The Perfect Couple Isn't What Anyone Expected (For Better & Worse...) | Ending Explained

Summary

The Perfect Couple, starring Nicole Kidman and Megan Fahey, diverges from expectations by offering a light-hearted murder mystery. Based on Ellen Hillerbrand's novel, it centers on a wealthy Nantucket family with hidden dysfunctions. The series subverts typical Prestige drama tropes, aiming for entertainment over heavy themes. After a series of twists, it's revealed that Abby, Tom's wife, is the murderer, driven by a desire to protect the family trust. The show concludes with characters finding new paths, suggesting personal growth and a fresh start.

Takeaways

• 📺 'The Perfect Couple' was marketed as a murder mystery miniseries but diverged into a more light-hearted drama.
• 🎭 The show starred Nicole Kidman and Megan Fahey, with a supporting cast that included other notable actors.
• 🎶 The opening credits featured a choreographed dance to a Meghan Trainor song, setting a tone of fun and entertainment.
• 🏖️ The series aimed to be a 'beach read' adaptation, focusing on entertainment over heavy themes.
• 🔍 The plot revolves around a wealthy family in Nantucket with hidden secrets and financial issues.
• 💍 The murder of Merritt, who was pregnant with the family patriarch's child, becomes the central mystery.
• 🕵️‍♀️ The investigation leads to multiple suspects, with twists and turns that keep the audience guessing.
• 🤰 The murderer is revealed to be Abby, the pregnant wife of one of the sons, motivated by financial concerns.
• 📚 The show deviates from the source material, changing the nature of Merritt's death from accidental to intentional.
• 🌟 Despite mixed reviews, 'The Perfect Couple' ends on a hopeful note, with characters finding growth and new beginnings.

Q & A

What was the initial expectation of 'The Perfect Couple' miniseries?

The initial expectation was that 'The Perfect Couple' would be another serious murder mystery miniseries, similar to 'Big Little Lies', given Nicole Kidman's involvement.

How does 'The Perfect Couple' differ from the typical Prestige murder show?

It was intended to be more light-hearted and entertaining, with a focus on having fun rather than being a critique of wealth or analyzing trauma and social connections.

What was the purpose behind the kooky opening credit scene with a choreographed dance?

The director wanted to make it clear from the start that the show was about having fun and not intended to be a serious murder mystery.

What is the source material for 'The Perfect Couple' and how does the show differ from it?

It is based on Ellen Hiller Brand's 2018 novel of the same name, but with major changes to the ending and some plot points, such as the nature of Merritt's death.

Who are the main characters in 'The Perfect Couple'?

The main characters include Greer, played by Nicole Kidman, her husband Tag, their children, and Amelia, who is set to marry Greer's son Benji.

What is the central conflict that arises in the story?

The central conflict is the murder of Merritt, who was having an affair with Tag and was pregnant with his child, leading to Tag and Greer becoming prime suspects.

How does the show handle the financial issues within the family?

The family appears wealthy but is dealing with financial issues, with Tag's wealth tied up in a trust that won't pay out until the youngest son turns 18.

What is the significance of the character Shooter in the series?

Shooter is revealed to be Greer's secret brother, and the money Greer wired to him was to pay off his gambling debts, not to hire a hitman.

Who is ultimately revealed as the murderer in 'The Perfect Couple'?

Abby, Tom's pregnant wife, is revealed to be the murderer. She drugged Merritt to prevent her from sleeping with Tom, but the plan backfired, leading to Merritt's death.

How does the series end and what message does it convey?

The series ends with most relationships broken and the characters moving on to discover their true selves. It conveys a message of personal growth and the pursuit of happiness outside of the constraints of their previous lives.

What was the showrunner's reason for changing the nature of Merritt's death from accidental to intentional?

The showrunner changed Merritt's death to be intentional because she felt that for it to be a murder mystery, it needed to actually involve a murder.