Episode 1 of "The Perfect Couple" kicks off with a glitzy wedding rehearsal unfolding at the majestic Summerland Beach estate, nestled in the idyllic shores of Nantucket. The spotlight falls on Benji, the second son of the ultra-wealthy Winbury clan, as he prepares to tie the knot with Amelia, a down-to-earth zoologist from modest beginnings. Initially, the festivities seem poised for perfection, yet beneath the shimmering surface, tensions simmer.
Benji's elder brother, Thomas, casts a shadow over the proceedings, clashing with virtually everyone in sight, including the blushing bride and his own heavily pregnant wife, Abby. As the sun sets over the waves, an ominous scene unfolds: a drink, adorned with a lipstick stain, abandoned on a table, while a chilling discovery awaits in the depths of the sea – a female corpse.
The following dawn brings with it the unwelcome call for Chief Dan Carter, summoned to unravel the mystery of the deceased guest. Adding to the turmoil, his daughter Chloe, meant to grace the wedding as a caterer, finds herself in a panic, clutching a bloodstained shirt. Detective Henry arrives on the scene, her investigative prowess clashing with Carter's rigid methodology, fueling an instant dislike between the two.
Their probe commences, delving into the minds of the wedding planner, Roger Pelton, Abby, the maid Gosia, and Isabel, a cherished family friend. Amelia too, stands before them, her wedding gown a stark contrast to the grimness of the investigation, a small cut on her foot an unintended detail.
Flashbacks transport us to the morning of the rehearsal, where Amelia's gentle nature is evident as she tenderly escorts a ladybug to safety amidst her bridal preparations, her modesty at odds with Benji's fastidious mother, Greer. Greer, a stickler for etiquette, bristles at Amelia's every move, their barbed exchanges providing comic relief for the male members of the family.
Meanwhile, Greer's husband, Tag, remains a distant figure, his lack of attention to her piercing. Her suspicions are further aroused when she overhears from her jeweler that Tag has purchased a bracelet, sparking fears of an affair – for he has never gifted her such a token of affection. On another front, Benji confronts Greer over their breakfast spat, revealing her disdain for Amelia, whom she views as disrespectful and an ill-fitting match for their esteemed lineage.
Enid, Greer's editor, rings with a call that underscores Greer's status as a wildly popular novelist. However, her celebrity is a dual-edged sword, shared by Tag, as Enid insists on joint interviews, perpetuating the facade of their idyllic partnership. Greer attempts to decline but relents when Enid's probing questions leave her with little choice.
In the prophetic interrogations that flash forward, the suspects unanimously portray Greer as a enigmatic figure, guarding her secrets closely. Tag, on the other hand, captivates all with his charm, yet remains an unsolvable puzzle. His golf games turn into avian pursuits, and his canoe holds more of his attention than Thomas' plea for a loan. Upon learning of Amelia's mother, Karen's, cancer diagnosis, Tag's unconventional advice veers towards marijuana and recreational drugs, further adding to his enigmatic aura.
The arrival of Karen and Bruce stirs up tensions anew, as the Winburys disdain their perceived ordinariness and mock the humble fruit basket as their gift. While Bruce seeks solace in the water, Karen surreptitiously conceals a few pills, their cautionary labels a testament to hidden struggles.
At the poolside, the youth revel in their own world. Merritt, the maid of honor, playfully angles for a selfie with Shooter, the best man, their moment interrupted by Will, the youngest Winbury, fresh from a heartbreak. Merritt, seizing the opportunity, has Shooter capture a photo of her with Will, intending to fuel jealousy among Will's ex-lover's circle. But Shooter finds himself unexpectedly drawn to Merritt's charm. Among the suspects, Merritt is labeled promiscuous, whispers swirling.
Back by the pool's edge, Amelia confides in Merritt, voicing her disdain for Greer, their jests turning sour as they speculate Amelia married Tag for his wealth. The conversation deepens, Amelia's doubts creeping in, questioning whether her love for Benji is genuine or merely a fleeting emotion amidst her mother's impending loss. Merritt, in turn, ponders if Amelia's impending marriage is a desperate grasp at normalcy, hastened by Karen's illness.
As Amelia gracefully enters the room, Benji surprises her with a painting he's meticulously crafted, capturing her essence in a regal light. She approaches it with a mix of awe and amusement, noting his effort to depict her as a queen. Attempting to reciprocate his feelings, Amelia makes a subtle advance, but Benji's attempt to lock eyes with her only serves to irritate her. Deep down, she believes she's unworthy of his affection and, with a heavy heart, she retreats from the scene.
Shifting focus back to the intense interrogation, the suspects' murmurs echo with disbelief: Amelia's sudden inclusion in their midst, the whirlwind romance that blossomed in mere months—it all seems too implausible. Adding to the mystery, the police uncover a chilling discovery: the suspected murder weapon, a sharp oyster shucker knife, lying ominously nearby.
The narrative rewinds to the serene evening of the rehearsal dinner, where all seems well. Benji's heartfelt speech resonates, recounting the magical moment he first laid eyes on Amelia at the zoo, love striking instantly. Meanwhile, Abby and Thomas's discord over finding a new abode escalates, with Thomas's frustration boiling over into spiteful remarks aimed at Merritt. Benji, sensing the tension, diplomatically suggests a dip in the pool as an escape, and Thomas reluctantly acquiesces, leaving the room.
The climax of The Perfect Couple's first episode unfolds as Amelia, alone in her chamber, admires her wedding gown in the mirror. Suddenly, her gaze falls upon a chilling sight—the lifeless body of Merritt, lying unnoticed in the corner. A jolt of horror courses through her veins as she rushes towards the gruesome discovery, the reality of the situation sinking in with each step: the groom-to-be, now forever silenced.
