As we traverse the midpoint of CBS's captivating comedic drama, "Why Women Kill," the intricate ties between its characters begin to strengthen, all while they navigate the treacherous path towards their inevitable tragic ends. Whether a surprise twist awaits remains a mystery, but for now, the show brilliantly interweaves dark humor with poignant drama.
In 1963, Sheila's anxiety mounts as Beth Ann edges closer to April, a waitress who is sleeping with her husband, Rob. However, Beth Ann dismisses her warnings and embarks on a skating adventure with April, sharing intimate confidences and embarking on a drug-fueled escapade. Discovering that it was Rob's idea to experiment with drugs, Beth Ann reluctantly indulges, gorging on brownies.
Unfortunately, Beth Ann has a dinner party with Rob scheduled for the evening, forcing her to rush home before the effects of the pot become overwhelming. Alas, it's too late. As she arrives, the drugs take hold, captivating her with a fascination for the swan napkin on her table. She laughs derisively at Rob's boss, mocking his inability to replicate such a masterpiece. Rob, noticing his wife's unusual behavior, confronts her discretely under the table. Beth Ann reveals her knowledge of his affair, leaving Rob flustered and bewildered.
As the evening draws to a close, Rob's boss compliments him on his good fortune, while the couple silently returns home. There, Beth Ann realizes that Rob is overwhelmed with work stress. Oblivious to Beth Ann's knowledge of his infidelity, they venture out for a midnight skating session.
In 1984, Tommy and Simone embark on what he believes to be their first date, gifting her a watch. However, Simone refuses to play along, leading to a dramatic outburst from Tommy. Back at home, Simone and Karl fret over the impending wedding they're planning, only to be interrupted by Amy, the bride-to-be, swigging wine from the bottle. It transpires that her fiancé has been unfaithful.
The following day, Tommy arrives with flowers and inquiries about their future, but is greeted with hostility and a hasty retreat. However, Amy appears at the stairs, and Simone quickly maneuvers the situation, convincing Amy that the bouquet is for her. This prompts Amy to invite Tommy out for a date that evening, which he eagerly accepts, much to Simone's envy.
As Amy escorted Tommy out, Simone emerged, boldly confessing her affection for him while Amy was distracted by Brad's sudden appearance. They reconciled, and Amy revealed the watch, a symbol of their restored bond.
In 2019, Jade braced herself for the worst as her purported boyfriend, Duke, loomed at her doorstep, provoking Eli. Taylor intervened, standing up to Duke, but at a cost to Eli's pride. As Duke retreated, it transpired that he had Jade's cherished pet, Teacup. The following day, Jade and Eli confronted Duke, but when he failed to respond, Eli resorted to drastic measures. He shattered the window, snatched the dog, and fled, with Duke in pursuit, wrapped only in a towel.
Back at home, Jade awaited Duke's arrival. As he ascended the stairs, she struck him with a hammer, her eyes blazing, and commanded him to leave.
These intricate storylines converge towards a foreboding climax, where a mysterious morgue attendant speaks of the motivations behind murder. True to its captivating aesthetic, "Why Women Kill" delivers another compelling episode, yet the 2019 timeline remains its Achilles' heel. Across four episodes, the narrative has yet to fully ignite, and the subplots involving Instagram influencers and Duke seem haphazard.
However, there are glimmers of brilliance. The 1963 and 1984 storylines continue to shine, with stellar acting and seamless transitions between scenes. As the show progresses, I eagerly await the 2019 storyline to gather momentum. With all three angles firing, "Why Women Kill" could truly become a masterpiece. As it stands, the show lacks a spark in its modern-day narrative, but if it can uncover that missing ingredient, we might witness a true triumph.
