In Apple TV+'s Imperfect Women, renowned actor Corey Stoll, known for House of Cards and Billions, initially takes a backseat in the early episodes. However, the producers quickly reveal why they needed an actor of this caliber. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter after the limited series finale, Stoll explained that the first four episodes were merely a teaser, that his character needed to undergo radical transformations, and that the strong cast made him feel comfortable taking bold risks.

The series, adapted from Araminta Hall's 2020 novel, follows socialite Nancy (Kate Mara) who is murdered. Following her death, her old friends Mary (Elisabeth Moss) and Eleanor (Kerry Washington) investigate to uncover the truth behind the murder. In the fifth episode, Howard, played by Stoll, is introduced. Howard, a professor and the husband of Mary and father of three children, is hired by Nancy to write program notes for a ballet production due to his unemployment. An unexpected bond forms between Howard and Nancy, leading to a relationship.

After Nancy's death, Mary finds a passage from Howard's book among her deceased friend's belongings and realizes it is the same passage he had given her during his first marriage, prompting her to reach out to Howard's ex-wife Jenny (Sandrine Holt). Jenny claims that Howard was abusive towards her. While searching for evidence at Mary's house, she receives news that her daughter has been hospitalized. Mary realizes that Howard has poisoned her daughter's illegal Adderall, putting the child's life in danger. In subsequent episodes, Howard is arrested, but is released after being spotted near the murder by Nancy's ex-boyfriend Scott Reid (Wilson Bethel). According to Scott's revelation, Nancy had called him, and after fearing Howard, he encountered Howard standing over Nancy's body.

In the final episode, after failing in a custody battle, Howard kidnaps Mary, intending to make it look like she committed suicide, and takes her to the bridge where Nancy was killed. A flashback reveals Howard's obsession. When Nancy rejects him, Howard slams her against the concrete, leading to her death. While trying to drown Mary on the bridge, Howard is stopped by Eleanor's car crashing into him. Subsequently, Mary stabs Howard multiple times.

Stoll has stated that the final episode and scenes were rewritten many times. He noted that creator Annie Weisman was open to the actors' opinions regarding the character's believability, mentioning that Howard committed a passionate crime and acted under the belief that concealing the crime was worse than the crime itself.