Episode 5 of The Curse unfolds entirely within the serene confines of a passive home in New Mexico, where Whitney and Asher are eager to seal a deal with Dennis and Lucinda, their prospective buyers. Not only are they negotiating a real estate transaction, but they're also capturing every moment for HGTV's cameras, ready to captivate audiences with the charm of this unique property.
At the heart of the negotiation lies a non-binding contract, yet its implications are profound. It serves as a token of solidarity with the Native American tribe that owns the surrounding roads and lands, who are currently locked in a dispute with the federal government over easement rights. However, the catch is that if Dennis and Lucinda claim ownership of the house, they would effectively cede its title to the community. Whitney enlists Asher's help to convince the couple to sign, but he finds himself struggling to broach the subject. This intriguing drama plays out onscreen, captivating viewers with its intricate plotlines.
As the cameras roll, the conversation veers off-topic, with Lucinda and Dennis joking about the home's waste management system, likening it to a prison. Asher joins in the laughter, following the advice he received from the focus group. Whitney, however, remains unamused, refuting their claims. When Dennis suggests installing air conditioning, Whitney's agitation intensifies, as it would compromise the passive certification of the house. Despite her efforts to convince the couple of the house's merits, the conversation fails to progress as planned. Lucinda is particularly adamant, asserting that they won't be constrained by any certification and will do as they please with the house. In retaliation, Whitney brings up the contract papers, but it seems more like a tactic to dissuade them from purchasing the home rather than a genuine attempt to secure their signature.
Desperate to find a new buyer, Whitney and Asher debate two options: filming with actors who may not ultimately purchase the house or filming with potential homeowners, a more challenging prospect. Though they have a backup buyer, a college student, Whitney dismisses the idea, fearing it wouldn't resonate with viewers. Instead, she calls upon her "good friend" Cara to pose as a potential buyer on camera. Cara seems eager to help, but once in front of the cameras, her enthusiasm transforms into almost mockery, challenging Whitney's authority and adding another layer of complexity to this already tumultuous episode.
Her sarcastic façade verged on being insulting, forcing them to explore alternative options. As Asher mentioned Mark Rose's name, Whitney's eyebrows furrowed, uneasy with his political affiliations. Instead, she chose to take Tonya, the assistant director, to Santa Fe to scout for ordinary folk on the streets. After careful deliberation, they settled on a charming couple and a single mother with her newborn.
In the midst of their scouting, they stumbled upon a commotion at the plaza, where a woman was being apprehended for stealing a pair of jeans. Whitney strode into the jeans store, handing her credit card to Enola, the cashier, and instructed her to charge it whenever such incidents occurred. Even the sight of Fernando's gun, casually resting on the counter, unnerved her as she sipped her coffee at the newly opened shop.
Whitney envisioned a perfect pairing of the male pedestrian with the single lady, but their discomfort with the idea dashed her plans. She longed to capture the essence of a family on camera, knowing it would resonate with the audience. Finally, she conceded and let the couple be themselves, but added a touch of drama by revealing that the woman was expecting. This minor adjustment marked a small triumph for Whitney, who had endured a trying day.
Just before this, she had to firmly dissuade her parents, Paul and Lizzy, from meddling in her affairs. It was revealed that they owned the entire property and had entrusted Whitney with its development. Yet, they persisted in reminding her of their superiority, which grated on her nerves.
Whitney's annoyance with Asher escalated when he contacted Mark and invited him over for a discussion. Asher pleaded with Whitney to set aside her prejudices, but she remained unyielding. However, to her astonishment, Mark turned out to be quite different from what she had anticipated. His generosity towards charities, enthusiasm for the house, and Apache heritage made him the ideal homebuyer. He was a stellar character for the reality show, but Whitney felt diminished, as if she had lost a battle to Asher. Her disgruntlement was evident as she barely acknowledged Asher's words as they retreated to bed.
