The TV adaptation of First Wives Club, which started in 2019, has maintained a dedicated fan base.
Season 3, airing on BET, introduced a surprising twist in Episode 2, particularly involving the character Ari.
So, what happened to her that shocked everyone?
In “First Wives Club” Season 3, the character Ari Montgomery, portrayed by Ryan Michelle Bathe, sadly passed away off-screen due to a brain aneurysm in Episode 2. The decision to write her character out was made by creators Darren Star and Tracy Oliver to introduce unpredictability to the storyline and reflect life’s uncertainties, not due to on-set conflicts.
What Happened To The Character of Ari?
“First Wives Club” is a popular comedy series based on the hit ’90s film of the same name, created by Tracy Oliver.
Set in the bustling city of New York, the show revolves around the lives of three best friends who come together to support one another amidst turbulent marriages and the challenges of their demanding careers.
One of the central characters, Ari Montgomery, portrayed by Ryan Michelle Bathe, was beloved by viewers, but her character’s journey took an unexpected turn in Season 3, leaving fans in shock.
Ari Montgomery was a dynamic character, an attorney who had left her law career to assist her husband in his political campaign.
Many appreciated her presence on the show, which made her sudden departure all the more surprising.
In Season 3, Episode 2, Ari tragically succumbed to a brain aneurysm, a plot twist that caught viewers off guard. Her untimely demise occurred just before Hazel’s wedding, denying Ari the opportunity to witness her friend’s special day.
Throughout Season 3, Ari is only referred to through her husband, David, who promises to bring her to the island for the wedding.
But the couple misses the event, and it is revealed towards the end of the second episode that Ari had suffered a brain aneurysm and passed away off-screen.
Ryan Michelle Bathe was a series regular for the first two seasons but had her character, Ari, relocate to the West Coast during the show’s second season.
Her appearances on the show became less frequent, and finally, Darren Star and Tracy Oliver, the show’s creators, decided to write her character off.
While there were rumors of behind-the-scenes drama between Ryan and other cast members, these speculations hold no water.
It’s also speculated that Ryan’s departure from the series was driven by the creators’ desire to inject bold and unpredictable elements into the storyline, demonstrating their willingness to take risks and explore complex narratives.
Tracy Oliver aimed to convey to fans that no character was immune to surprising developments and that unexpected twists could occur at any moment. Though unsettling for some viewers, this decision was made in the spirit of pushing the boundaries of storytelling.
Jill Scott, who portrays Hazel in the show, openly expressed her initial displeasure with the decision to write Ari out of the series in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.
However, she later acknowledged that it allowed her to explore a new facet of her character by depicting Hazel in a moment of profound grief.
Also, in a November 2022 interview with Essence Magazine, Jill Scott again discussed why the show’s creator opted for Ari’s permanent exit and demise.
She said:
“Because it happens. I’ve lost a lot of friends — I won’t say a lot, but I have lost some friends and I just did not see that coming. I thought that they were too young to go, but surprise, surprise. This is life. There’s no guarantees in this thing.”
First Wives Club seasons 1 to 3 are streaming on Netflix.
How did you feel about Ari’s abrupt departure from the show? Do you think the creators could have done a better job respecting the character?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Entertainment Tonight and Essence Magazine
