The Peacock series ‘The Five Star Weekend,’ based on Elin Hilderbrand's novel, concludes with protagonist Hollis Shaw navigating the aftermath of her husband Matthew's sudden death and uncovering secrets within her social circle.
Hollis, a food influencer, is introduced in the midst of baking holiday treats when she learns of her husband Matthew's death in a car accident. Six months later, still struggling with grief, she is advised by her assistant to host a weekend gathering at her Nantucket home, inviting friends from different stages of her life: childhood friend Tatum, college friend Dru-Ann Jones, mom friend Brooke, and Gigi, a follower she connected with online over shared losses.
Gigi's Secret Revealed
As the weekend unfolds, it becomes clear that Gigi's connection to Hollis runs deeper than previously understood. By the end of the first episode, Gigi is seen listening to a voicemail from Matthew, revealing she was having an affair with Hollis' late husband. While initially appearing to be a simple "other woman" trope, the series explores Gigi's complex motivations and flaws, portraying her as someone "just trying her best" rather than a villain, according to actress Gemma Chan.
Brooke is the first to discover Gigi's secret in Episode 3, finding a selfie of Gigi and Matthew on her phone. The revelation is eventually shared with Tatum and Dru-Ann, leading to a confrontation where Gigi tearfully admits her affair with Matthew, confessing he made her feel safe. This comes to light as Hollis struggles to reconcile her grief with the reality of her husband's infidelity, with Matthew appearing in visions to remind her of their deteriorating relationship and his own infidelities.
Hollis eventually finds Gigi, who reveals Matthew was planning to return to Hollis, intending to choose her. While Hollis acknowledges she will eventually forgive Gigi, she asks her to leave and never contact her again, giving her farewell toffee.
A Tentative Romance
Parallel to the unfolding drama with Gigi, Hollis also reconnects with Jack, a former flame. Jack provides support throughout the weekend, helping with Hollis' daughter Caroline and other household matters. After spending a night together, Hollis expresses she is not ready for a serious relationship due to her grief and emotional exhaustion. However, at the series' end, Jack proposes they exchange numbers, and Hollis invites him to dinner, suggesting a potential for a future connection as they stroll on the beach.