S01.E03: Monster

[Snazzy Daisy]

Quote

Devon gains deeper insight into Michaela's unique magnetism.

With Ethan out of reach, Simone finds herself on Peter's trail instead.

Air Date: May 22, 2025

[Snazzy Daisy]

[Snazzy Daisy]

This episode nearly gave me a panic attack. I have prepared myself the entire time for a revelation that Ethan is dead, getting pushed off a cliff.

Several other unexpected things — Bruce arrives on the island and Simone getting proposed by Ethan.

Was Michaela a victim of a billionaire’s love bombing? Isn’t someone with a law degree supposed to not be easily manipulated? 🤔

[thuganomics85]

Not sure if Michaela really does have some kind of magical power that can manipulate people or if all of the stuff with Devon was just shot in a mythical way to show what her mindset was.  Granted, it doesn't work on everyone since Jose was able to not roll over and do her bidding.  Maybe his loyalty towards Peter trumps it.  Granted, he probably should take her advice and watch his back, because she does strike me as someone who can be vindictive.

Funny that Michaela thought Peter was having an affair this entire time, but it turns out he was off the grid and just trying to avoid all of the crazy socialite drama that entails her life.  But then he ends up proving her right by trying to make a move on Simone.  I wonder if him finding out she also has panic attacks made him take more of a notice or was that attraction always there?

Did not realize until now that Josh Segarra was playing Raymond this entire time.

Figured Ethan wouldn't be dead, but I was surprised over the revelation that he left to Buffalo to get their dad (and Raymond), and is now proposing to Simone.  I'm guessing it's part of some kind of scheme Michaela has cooked up since they were last seen talking together.  Maybe she thinks all of them together will make them one big, cult-like happy family?  Or maybe it's the reverse: that having the dad here will mess with Simone, because Michaela really is mad at her over the lies?

[Pi237]

Disappointed that Peter made a pass at Simone, so cliche. But I guess they had to pile on the reasons for Michaela to go long game on Simone. 
 

The Devon shopping excursion was bizarre and done like a fever dream. I expected her to wake up in Peter’s room after smoking too much, and finally having ‘a dream.’ 
 

The acting is very soap opera on this one, but it’s an easy watch. So,  Im in, but it’s not really grabbing me as a ‘mysterious’ show.  I’m not intrigued about who Michaela really is or get the feeling she’s powerful with otherworldly powers lol. It’s more a quirky comedy/drama with over acting and beautiful scenery.

”He brought light beer! Light beer!” 

[Anela]

So Ethan really does love Simone, and Simone was panicking over Michaela finding out about them. She didn’t look thrilled with the ring and proposal.

I was waiting for the husband to hit on Simone.

It seems like Michaela is hypnotizing people.  Hence the title of the show. 

[dubbel zout]

On 5/25/2025 at 8:04 AM, Pi237 said:

The Devon shopping excursion was bizarre and done like a fever dream. I expected her to wake up in Peter’s room after smoking too much, and finally having ‘a dream.’ 

Was this the episode where Cloe, Lisa, and Astrid talk about where they were before Michaela rescued them? Because it was a nice in-joke that Cloe said she was a nail technician in Florida. (Jenn Lyon played one in Claws.)

[chaifan]

On 5/25/2025 at 8:04 AM, Pi237 said:

The acting is very soap opera on this one, but it’s an easy watch. So,  Im in, but it’s not really grabbing me as a ‘mysterious’ show.  I’m not intrigued about who Michaela really is or get the feeling she’s powerful with otherworldly powers lol. It’s more a quirky comedy/drama with over acting and beautiful scenery.

I agree.  It's got a Knives Out/The Residence type of quirkyness to it, but without the murder mystery.  I think the acting is supposed to be soapy, Julianne Moore is a great actress.  I think she's having fun being a bit over the top with this.  And god, yes, the scenery is stunning.  The island, the house, the decor, Michaela's wardrobe and jewelry... I love all of it!  (Slightly off topic - I read recently that Sarah Jessica Parker had it written into her contract to own all of Carrie's wardrobe.  I really hope Julianne Moore did the same with this show!)

I don't know if they're going to go somewhere supernatural-esque with this, or to just leave it as Michaela having a "hypnotic personality".  I mean, she does have about as close of a cult following as you can get without actually being a cult.  The floral print chorus is both disturbing and hilarious.

I love how the staff just stopped talking as soon as Devon mentioned the 1st wife's name.  The staff really make this show for me - again a type of upstairs/downstairs dynamic that is similar to Knives Out and The Residence.