Big Little Lies
Big Little Lies – Tell-Tale Hearts (2×02)
Big Little Lies has a difficult task ahead — to deliver a show with a magnitude comparable to the first season.
There are two themes that are apparent right off the bat in “Tell-Tale Hearts” are secrets and family.
The women of Monterey, have been plagued by a secret that has bonded them forever.
The secret is lingering over them and tugging at their familial strings.
It’s hard to tell which of the women has it the worst.
After Big Little Lies Season 2 Episode 2, all of their lives are crumbling.
Two of them, Bonnie and Celeste, are dealing with a mother and a mother-in-law that’s very adamant about finding out what really happened.
Mary Louis is inconspicuous yet she presents a huge danger because she’s observant and apt at getting people to confess their sins to her without saying much of anything.
Her whole M/O is to find out what happened to her beloved son, Perry.
When Celeste finds out her boys know that Ziggy is their brother and vice versa thanks to Madeline’s eavesdropping daughter, Chloe, she tells Mary Louise that her relationship with Perry was toxic and abusive.
But as mother’s who are blind to what’s right in front of them because they want to believe their children are good, Mary Louise denies that Perry was capable of doing what they’ve accused him of doing.
In fact, she takes it one step further and questions Jane’s recollection of the night Perry “raped” her.
I put the word rape in quotation marks just to emphasize how disturbing and dark this moment was for the series.
Mary Louise scoffs at Celeste’s stories, rolls her eyes, and blames the other woman because she refuses to accept that her son was anything but perfect.
It’s dangerous for the Monterey 5.
Her love is so strong, even if she found out the truth when he was alive she wouldn’t believe him.
As Celeste broke down the nature of her abusive relationship, which often lead to hate-sex, Mary Louise gathered more and more information to prove that Perry’s fall at the function wasn’t a mere accident.
Finding out about Ziggy motivated Mary Louise to continue her search into that night.
And for starters, she knows that Celeste left out a lot of pertinent things when talking to the FBI about finding out about the rape and Ziggy, the fact that she was planning on leaving him, and that they were violent with each other.
As for us, we found out that it’s probably best never to whisper anything within an earshot of second graders. They know everything, and they are aware that their mother’s are harboring secrets.
At this point, everyone is.
Bonnie’s secret and her guilt is eating her up inside and poor Nathan doesn’t know what to do with it.
When Ed refused to help him connect with Bonnie, Nathan brought in the big guns and called her mother.
Elizabeth is ferocious, just like her daughter, and knows her well enough to know that she’s gotten herself in quite the mess.
But, in case you haven’t picked up on this yet, Bonnie doesn’t want to talk to anyone about it.
And when her mother presses with crystals and other talismans, she runs back into her husband’s arms because he’s too unobservant to realize she’s faking it.
Why raise any flags when you’re already worried they’ll catch you for murder?
Nathan may be unaware, but at least he’s concerned enough about his marriage and wants to do something about it even if it means calling in a mother-in-law who doesn’t necessarily like him.
As a victim of divorce, Nathan doesn’t want to rug pulled out from under him and when it comes to the males on this series, that’s a powerful move.
Also making a powerful move is Ed whose world came crashing down when he found out Madeline was keeping two secrets from him.
The first was about Ziggy being the child of the late Perry, but the other had the power to tear his family apart.
Abigail didn’t mean to throw her mother under the bus by saying that she fucked the theatre director right as Ed turned the corner, but those words couldn’t be taken back.
Ed, a man of minimal words who goes with the flow, cooled off before telling Madeline “he’s done” as she plead with him that it was a huge mistake and not about him.
Ed’s easygoing, but it’s that very nature that makes me think he’s not going to forgive Madeline for her indiscretions.
Some families, despite all odds, are meant to fall apart.
Renata’s reality is crashing down as Gordon was arrested for money fraud and they stand to lose everything.
I guess that explains the heavy drinking in the basement, and despite the situation, I’m glad he’s not just drifting into alcoholism for the sake of it.
Her impassioned: “I will not not be rich” shows just how much status matters in Monterey and how it has become a shield for the women to hide behind.
They don’t know how to exist without it, and they think they can get away with things because of it.
