The fifth episode of The Curse, "It's a Good Day," delves into the depths of privilege and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain their carefully crafted realities. In this installment, the focus is squarely on Whitney, whose actions and decisions throughout the episode reveal her to be a character grappling with her own sense of entitlement and the consequences of her privilege.
The episode opens with the Flipanthropy cameras rolling again in Española, capturing the continued efforts of Asher and Whitney to sell their eco-friendly homes. However, it quickly becomes apparent that Whitney is the driving force behind the operation, with Asher playing a more subdued role. Whitney's character is put under the microscope as she navigates the complexities of selling a $850,000 home to Lucinda and Dennis, an interracial couple who have agreed to appear on the show for a modest fee.
Whitney's behavior towards Lucinda and Dennis is telling. She dismisses their concerns about the temperature in the passive home, insisting that 78 degrees is not hot despite Dennis's visible discomfort. This incident is a microcosm of Whitney's broader approach to the people around her: she is unwilling to acknowledge their perspectives or experiences, instead imposing her own views and expectations.
Her insistence that potential buyers sign a letter of support for the local tribe, authored by tribal leader James, further highlights her self-centeredness. While her intentions may be well-meaning, she fails to consider the implications of involving these first-time homebuyers in a potentially contentious easement dispute. This demand, coupled with her high-handed manner, leads Lucinda and Dennis to withdraw from the sale and the show.
Whitney's response to their departure is indicative of her megalomaniacal tendencies. She shows no concern for the loss of the sale, instead focusing on the perceived unworthiness of the couple to own her home. Her obsession with control extends to every aspect of the sale, including the language used by potential buyers, as evidenced by her aversion to the word "prison" and her insistence on pre-approved dialogue.
As the episode progresses, Whitney's desperation to maintain control becomes more pronounced. After Lucinda and Dennis's departure, she seeks out a more compliant couple to pose as buyers, settling on Pascal and his real girlfriend after they agree to participate. Their scripted praise for the home and eagerness to make an offer ring hollow, mirroring the insincere transactions seen on other HGTV shows.
Meanwhile, Asher's role in the operation is increasingly marginalized. His attempts to inject humor and lighten the mood are met with indifference from Whitney, who is singularly focused on her vision for the show and the homes. His concerns about cash flow and the need to sell homes to continue building are brushed aside by Whitney, who seems content to treat Flipanthropy as a vanity project rather than a business venture.
The episode also explores the broader context of Española, with references to crime rates and the carrying of firearms by local residents, including Fernando, the barista. Whitney's refusal to acknowledge these realities and her insistence on presenting a sanitized version of the community to potential buyers and viewers alike speaks to her detachment from the true nature of the place she claims to want to help.
The episode concludes with a sobering look at the compromises Whitney has made and the potential consequences of her actions. The sale of the house to Mark Rose, a man with questionable views and affiliations, is a bitter pill for Whitney to swallow, leaving her shaken and despondent. Asher's attempts to console her and maintain a sense of normalcy in their relationship are met with silence, as Whitney grapples with the reality that her pursuit of control has led to an outcome she never anticipated.
"Its a Good Day" is a stark portrayal of the dangers of privilege and the lengths to which individuals will go to preserve their own narratives, often at the expense of others. Whitney's character is laid bare, revealing a woman who is both a product of her environment and a force of disruption within it. The episode serves as a cautionary tale, reminding viewers of the importance of empathy, honesty, and a willingness to engage with the world as it truly is, rather than as we might wish it to be.