10 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
Amanda Vaughn returns to Dallas with her children after her husband's death and financial ruin, facing her former high school tormentors, the "Good Christian Belles," led by Carlene Cockburn. Penniless, Amanda takes a job at a revealing restaurant, immediately clashing with Carlene by exposing her husband's ownership of the establishment.
The central conflict revolves around Amanda's struggle to rebuild her life and navigate the social minefield of Dallas, constantly targeted by Carlene and the other Belles. Key turning points include the revelation that Amanda's deceased husband swindled Carlene's husband, leading to an investigation into his fate. Amanda also navigates complicated relationships, including a brief romance with Carlene's brother, Luke, and a surprising kiss from Pastor Tudor. Amanda accidentally shoots Carlene, and later, Ripp, Carlene's husband, is revealed to have a secret daughter.
The season ends with Amanda's relationship with Luke over due to his deception, and Pastor Tudor kissing Amanda, leaving her future uncertain. Sharon's company is sold to Cricket.
Season 1 of GCB covers episodes 1-10. Here's everything that happened:
Season 1, Episode 1: Pilot - Amanda Vaughn returns to Dallas with her children after her husband's death in a car crash while with his mistress and the revelation of his Ponzi scheme. Penniless, she faces her former high school tormentors, now the "Good Christian Belles," led by Carlene Cockburn. Amanda takes a job at a Hooters-like restaurant, Boobylicious. The episode concludes with Amanda publicly exposing that Carlene's husband secretly owns the establishment during a church service, humiliating Carlene.
Season 1, Episode 2: Hell Hath No Fury - Carlene continues her feud with Amanda, sabotaging Gigi's luncheon intended to reintroduce Amanda to Dallas society. Carlene attempts a "spiritual makeover" for the restaurant, but her husband Ripp undoes her changes, asserting his authority. Amanda also discovers her mother's extensive gun collection. The episode concludes with Carlene's manipulative schemes successfully thwarting Amanda's social re-entry, as Gigi's luncheon is cancelled.
Season 1, Episode 3: Love is Patient - Carlene and Ripp's marital issues lead to Ripp revealing that Amanda's supposedly deceased husband, Bill Vaughn, swindled him out of millions. Convinced Bill is alive and Amanda knows, they begin investigating. Meanwhile, Sharon confronts Zach about his infidelity, and Cricket's seemingly perfect marriage to Blake is further exposed as a sham. The episode concludes with Carlene and Ripp determined to uncover the truth about Bill Vaughn's fate.
Season 1, Episode 4: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing - Gigi hosts a "Favorite Texan" party for Carlene's uncle, Burl, and his jealous wife, Bitsy. Amanda consults on Cricket and Blake's denim line, leading to Cricket leaking controversial ad photos. Sharon and Zack attend marriage counseling, where Amanda acknowledges Blake's sexuality. The episode concludes with Sharon's powerful self-realization about underestimating herself, and Amanda walking away from the denim project.
Season 1, Episode 5: Forbidden Fruit - Gigi and Burl's secret romance after Bitsy's death is discovered by Carlene. Carlene blackmails Amanda, who is dating Carlene's brother Luke, to break up with him. Amanda sacrifices her relationship with Luke to protect Gigi. Learning this, Gigi publicly reveals her love for Burl, giving Amanda a second chance with Luke.
Season 1, Episode 6: Turn the Other Cheek - Amanda serves as Carlene's matron of honor for her "Gone With the Wind" themed vow renewal. After accidentally shooting Carlene, Amanda reveals Carlene and Ripp's marriage is invalid due to a lost certificate. Amanda then flashes a clerk to retroactively file it, saving the ceremony. Meanwhile, Blake and Cricket decide to have another baby.
Season 1, Episode 7: Sex is Divine - Pastor Tudor challenges his congregation to have daily sex for a week to foster intimacy. Cricket and Blake decide to try conceiving naturally, leading to Blake's realization that he is bisexual. Amanda and Carlene initially clash over a teen abstinence seminar but ultimately collaborate to scare their children straight. Sharon and Zach grow closer, but Zach reveals their car business is failing, prompting Sharon to propose a "Losing it with Jesus" diet plan. Gigi and Burl get engaged, but Burl suffers a heart attack before they officially get hitched.
Season 1, Episode 8: Pride Comes Before a Fall - Amanda directs a church musical, leading to a fierce rivalry between Carlene and Cricket for the lead role. Carlene manipulates Heather to rewrite the show, causing the GCBs to quit, accusing Amanda of her old "mean girl" ways. Meanwhile, Sharon's "Losing it with Jesus" venture struggles, revealing Zack's car dealership folded, jeopardizing their finances. Amanda makes a public apology, allowing the GCBs to dump mud on her in her old cheerleading uniform, leading to their reconciliation and a successful musical.
Season 1, Episode 9: Adam & Eve's Rib - Amanda organizes an all-female barbecue team for a cook-off, challenging the men. Heather finds a connection with a butcher, while Cricket seeks stud services from Mason Massey. Carlene grapples with Ripp's behavior, and Sharon aids Zack with his dealership issues. The episode concludes with the revelation that Ripp is searching for a mystery woman, leaving his intentions unclear.
Season 1, Episode 10: Revelation - The ladies travel to Juarez for Carlene's condo groundbreaking but are kidnapped by Aztecs. They escape, yet Carlene faces a shocking truth: Ripp has a secret daughter. Amanda discovers Luke's deception, ending their relationship. In a surprising turn, Pastor Tudor kisses Amanda, leaving her future uncertain as Sharon's company is sold to Cricket.
