in front of everyone, effectively dismantling any attempts to usurp her position by emphasizing their past mistakes. Remarkably, her tactics seem to resonate!
Meanwhile, Alice internalizes Brett's advice and resolves to make significant changes to salvage her relationship. In a cozy restaurant ambiance, she proudly displays Doug's paintings, which she's managed to sell at inflated prices, ensuring they can cover their rent and dodge eviction. With sincerity, Alice vows to devote herself more fully to him, although we are privy to the future timeline where this dedication does not yield a favorable outcome.
The following day, Birdie confesses to the group that she was the culprit behind the theft of the glass cup. Though she attempts to take full responsibility, Catherine hatches a different plan. She dramatically smashes the cup on the floor and decides to sweep the entire incident under the rug, thereby cementing their bond as a cohesive team.
That very night, Gary's worried wife arrives at Catherine's doorstep, desperate for a word. She hasn't heard from him in days, and it appears that Gary has vanished into thin air, leaving her in a state of焦虑 and concern.
