Mildred Pierce

Glendale, CA, 1931. Mildred Pierce, a young mother with a talent for baking, throws her husband Bert out of the house and goes in search of work to support herself and her two daughters. She starts up a casual affair with Wally Burgan, a stout, middle-aged lawyer. Later, at a diner, fate and a waitress named Ida end up playing a role in shaping her future.

With demand for her pies outstripping supply, Mildred finds a perfect space to launch a restaurant, though a problem stands in her way. As her relationship with Veda is fraying, Mildred finds unexpected romance with a handsome stranger, Monty Beragon, on a siesta by the shore. Unfortunately, Mildred's happiness is short-lived, as tragedy strikes as the pair returns home.

1931-1933. In the wake of tragedy, Mildred moves forward with her restaurant. As things begin to boom, Mildred gladly welcomes Ida -- her former fellow waitress at the diner -- to help manage the frenzy. Later, she reconnects with Monty, whose lethargy tests the bonds between Mildred and Veda.

Four Years Later (1937-1938). Mildred continues to expand her restaurant empire, but her business success is tempered by a major rift with Veda -- who ends up in the company of society loafer Sammy Forrester. After months with no communication, Mildred learns of Veda's success as a singer and vows to win her back.

Miniseries Finale. Though her initial efforts to reconcile with Veda fail, Mildred does reconnect with Monty. Meanwhile, Veda's singing career takes off under Carlo Treviso and a new manager. After a stream of financial indulgences, Mildred ends up in a bind. Urged to ask Veda for a loan, Mildred returns home to a shocking revelation that will change her life forever.