In the affluent beachfront community of Monterey, CA, a suspicious death at an elementary school fundraiser draws attention to the frictions that exist among some of the mothers. An incident with the children at school causes battle lines to be drawn.
Jane deflects Ziggy's questions about why they moved. Madeline hears her theatre production might get derailed, and is outraged over a slight from Renata. Celeste suggests she and Perry see a counsellor. Nathan and Ed hope to smooth out tensions between their wives.
Hoping to irk Renata, Madeline organises a trip to compete with Amabella's party. After another spat, Celeste succumbs to Perry's charms before their first session with a therapist. Jane seeks Madeline's help with Ziggy's family tree project and opens up about her past.
Nathan invites Madeline and Ed to a couples' dinner to discuss Abigail. Celeste prepares for a city-council meeting about Madeline's play, despite Perry's concerns. While Madeline is confronted by a skeleton from her past, her sleuthing reveals a key player from Jane's.
Madeline receives encouraging news about the play from her director, Joseph Bachman, but is left concerned by his icy demeanour. Principal Nippal and Ms. Barnes share their conclusions about Ziggy and Amabella with Jane. Celeste is put on the spot by her therapist.
Madeline worries about the can of worms she's opened for Jane. Jane confronts Renata about a petition going around school regarding Ziggy. Dr. Reisman urges Celeste to start thinking about her exit strategy. Bonnie tells Nathan about Abigail's secret project.
Reese Witherspoon
Madeline Martha Mackenzie
Nicole Kidman
Celeste Wright
Shailene Woodley
Jane Chapman
Laura Dern
Renata Klein
Zoë Kravitz
Bonnie Carlson