The fifth episode of "Grosse Pointe Garden Society" kicks off with Catherine in a tailspin, her heart racing and mind reeling after discovering Gary's inexplicable disappearance. Her turmoil intrudes upon an intimate moment with Tucker, their lovemaking abruptly halted by her distressed thoughts.
Meanwhile, Gary finds himself abruptly ejected from a van, clad only in his underwear, and he scampers away in a panic. His demeanor is shattered, especially when Catherine unexpectedly confronts him at the store the following day. His appearance reveals a missing tooth and evident signs of rough handling. He urgently urges her to keep his plight a secret from Tucker.
Elsewhere, Joel and Birdie embark on a drinking outing, where Joel confesses a startling revelation: he lied during his polygraph test to gain entrance to the FBI. This confession sets the stage for a flirtatious exchange between the two, as they delve into the topic of solitude. Birdie briefly recounts her string of ex-lovers, oblivious to the fact that Ford is lurking outside, observing their interaction with an unseen eye.
The next day at the Garden Society, Brett unveils a surprising development: he has joined a dating app, seeking to fill the emptiness left by his single status. Believe me, friend, true companionship won't blossom from such superficial ventures! Meanwhile, Alice's subtle jealousy becomes apparent, further emphasizing the intriguing dynamics brewing between them.
In the unfolding future narrative, Catherine willingly takes the wheel of their vehicle, with "Quiche" reluctantly stuffed in the trunk alongside them. She confesses, her voice laden with guilt, that the entire predicament is solely "her fault," and insists that Birdie accompany her, adopting the guise of the "inebriated companion in desperate need of a ride back home."
As they journey onward, fate deals them an unexpected blow when the car sputters to a halt, the gas gauge resting stubbornly on empty. Birdie, astounded by Catherine's eerie composure amidst the chaos, finds herself contemplating her friend's newfound realization that humanity's capabilities stretch far beyond her former perceptions.
Through sheer ingenuity, the duo manages to limp to a nearby gas station, only to confront a fresh dilemma: their pockets are as barren as the highway. Their only hope lies within the trunk, where they must rummage through their unwilling passenger's belongings. Catherine snatches a vial of pills, intending to barter them for fuel, only to notice with a pang of dread that Quiche's name is inscribed upon it, necessitating a hasty erasure.
Switching back to the present tense, domestic discord brews as Tucker studiously avoids Catherine, immersing himself in late-night work, missing dinners, and even inadvertently slipping, hinting at his involvement in roughing up Gary.
Later that evening, Alice ventures over to Catherine's, and together with Birdie, they attempt to immerse themselves in the festive football spirit. However, Catherine's clumsiness results in scorched appetizers and a blaring smoke alarm, adding an unwelcome twist to the gathering. To her astonishment, beneath the smoldering remnants, she discovers a clandestine camera, a stark reminder that Tucker's trust in her is not as unwavering as she had believed.
Catherine confronts Tucker that very night, her eyes burning with indignation as she confronts him about the camera. He, in turn, justifies his actions by claiming he is merely safeguarding his family. He brazenly admits to his role in the altercation with Gary and reinforces the notion that she ended their affair not out of principle, but because she was duped.
Well, Catherine attempts to rectify her situation with Tucker by striking a seductive pose in lingerie before the cameras, hoping to win him back. As he returns home from work, her strategy appears to work wonders, and the couple heads straight to the bedroom, igniting passions once more.
Elsewhere, an awkward dinner date unfolds as Doug and Alice find themselves at the same restaurant as Brett and his new love interest, Cricket. It transpires that the two had attended a football game together, and Alice's jealousy is palpable. She vents to Doug that night, insisting her friend "deserves better." Meanwhile, Cricket senses the tension between Doug and Alice, realizing that Alice harbors deep feelings for Brett.
By the roadside, Joel, who had initially stopped Birdie to inquire about Ford—whose college plans have been derailed by Joel's troubled marriage—suddenly decides to kiss her, sparking an illicit affair. Birdie is acutely aware that this kiss will only complicate matters further. That evening, she visits Joel's wife, acknowledging that they must find a way to help Ford.
As the episode draws to a close, we discover that the pills found on the deceased belong to Gary. However, a dark turn looms on the horizon. In our future timeline, we witness the gas assistant accepting a trade but also coercing Catherine into surrendering a special bracelet gifted to her by Tucker. Oh dear, things are about to take a turn for the worse!
