Ep 1. La Maison du Bon Reve

Gypsy Rose Blanchard is the protagonist of season 1, episode 1 of The Act, titled “La Maison du Bon Reve.” The episode begins with Gypsy and her mom, Dee Dee Blanchard, portrayed by Patricia Arquette, moving into a new house in Missouri that they were given as a gift after losing their home in Hurricane Katrina. Gypsy has a host of medical problems, including muscular dystrophy, asthma, and seizures. Her mother controls everything about her life, from her medication to what she eats and what she's allowed to do, but Gypsy dreams of a life outside of their small town and her mother's control.

As Dee Dee starts to settle in and get to know their new neighbors, Gypsy becomes increasingly frustrated with her restrictive life. She is forbidden from using the internet, and she longs to connect with the world outside of her small town. One day, while Dee Dee is out, Gypsy sneaks onto the computer and visits a dating site, where she meets a man named Nick, played by Calum Worthy. Nick is a charming and flirtatious guy who immediately takes an interest in Gypsy, and they begin to exchange messages.

Dee Dee soon discovers what Gypsy has been up to and is furious. She takes Gypsy's laptop away and tells her that she'll never be able to use it again. Gypsy begs her mother to let her be her own person, but Dee Dee insists that she knows what's best for her daughter and will continue to control every aspect of her life. Meanwhile, Gypsy and Nick's relationship continues to grow online, and they begin to conspire about how they can finally meet in person.

The episode also gives a glimpse into Dee Dee's past, showing how she was always overprotective of Gypsy and convinced everyone around her that her daughter was severely disabled and required constant care. She tells lies about Gypsy's health and medication, and as a result, they receive a lot of attention from charitable organizations and the community, which fuels Dee Dee's need to keep up the facade.

Overall, "La Maison du Bon Reve" sets the tone for the rest of the season, with tension building between Gypsy and Dee Dee and hinting at the tragic events that eventually come to light. It's a fascinating and unsettling look into the lives of this mother and daughter, and the performances by Joey King and Patricia Arquette are both excellent. The episode sets up a lot of questions that will keep viewers hooked for the rest of the series.