The mystery of Merritt Monaco’s untimely death has captivated viewers in the finale of The Perfect Couple. Initially found dead in the water, suspicion quickly focused on the seemingly flawless Winbury family, especially following the celebration of Merritt’s best friend Amelia Sacks’ upcoming wedding to Benji Winbury.
As the plot unfolded over the six episodes, various characters emerged as suspects. Tag, portrayed by Liev Schreiber, was scrutinized due to his affair with Merritt and the revelation that she was pregnant. At one point, even Greer, played by Nicole Kidman, was considered a possible perpetrator.
However, the shocking twist revealed that Abby Winbury, portrayed by Dakota Fanning, was the true murderer. The pregnant wife of Thomas Winbury took drastic steps to secure her family’s future after discovering crucial details regarding the family trust fund.
The Winbury brothers’ access to their trust funds hinged on their youngest sibling turning 18, which would occur shortly after Amelia and Benji’s wedding. If Merritt gave birth to her baby with Tag, the trust fund timeline would reset, delaying payouts for another 18 years.
Detective Henry, played by Donna Lynne Champlin, pieced together the clues leading to Abby. A pivotal moment came when she examined footage of her interview with the Winbury maid, Gosia, who had complained about Abby’s demands, particularly after Merritt’s death. This led to a confrontation regarding the glass used by Merritt on the night she died, which Abby had washed.
Further investigation uncovered Abby’s lie about Thomas being by her side that night, as he had actually spent the night with another woman. With this revelation, detectives arrested Abby.
It was revealed that Merritt had barbiturates in her system at the time of her death. The drugs had been sourced from Amelia’s mother, who possessed them for a dire health situation. Abby took advantage of a moment when Merritt injured her foot on the beach, using a crushed pill mixed in orange juice to incapacitate her. Abby then led a disoriented Merritt into the water, where she ultimately drowned.
Though Abby’s actions ensured financial security for her unborn child, she would face the consequences from behind bars, forever separated from her trust fund ambitions.
The Perfect Couple is now available for streaming on Netflix.