The Peak – The Expats series premiere opens with an unseen narrator describing and sharing photos from three horrible “out of the blue” tragedies. After the last tragedy, the narrator mentions the irony of the victims getting all the attention. No one ever wants to hear about the perpetrators or how they dealt with the pain they’ve caused. She also reveals herself to be a perpetrator of such events.

At a Hong Kong breakfast meeting, Margaret (Nicole Kidman) is asked to confirm the menu for an upcoming event Mercy (Ji-Young Yoo) is planning. Mercy follows that up with several general questions before noting Philip Woo’s (Bodhi Del Rosario) obedience. Daisy Woo (Tiana Gowen) proves to be the exact opposite when she rudely interrupts with demands to return home. Margaret immediately grows uncomfortable and tries to draw attention back to the planning after Mercy compliments Daisy’s looks. The meeting is abruptly ended when Mercy asks about one of the extra members on Philip’s portrait (Gus) (Connor James).

Hilary Starr (Sarayu Blue) is returning from a run and on her way to her apartment when she hears Philips and Daisy calling her name. She clearly wants to avoid the encounters but fails as she repeatedly presses the close door button. The encounter is awkward from the start and only grows more awkward as Margaret inquires about her attendance at Clarke’s (Brian Tee) birthday party. Hilary initially claims she and David can’t make it but departs with the promise to re-approach David Starr (Jack Huston) with the offer.

Margaret returns home to find caretaker, Essie (Rub Ruiz) entertaining Clarke’s parents, Jing (Gabrielle Chan) and Andrew Woo (Edmund Ng). Margaret manages to remain hospitable even after discovering that Jing has been rearranging her kitchen. She eventually ends up in her room once both parents express their displeasure over her idea to go through with the Clarke’s party.

When Philip joins her in the bedroom to ask for a glass of chocolate milk, she questions him about the drawing from the restaurant. He claims one of the added members of the family was Jesus. She does not like the answer and encourages him not to draw him again.

Clarke attends a Christian seminar where Pastor Alan Mambo (Blessing Mokgohloa) discusses God’s sacrificing Jesus and his struggle with doubt just as everyone else.

After an intimate encounter, David and Mercy playfully tease one another about common Korean, Asian, and American names before he leaves.

Mercy shops for essential cleaning supplies before visiting a vacant apartment where she spends several hours scrubbing the tile floor before taking enjoying a bath and leaving.

On her way to dinner with friends, Mercy travels through a protest and gets stuck on the public bus between two chatty middle-aged men who attempt to include her in their conversation.

Hilary learns from her housemaid, Puri (Amelyn Pardenilla), that Sam (Poon Pak Shing) is picking up the dry cleaning for Clarke’s party. Hilary appears a bit concerned once Puri confirms that Pinot has been barking all morning.

Mercy receives a very accommodating introduction from Philena Song (Lesley Chiang and her friends at the restaurant, but appears on edge. Although she is happy and talkative, her answers are always short and designed to reveal very little.

Daisy accepts Margaret’s offer to help style her hair for Clarke’s party but snaps at her suggestion of French Braids. Joining Clarke in the bedroom, she asks if his parents might have been right about the party. He reminds her about Dr. Stein’s suggestion to go on living. Just as he starts to say more about Gus, the noise from Philip and Daisy’s argument interrupts.

Although Shellac (Elizabeth Ng) and Philena amicably joke about Mercy’s texting, they appear to be genuinely insulted by the snub. A quick peek at the content reveals that she is claiming to have picked up an extra shift. She uses the same excuse to skip out on the meal.

David finishes up his shower while Hilary works on her makeup when Pinot’s barking interrupts. A snide comment and a peek out the window reveal that the barking is coming from the apartment of Christopher (Barry O’Rorke). On their way to the party, her knocks on Christopher’s door go unanswered.

In a very short scene, it’s revealed that Mercy wasn’t lying about an extra shift. She’s also revealed to be a caterer.

On their way to Clarke’s party, Hilary cryptically admits that Margaret did him wrong but claims David’s drinking didn’t help matters. An alcohol-infused belch only makes her madder and after a bit of nagging, she ends up going to the party alone.

With Margaret at his side, Clarke graciously accepts well birthday wishes from the guests. It’s not long after encountering his parents that Jing’s nagging about them returning home becomes too much for Clarke and Margaret. Even with Peter Woo (Michael Chan) in attendance to play mediator things spin out of control. After Andrew manages to wrestle her away, Clarke is quick to remind Margaret that they’ll only be there for a few more days. His mention of the children enjoying the party leads to her mentioning the Jesus drawing. Clarke claims he has no idea where Philip would have learned about Christianity.

Mercy has now arrived at the party alone but is quickly joined by Olivia Chu (Flora Chan), who asks if he just came from work. While making their way through the guests, Mercy says she was nervous about getting ready because she didn’t know what the vibe would be like. After spotting Margaret, Olivia almost cryptically admires her by claiming if she went through what Margaret did, she would have probably killed herself.

Both Margaret and Mercy become distraught when they see each other at the party. Despite Hilary’s attempt at a conversation and Mercy’s access to the kitchen, Margaret nearly catches her. Her pursuit ends Priscilla (Grace Wong), informs her that Clarke is about to give his speech and needs her.

Margaret manages to maintain her composure while Clarke thanks the guests for not only coming to the party but supporting them through the last year. He refers to the time as the most difficult of their lives. While he continues to pour out his heart, Hilary becomes overwhelmed by Olivia’s cynical conversation with another guest and leaves. Margaret ends up sounding like a bumbling inept when she tries to convince Clarke that she saw Mercy. Shortly she ends up embarrassing herself in front of everyone when she confronts another server she mistakes for Mercy.

Mercy appears equally disturbed as she spends several minutes throwing up. Once learns about Margaret accosting the waitress, she returns to the party. After leaving the party together, Hilary and Margaret appear to have a good time together. They end at a familiar restaurant where they laugh and sing karaoke until Margaret appears to be jarred by her image in the mirror. She embraces Hilary and asks her to take her to the market, which is their next stop.

Mercy is shown returning to her apartment and going to sleep. Margaret and Hilary attempt to do the same but are greeted by flashing cop lights at the front of their building. Margaret immediately panics while Hilary discovers that her neighbor, Christopher was discovered dead. Margaret nearly ruins the entire night when she offers somewhat harsh advice about Hilary’s failed marriage. Hilary storms out of the elevator once she tells Margaret that she doesn’t know everything. Hilary is a bit shocked to learn that David hasn’t returned home yet.

The episode ends with Philip sneaking into Margaret’s room and searching for the family portrait that he later posts on the fridge.

 

Expats Review

I’ve seen a lot of bad shows over the years, but this one has to take the gold. I’d give it a 4 out of 10. It’s just a complete mess. I wouldn’t say the acting the bad, but it felt as if it was all over the place. I understand the need for such short scenes because of the varying stories, but it’s a bit of an annoying format. In addition, I felt that Philip and Daisy appear too old for their roles.

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