Grosse Pointe Backyard Society – The Cup

We open with the continuation of the flash-forward gala scene from earlier within the season. Doug, using a poisonous cocktail of whiskey and wounded pleasure, pushes Alice right into a brutal selection between who is aware of her higher, him or Brett. When Alice throws down the verbal gardening gloves with a strong, “neither,” the drama spikes, and we get one of the gripping, messy brawls this present has ever staged—Doug and Brett throwing punches only a room away from his dad and mom toasting his current promotion. The irony is sharp, the enhancing even sharper. That is Grosse Pointe Backyard Society flexing its cinematic muscular tissues.

And the theme of the week? Gardening as relationship dynamics, voiced by none apart from Keith, Doug’s weary, truth-dropping dad. The metaphor would possibly sound quaint, however right here it packs an emotional wallop. “Have a tendency an excessive amount of and also you’ll drive the opposite particular person away…” Yeah, we felt that as Alice watches Doug play video video games as an alternative of selecting up a paintbrush.

“The Cup” – GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY. Pictured: Ben Rappaport as Brett, AnnaSophia Robb as Alice, Melissa Fumero as Birdie and Aja Naomi King as Catherine. Photograph: Mark Hill/NBC ©2025 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

The Cup Saga 

Ah sure, the titular “Cup.” It’s the final word gardening glory, and this episode reveals the crew at their most unified, solely to be backstabbed as soon as once more by chaotic queen Marilyn. Her shock addition of 4 Easter Island cosplay nightmares to the backyard often is the funniest and most disastrous factor she’s executed but—and that’s saying loads. When Catherine lastly stands as much as her, it’s superb. For a second, we predict the staff is doomed…till they don’t seem to be.

Bloomfield Hills cheats. Bertie sniffs it out. Olga—queen of quiet competence—goes full backyard detective. Choose Rico’s relationship with Theodore is uncovered, and the once-lost cup is returned in a second of final satisfaction. Catherine provides Marilyn a public shoutout (progress!), and Bertie is formally again for subsequent gardening season. It’s a win in additional methods than one.

Character Progress (and Decay) 

This episode is a personality showcase:

Alice is exhausted however evolving. She’s attempting to carry a sophisticated relationship collectively whereas being pushed towards one thing greater. Her getting Doug to forgive his dad and mom in order that she may have the higher hand? Masterful.

Doug is spiraling in a slow-motion collapse, torn between the life he thinks he ought to stay and the one Alice sees for him. That Monster-in-Legislation piece? A brutal mirror. His response? Anticipated, but heartbreaking.

Catherine will get her massive boss second, after which reveals stunning mercy to Marilyn. The scene at Marilyn’s home? Quietly devastating.

Bertie stays the soul of the present. Wealthy, lonely, and craving love in all of the flawed locations. Her realization that she doesn’t slot in along with her outdated socialite associates anymore hit arduous.

Additionally, shoutout to Donna. The silent mouse who discovered her roar. The 1957 by-law? Chef’s kiss.

“The Cup” – GROSSE POINTE GARDEN SOCIETY. Pictured: AnnaSophia Robb as Alice, Aja Naomi King as Catherine, Melissa Fumero as Birdie and Ben Rappaport as Brett. Photograph: Mark Hill/NBC ©2025 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Closing Act 

“Should you don’t use energy proper, the whole lot dies.”

Chills.

Closing Ideas: