I confess, Why Women Kill may indeed be my indulgent escape this year. Embracing a mouth-watering blend of dark humor and poignant drama, this CBS sensation shines brightly with three formidable female leads at the helm. It's a captivating hybrid of Desperate Housewives and Sex and the City, yet its dynamic narrative spanning three unique eras breathes a fresh and original vitality into the mix.
The narrative begins with poignant interviews of three husbands, each with a wife who possesses a distinct personality. Our journey commences in 1963, in the serene Pasadena. Newly settled, Beth Ann and Rob encounter their Brooklyn-bred neighbors, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Fast-forwarding to 1984, we encounter Simone and Karl, our second couple, before leaping into the present, 2019, where Taylor and Eli make their entrance. Here, Taylor boldly confronts a construction worker disturbing the peace of their abode. Following this succinct prologue, we dive deeper into the unique stories of each couple.
In 1963, Rob and Beth Ann settle into their new home and share a cup of hot beverage with their neighbors. However, when Rob's integrity is challenged by Sheila, tensions simmer. Later, Beth Ann overhears gossip in the supermarket, revealing Rob's affair. Horrified, she witnesses his betrayal firsthand as he kisses another woman while she watches helplessly from outside. Over dinner, Beth Ann delivers a chilling prophecy, declaring that Rob will meet his end. The following day, Beth Ann seeks advice from Sheila, who encourages her to confront the waitress and frighten her away from Rob. With a glass of wine for courage, Beth Ann enters the diner, introducing herself as Sheila to the unsuspecting blonde waitress, and unexpectedly finds herself engaging in a heartfelt conversation.
Meanwhile, in 1984, Simone hosts a party where she discovers her friend Wanda's true feelings of disdain. However, this revelation pales in comparison to the bombshell she receives in a letter, revealing photos of her husband Karl kissing another man. Enraged, Simone confronts Karl, demanding he pack his bags. Tragically, he overdoses on pills and collapses in his chair, leaving Simone to berate his lifeless body.
As the ambulance hurried away, leaving Simone clutching onto her lavish possessions, she found herself alone in the house until Tommy arrived. He sought to soothe her with tender kisses, yet she pulled away, unsettled. Despite his youthfulness, he pressed on, reminding her of his proposal mere days before her eighteenth birthday.
In 2019, Taylor and Eli debated the evening's culinary delights, a stark contrast to the other couplings' dynamics. Their unconventional bond was put to the test when Jade, Taylor's paramour, arrived for a weekend stay. Eli found himself captivated by her, but Taylor's request for Jade to extend her visit until Friday was met with Eli's firm refusal. In gratitude for their kindness, Jade transformed the house with a thorough cleaning and prepared a heartwarming breakfast.
Over lunch, Eli's friend persuaded him to explore a three-way encounter with Jade. However, as he conversed with her by the pool, his efforts to flirt were in vain. She complimented his uniqueness and planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. As Eli entered the house and informed Taylor of his decision to allow Jade to stay longer, a mischievous grin tugged at the corners of his lips.
The episode concluded as it had begun, with the three wives delving into the intricacies of murder and the reasons women resort to such extremes. 'Why Women Kill' is a captivating drama, seamlessly blending lush cinematography with vivid color palettes that evoke the grandeur of 1963 and the opulence of 1984. The costuming and subtle hue shifts heighten the distinction between eras. The actresses' performances are commendable, navigating the intricate scripts that reveal fascinating parallels and contrasts between the couples throughout the episode.
The artful editing between time periods, such as the shattering of a glass or a car pulling up to the house, adds a playful and diverse touch to the narrative. The mischievous soundtrack, with its array of strings and major key melodies, firmly embeds the show in the realm of dark comedy. While borrowing elements from the likes of 'Sex and the City' and 'Desperate Housewives,' 'Why Women Kill's' unique concept and masterful execution allow it to stand tall in its own right. It's still early in its run, but 'Why Women Kill' might just be the ultimate guilty pleasure of the year.
