Ep 1. The Rub of Sugarland

The Client List is an hour-long drama series that centers around Riley Parks, a young mother who has fallen on hard times. Played by Jennifer Love Hewitt, Riley has just been deserted by her husband, forcing her to take up a job at the Rub of Sugarland, a day spa in Texas. In the season 1 premiere episode, titled The Rub of Sugarland, we are introduced to Riley and her two children, Travis and Katie.

The episode opens with Riley struggling to make ends meet. She has bills piling up and is behind on her mortgage payments. She is also dealing with the emotional pain of being abandoned by her husband, who left her for another woman. With no other options available to her, Riley turns to her best friend, Lacey, for help. Lacey suggests that Riley apply for a job at the Rub of Sugarland, where she has been working as a masseuse.

Riley is hesitant at first, fearing that the job may be inappropriate. However, Lacey assures her that there is nothing shady about the spa and that it is a respectable establishment. Lured by the promise of a $2000 a week paycheck, Riley decides to apply for the job.

At the interview, Riley is impressed by the spa's luxurious facilities and the friendly staff. She is given a tour of the place by the owner, Georgia Cummings, who turns out to be a glamorous and sophisticated woman. Georgia is impressed by Riley's resume and offers her a job as a masseuse. However, she warns Riley that all the spa's employees are expected to provide "extras" to their clients.

Riley is shocked and appalled at the suggestion that she should offer sexual services to the clients. However, Georgia makes it clear that it is a requirement of the job. With no other options available to her, Riley reluctantly agrees to the job.

The first day at the spa is overwhelming for Riley. She is introduced to the other employees, who are a motley bunch of women, each with their own secrets. The clients are equally diverse, including a middle-aged woman suffering from back pain, a young bride-to-be seeking some relaxation, and a wealthy businessman looking for a good time.

As Riley begins her first massage, she struggles with the ethical dilemma of whether or not to provide the "extras" that are expected of her. However, she is soon reminded of her financial situation and the needs of her children. She decides to go ahead with the service but is caught by Lacey, who is aghast at her friend's decision.

Meanwhile, Riley's estranged husband, Kyle, makes a surprise appearance at her house, claiming that he wants to make things right between them. He apologizes for his past mistakes and begs for Riley's forgiveness. However, Riley is skeptical of his intentions and wary of trusting him again.

As the episode draws to a close, Riley is confronted by Georgia, who accuses her of giving a client a "regular" massage instead of the promised "extras". Riley is shocked and denies the accusation, but Georgia warns her that she has to play by the rules of the Rub of Sugarland or else she will be out of a job.

Overall, The Rub of Sugarland sets up the premise of the series and introduces us to the complex world of the spa and its employees. The episode establishes Riley as a sympathetic protagonist, struggling to provide for her family while also grappling with moral dilemmas. With its strong cast and compelling storyline, The Client List promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking drama series.