The inaugural episode of "Expats" titled "The Peak" sets the stage for a gripping narrative that delves into the lives of expatriates in Hong Kong, with a particular focus on the Woo family and their entangled relationships. The episode opens with a poignant monologue that challenges our perspective on tragedy, suggesting that while we often focus on the victims, the perpetrators' stories are equally significant.
We are introduced to Margaret Woo, who relocated to Hong Kong with her family following her husband's promotion. Despite her new responsibilities, Margaret yearns for her previous life as a landscape architect in the United States. The episode captures a moment where she and her children meet with a party planner, Priscilla, to organize her husband's 50th birthday celebration. The encounter is disrupted by Philip, Margaret's son, who draws a family portrait that includes an unexplained extra member, Gus. Margaret's swift reaction to this reveals a deep-seated discomfort with this mysterious figure.
The strained relationship between Margaret and her former best friend, Hilary, is palpable when they encounter each other in an elevator. Despite the awkwardness, Margaret insists that Hilary attend the upcoming party. Back at the apartment, Clarke's parents, Jing and Andrew, express their discomfort with the family's attempt to normalize their life in the wake of Gus's disappearance.
Margaret's life is a tapestry of pain and turmoil, evident in her rented studio apartment, a sanctuary where she seeks solace from her mental chaos. Her loss of faith contrasts with Clarke's religious inclinations, as he attends a prayer meeting at a church.
Mercy, introduced as having an affair with David under the alias Dirk, is revealed as the narrator, directly linking her to the Woo family's downfall. The dynamics of Hilary and David's marriage are also explored, with David's relapse into heavy drinking creating a rift between them. Hilary's accusation that David is partly responsible for the Woo family's tragedy leads to a heated confrontation, resulting in David leaving the party preparations.
At the party, Jing's complaints about the futility of the gathering clash with Margaret's frustration, especially when Philip's drawing of Jesus upsets her. Clarke's attempt to calm Margaret is overshadowed by her sudden outburst, accusing a waitress of being Mercy. This incident leaves the guests shocked and Margaret's behavior becomes the talk of the evening.
Hilary, who had planned to leave early, returns after hearing about Margaret's outburst. The two women, despite their differences, decide to revisit a local restaurant they used to frequent, rekindling their friendship over ramen and shared memories. However, Margaret's reality hits her when she sees her reflection in a mirror, prompting a request to visit the night market.
The episode concludes with the discovery of Hilary's neighbor dead, prompting a discussion about David's unreliability due to his past deceit. Hilary defends her marriage, but Margaret's advice suggests a deeper understanding of David's character. Meanwhile, Mercy's flight from the party and her return to her apartment parallel Philip's quiet act of remembrance for Gus, as he places his drawing on the fridge.
"The Peak" masterfully lays the groundwork for a complex narrative that explores the aftermath of tragedy and the intricate dynamics within a community of expatriates. It poses questions about trust, accountability, and the impact of individual actions on the lives of others. With a compelling cast of characters and a storyline that promises to unravel slowly, "Expats" sets a high bar for its subsequent episodes.