Renata’s fight with Gordon, when she kicks him out of the car and leaves him on the side of the road, hones in on another aspect of family that Madeline tells Chloe: “you can be mad and you can fight and you come back together because that’s what families do.”
Despite her anger, Renata swooped back around and picked up Gordon because he’s her husband.
The theme of forgiveness and being there regardless is seen with Celeste, Jane and the boys as they come together as a family.
It’s a moment that ensures the beginning of their healing process but that’s riddled with potential troubles as the truth of how these two women are connected comes to the surface.
Celeste hasn’t uttered one bad word to the boys about Perry and instead, painted him in a glowing light while telling them he had his “weaknesses” as we all do.
Considering Celeste’s boys are exhibiting bouts of violence, I think it would make more sense if she was truthful with them about who her father was and taught them that his behaviors, especially towards women, were wrong.
Jane’s approach — not lying to Ziggy but rather telling him he was a product of assault — seems to be the better option here.
Since these kids talk, it’s only a matter of time before the twins find out about Perry’s “weakness.”
Celeste constantly blames herself for what happened, but seeing the shoe on another foot showed her just how wrong her relationship with Perry was.
It’ll take some time, but Celeste needs a breakthrough that helps her realize Perry’s behavior was unacceptable regardless of how much she loved him.
If it wasn’t good to see her best friend treated that way, it shouldn’t be fine for her to experience the same treatment.
The faster she accepts it the quicker she’ll be able to heal and not be haunted by Perry’s death.
The second season of Big Little Lies is moving at a more steady pace but the stories are deliberately being accelerated.
Some unconventional families are being formed while others are falling apart, but the biggest test of all will be if these women will become victims of their own secrets and lies.
Other Monterey Musings
- Celeste needs to cut the Ambien for her health and to avoid the day-old eyeliner.
- Jane’s friendship and possible relationship with the Aquarium guy would be fine if she didn’t have the convo with Bonnie about him possibly Aspergers and Bonnie lamenting that “guys fake that sometimes to get away with saying dumb shit.”
- Is Bonnie’s mom teasing another death by the end of the season by saying that someone is drowning in the water in her vision? Is she referring to her daughter?
- Perry had a brother. The lead was buried deep in his happiness after finding out that Celeste didn’t have family and he could have her “all to himself,” which loosely translated to she wouldn’t have anyone to run to or tell about the abuse. His late brother will probably come into play later on, right? Maybe Perry was responsible for his death? Or his death created the monster Perry has become?
Big Little Lies was always meant to be a limited series on HBO, and it only secured a second season because of its popularity with fans. And now, the possibility of a third season has come into question with Zoë Kravitz, who played Bonnie Carlson, weighing in on whether it would ever come to fruition.
In a new TikTok from her interview with GQ, the 33-year-old starlet answered a fan’s question about when the drama is coming back on.
Sadly, Kravitz didn’t have uplifting news, noting, “I don’t think it is.”
“We talked about doing a season three a lot, but unfortunately, Jean-Marc Vallée, our incredible director, passed away this last year and I just can’t imagine going on without him,” she explained.
She added: “He really was the visionary for that show. So, unfortunately, it’s done.”
Jean-Marc died suddenly at the age of 58 last December, and with him, any chance of getting another season, according to Kravitz.
The comment section of the post was very divided, but one fan suggested that the show worked better as a limited series regardless.
On the bright side, Kravitz and her co-stars, Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, and Laura Dern, are all constantly taking on new and compelling projects, so we’ll at least get to continue seeing their incredible work on the big and small screen for years to come!
Reese Witherspoon is a culture icon.
The actress is responsible for bringing to life some of the most iconic roles in both movies and television. Her foray from the big-screen into television has been nothing short of enjoyable and impressive as it’s given her a blank canvas in which she can show off her incredible range.
No character is too big or too small for Witherspoon.
It would have been easy for Witherspoon to typecast herself or become boxed into the role of “ditzy yet ambitious blonde” following the success of Legally Blonde in 2001, but Reese never allowed it. Since stepping into the limelight in 1991, she’s continuously pushed and reinvented herself to become one of the hardest working actresses and executive producers in the business.
