Ep 5. What Happens Upstate

In First Wives Club season 1 episode 5, titled "What Happens Upstate," the trio of former college friends exquisitely played by Ryan Michelle Bathe, Jill Scott, and Michelle Buteau are in for another bittersweet adventure and plenty of high jinks as they take a trip upstate with their identical baggage, both literally and metaphorically.

The three ladies are excited about their trip to upstate New York, which provides them an opportunity to bring Clorinda, Bree's (Bathe) daughter, and enjoy some down-time away from the city. Bree, who’s had it tough with her scamming husband, is trying everything in her power to make their weekend getaway feel like a vacation. But life never seems to be that simple, and things take an unexpected turn when they hit a detour and accidentally lose their luggage.

Even though they appear to be having a good time initially, their weekend trip becomes quite a challenging one when they start to deal with issues that they face back at home. They’re all going through a lot in their respective lives, and cooped up together in a small, remote hotel room leads to some revealing and intense conversations. Each character is also dealing with her own baggage, which they unpack in some candid and emotional moments.

Ari (Scott) is still reeling from her divorce and dealing with custody issues surrounding her daughter, Destiny, whom she had at a young age. She tries her best to make sure her daughter’s life does not resemble her childhood. But it's tough to pick up the pieces when everything seems to be falling apart for her. Although she’s tough on the exterior, we see her break down in a moving monologue about her parenting struggles.

Michelle (Buteau), a celebrated singer, finds it challenging to balance her music career with her personal life. Meanwhile, Bree still has not made any progress in securing a job, with her independence and self-worth riding on the line. The challenges they face—whether it's loss, failure, or broken relationships—are explored in a relatable and real manner.

In this episode, we see a lot more of Clorinda, Bree’s daughter, who’s a source of joy and pride for her mother. She’s also a stark reminder of how Bree’s life could have been different. In keeping with the themes of the show, the mother-daughter relationship also has its bittersweet moments and overarching theme of regret.

But the women find solace in each other and in the natural beauty of upstate, exploring the wilderness to camp out and take outdoor baths. They indulge in some alcohol, dance around a fire, and bond in a way that is reminiscent of their college days. It's a moment of carefree satisfaction that provides the women an escape from the reality of their individual lives.

"What Happens Upstate" is another enjoyable episode of First Wives Club, one that highlights the unique bond between the three leads. Through their individual experiences, we see how they support each other and find comfort in one another’s company. It's a heartfelt journey, complete with tears, laughter, and everything else in between. By the end of the episode, viewers will find the relationships between these three women, more compelling, as the show moves forward into what is sure to be an insightful and engaging story.