The intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and an enigmatic mother and daughter who upend their lives. Explore the weight of secrets, the nature of art and identity, the ferocious pull of motherhood – and the danger in believing that following the rules can avert disaster.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 04, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
The picture-perfect lives of the Richardson family are upended by the mysterious arrival of artist Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl in Shaker Heights, OH – an idyllic town founded on the utopian principals of harmony and order. Egged on by her guilty conscious, do-gooder Elena Richardson rents to the mother-daughter duo, irrevocably intertwining the fates of the two families.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 585 votes.
Party preparations for Mirabelle McCullough’s first birthday are underway as Mia helps Bebe search for her daughter. To Pearl’s dismay, Moody tries to take their relationship to the next level at the Homecoming dance while Izzy sends a message to April. Mia’s discovery at Mirabelle’s birthday threatens her newfound friendship with Elena.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 445 votes.
In 1981, Mia begins studying at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, where she meets the captivating photographer Pauline Hawthorne. Struggling to pay her tuition, Mia makes a decision that will change the course of her entire life. A young Elena questions past choices as she adjusts to life with a fourth child.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 410 votes.
As Moody’s friendship with Pearl deepens, Elena’s relationship with Mia grows increasingly strained. Unsettled by a faulty reference, Elena snoops into Mia’s past while Lexie worries about her Yale admissions essay. Mia bonds with her immigrant co-worker Bebe Chow, who makes a confession with far-reaching consequences.
The episode was rated 7.75 from 491 votes.
Moody is envious of Pearl's friendship with Lexie, as Lexie enjoys her newly sexually-active status with Brian. Inspired by Lexie, Pearl explores her budding sexuality and sets her sights on Trip. Mia and Elena find themselves at odds over Mirabelle/May Ling, which ends in an epic showdown and launches a custody battle.
The episode was rated 7.82 from 418 votes.
Bill Richardson has his hands full representing the McCullough’s in the custody case. Lexie finds out upsetting news and turns to Pearl for help. Elena goes to New York to search for clues about Mia’s past and enlists the help of an old acquaintance.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 407 votes.
Mia, Bebe, and lawyer Ed Lan prepare their case against the McCulloughs. Izzy grows closer to Mia over a shared experience while her relationship with Elena reaches a boiling point. Bill and Elena’s marriage is tested. Trip and Pearl continue to explore their relationship while Lexie and Brian consider ending theirs.
The episode was rated 7.91 from 397 votes.
Elena’s bombshell reveal to Pearl threatens to forever damage Pearl’s relationship with her mother. Moody feels betrayed when he discovers Trip and Pearl’s secret. And the jury’s divisive verdict triggers a series of catastrophic events, which leads three of our characters to leave Shaker Heights for good.
The episode was rated 8.11 from 403 votes.