Everywhere you turn, you’ll see Reese’s moniker on something even if she isn’t starring in it!
Many of her TV shows are even produced under her own Hello Sunshine umbrella, which she developed when she found herself lacking progressive and aspiring roles.
Turns out, Reese always knew what was best for Reese, and we’re so glad she continues giving us that’s compelling, nuanced, and emotional.
Here are the Reese Witherspoon shows you have to watch!
Little Fires Everywhere (Hulu)
The Hulu miniseries is based on the 2017 novel of the same name and follows the intertwined fates of the picture-perfect Richardson family and a mother-daughter duo who upend the lives that they’ve become accustomed to. Not only does Witherspoon star as Elena Richardson opposite Scandal’s Kerry Washington, she also served as executive producer.
The Morning Show (Apple TV+)
The drama is an unfiltered look at the cutthroat world of morning television and the lives of the people who bring you the news each morning. Witherspoon stars as green reporter Bradley Jackson opposite Jennifer Aniston and Steve Carrell.
Big Little Lies (HBO)
The award-winning series is based on the bestseller by Liane Moriarty. The drama tells the story of helicopter moms, successful husbands, rumors, and a murder in the usually tranquil beachy town of Monterey, California. There’s a lot more to these women that meets the eye, and they all have their fair share of secrets they want to keep including Witherspoon’s neurotic Madeline. The show is filled with star power with Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, and Zoe Kravitz.
Friends
Before she could run, Witherspoon had to walk, but she did so on one of the most popular sitcoms ever. While she didn’t have the biggest role, she’s one of the most notable characters as she played Rachel Green’s (Jennifer Aniston) youngest sister, Jill. She was featured in two episodes of season six.
Get Organized with the Home Edit (Netflix)
Witherspoon, an executive producer on the series, appears in one episode, but if you log into Netflix, her episode is used to promote the series and entice you into watching. The reality series finds expert home organizers Clea and Joanna helping clients declutter their spaces! Get ready to feel inspired!
The calm before the storm.
It was the showdown of all showdowns on the Big Little Lies season 2 finale.
Seeing Celeste put her rotten mother-in-law, Mary Louise, in her place made this lackluster season all worth it.
Celeste came to court not only bearing receipts, but she also had videotapes.
And while showing video footage of Perry beating her while the boys secretly looked on questioned how she allowed them to stay in such a toxic and dangerous environment, it was all that was necessary to finally show Mary Louise what a POS he son was.
Seeing Mary Louise unable to deny what was being show was pure satisfaction.
“I had no idea,” Mary Louise muttered despite many attempts from Celeste and the Monterey Five to tell her the truth.
It’s not that she had no idea, it’s that she didn’t want to have an idea.
And even so, Mary Louise proved to be a horrible person by trying to spin it all in her favor.
Does this woman have no shame?
She sat there in a public court and tried to blame the victim for staying in an abusive relationship.
I almost stood up and applauded when Celeste assured her that she not only kept her sons alive, she kept herself alive.
Yes, the boys saw more than Celeste believed they did, which explains why they assume abuse equates love in many instances, but they have also turned out pretty good for growing up in that household.
The footage Celeste showed in court was painful, but it was only a fraction of the abuse; she’s been through much worse.
Ultimately, Celeste’s decision to question Mary Louise worked in her favor.
She was able to defend herself while putting Mary Louise’s parenting on the spot.
Mary Louise is delusional if she for a minute thought Celeste wasn’t going to air out her dirty laundry after she came for her boys.
If you point fingers, don’t be surprised when someone points them back.
Mary Louise accused Celeste of reckless driving, which is humorous considering her own son died while in the car with her.
Mary Louise’s concerns about the twins’ safety were always warranted, but if she thought it was of ultimate importance, she would have contacted DCFS and attempted other options before trying to gain custody.
And even so, what made her the best person to be there for the boys?
All she was trying to do was make up for lost time with her boys. Or as Celeste put it “replace” Perry and his brother with Josh and Max.
Celeste may be ill, but Mary Louise is right there with her.
Plus, it seems she’s never come to terms with her son’s death or accepted the blame for it.
She barely accepted her role in creating the monster that Perry turned into.
Violence breeds violence — no one just wakes up and decides to be an abuser.
Perry’s actions, despicable as they were, were learned and inherited.
Big Little Lies would have done us a disservice had they not shone a light on Mary Lousie’s flaws. Without addressing her relationship with Perry, her addition this season wouldn’t have held much weight.
It does seem that after Celeste won full custody, Mary Louise grabbed her things and made it out of town.
If there’s a chance at a season 3, which seems rather unlikely at this point, her return also doesn’t seem necessary.
She stirred up enough trouble.
As Celeste’s court case winded down, things started wrapping up for the other four ladies also.
Jane’s rape was finally acknowledged in court even if Mary Louise did try to deny it again.
With justice being served, in the only way it could be, Jane was ready to move on and gave Corey a chance.
Seeing Jane struggle with opening up to another man both emotionally and physically has been tough to watch, so I’m glad Corey allowed her to do it on her own time and made her feel comfortable.
He proved that he was interested in sticking around no matter how hard things got.
And Ziggy liked him, which was a plus.
Laura Dern had her Beyonce “Lemonade” moment, and it was everything.
After seeing that Gordon managed to keep his toys while she lost everything that she valued, Renata had a full-on, bat-swingin’ meltdown.
It was the best few minutes of the episode. Possibly even the best few minutes in television history.
The look on Gordon’s face as she destroyed him beloved train sets was amusing and priceless.
Take that Gordon, you prick.
What did he expect was going to happen when he gloated about screwing the nanny?
I’m surprised she held it together for that long. Gordon took away her value, her pride, her respect, and Amabella’s future.
This was Renata’s way of taking it easy on him.
If a season 3 does happen, I want to see Renata moving on as an independent woman and single mother who was able to rebuild her life from the ashes left by her worthless husband.
Peace, Gordon.
Madeline’s relationship with Ed worked out some of the kinks. When Ed sat her down to have the “talk,” I was sure that he was going to say they should break up because they’ve changed so much since they got married.
I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Ed forgave Madeline and wanted to renew their vows.
Ed’s always been such a great husband. He didn’t deserve any of what happened to him, but the fact that he can look past it and move on after holding her accountable for it makes him even better.
Hopefully, Madeline told him the truth before all the ladies made their way to the police district.
As for Bonnie, well, the good news is that she didn’t drown herself in the water as predicted by her mother’s random vision.
I truly don’t understand what the deal was behind all the psychic moments.
Sure, metaphorically, Bonnie was drowning under the big secret and the realization coupled with her mother’s death led her to that final scene.
But those visions weren’t’ necessary. Neither was her mother’s whole story-arc.
We watched Bonnie’s childhood trauma, understood why she was so triggered by witnessing Perry’s abuse towards Celeste, and why she pushed him, but her mother’s presence, and more specifically, her coma, didn’t do much for the storyline.
It was sad when she died, but we felt sad for a moment and moved on.
I also don’t really understand why we were supposed to think Bonnie would have been capable of killing her mom.
She may have dreamt about it because of the abuse, but she never actually considered it.
Following her mother’s death, Bonnie told Nathan she never loved him.
Nathan may be dumber than a rock at times but one thing I’ll credit him with is always loving and protecting Bonnie.
It’s not fair for him to find out this way but better now then never. He deserves better — a love that Bonnie won’t give him.
As Bonnie spoke her truth, she also gathered all the women together at the precinct.
The scene with them walking in together to likely confess the truth about Perry’s death is iconic and powerful.
Even Madeline said the lie had an expiration date. We’ve hit it.
They made a promise to keep this secret for as long as they could; they were forever bonded.
And when it was time, they supported each other in coming clean.
The screen went black as they walked in so we never know what they said or how they said it.
Again, if there is a third season, it’s possible the focus would be on their attempts to prove self-defense.
And even then, since they’ve already covered it up, I don’t think the argument would hold up or get them off without any time.
Seeing how some of Big Little Lies Season 2 almost seemed forced, I’m content leaving this storyline exactly where it is and not trying to make it something that it’s not.
Even if that does mean I’ll never belt-out the theme-song live on a Sunday night again.
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