'Big Little Lies' S02E02: Tell-Tale Hearts

First episode thread.

I hope Mary Louise does something creepy to the women.

I created that Dern gif because she seems to be the least polarising of the bunch. Everyone likes Laura!

r2 There's apparently a scene with her and Shailene that is just beyond. Though I don't know if it's in this episode or the next.

I hope Mary Louise is burned at the stake.

I hope Reese WItherchin gets murdered during this episode.

R5 I hope so too. But, I have the feeling something will happen to her annoying husband. I think he'll find out what really happened and will try to protect the women, but Mary Louise offs him as a form of revenge for Perry's death.

The car accident of the season.

Why is Robin Weigert grouped with those nobodies in the opening credits?

Are you on drugs?!

R8 She should be credited before the kids and the guest stars.

Bonnie casually strolling like a zombie.

Renata is going to end up broke.

Distraught Laura Dern is the best kind of Laura Dern.

"The kind short people have" - OMG!

That thing Meryl just did with the crucifix - HOLY SHIT.

This Sheldon guy from the aquarium is so, SO weird.

I need the surfer boy in my bed.

I bet the surfer guy is one of those true crime junkies who tries to get gossip on Perry's death for a podcast or blog.

Robin Weigert has the presence of a MOUNTAIN.

r18 Oh, good call!

Is this a flashback

She wants Celeste to switch herself with Madeline?! What unorthodox witchery is this?!

Kidman with the most powerful moment of her entire acting career right there.

Renata dropping fucks all over the place is a thing of beauty.

I can't believe Renata is about to lose everything.

You’re joking, right r23?

"I will not NOT be rich!" - iconic line from Renata

Where is Nathan and Bonnie's house located at irl?

r26 Yes, obviously...

What was that little flash of sea when Bonnie shoved her mom away? Did anyone else see that?

Damn, this black teacher is gorgeous.

What a dumb exercise. She loved the man. So what? She’ll grieve. He’s the father of her kids for Pete Buttigieg’s sake.

Well, Mary-Louise just found out everything she needed to crack the case wide open.

Shaleine Woodley’s bangs need to GO, they look like fat tarantulas.

Show comments on the absence of black people, finally.

Let’s settle this now= gay sex!

You know it gurl...

Renata is trending on Twitter. Laura Dern did THAT.

What is Reese like IRL?

I'm guessing Bonnie's mom was an abusive drunk.

Bonnie's parents are fucking annoying.

So Mary Louise is going to sue for custody. The foreshadowing is rather obvious.

Perry confirms he had a brother, who can be seen in those production photos at Meryl's new place.

When did Shailene lose every bit of charisma she had ever had? She’s a long way since The Descendants when she lit up the screen. Now with her bad bangs and puffy face. She drags this show down.

Why is she telling her son all this? Isn't he too young for the truth?

Adam Scott making everything about himself.

Whoa, the kids know about Ziggy’s dad!

Mary-Louise working out the timelines.

Omg, santeria on BLL!

This is the meltdown of the century right there.

Laura Dern is making it hard for Meryl to beat her.

[quote] Why is she telling her son all this? Isn't he too young for the truth?

The writer had Ziggy say to his mom, "You always lie to me". That was supposed to be the trigger for the truth bomb from his mom.

Adam Scott must be feeling like the cuckiest of cucks right now.

That daughter of Reese’s is such a cunt. Actually - both of them.

r51 Ah, that's why she broke down, thanks.

Can you imagine being Adam Scott and learning your wife fucked this?

That glamour shot next to him tho!

r56 I was laughing at that as well.

He actually had the balls to break up with her, well done.

Bonnie taking a firm stand against santeria.

The sea flash from earlier finally gets explained - her mom has The Sight!

This might be a bit inappropriate but Ziggy has the cutest boy haircut.

R50 Do they both have guest star status?

Nicole's wig should win an award.

r61 It is quite spectacular.

Chloe needs a smackdown.

I hate ziggys hair. Stupid Sheldon show.

Doesn’t suit him. Looks like Brady bunch dye. That’s showbiz tho

I’m starting a euphoria thread let’s tune in

Imagine messing with someone who is wearing a Gucci fanny pack?

r61 Dern's hair extensions (real hair?) looked amazing while she was driving like a maniac as well.

Elizabeth Warren should use this meme in some way.

Nicole has ruined her face. It looked like a flash mask in those scenes of her in natural lighting.

Yeah Nicole definitely tweaked her face since last season. She was looking somewhat normal then, but she's looking weird again. Her mouth looks frozen and for some reason her face looks smaller? Like her jaw is wider and her eyes seem closer to her nose. Is it the new wig? Very distracting.

Meryl with the cross necklace (crucifix?) on her chin business. Next week she'll probably start nibbling on the set.

Wow, fantastic episode tonight.

Fantastic episode!

I am not enjoying M in this thing. I’d rather it were someone not well known, giving a breakout performance. And I can’t stand Kidman’s twisted masochistic character.

[quote]That daughter of Reese’s is such a cunt. Actually - both of them.

I can't stand those girls. The little one has such a big mouth and I suspect that little girl will find out really happened to Perry and will blab to Ed. Ed knowing would probably lead to disaster.

In the preview for the next coming episodes there are hints that Renata's husband Gordon will find out about the lie. I can see some scenario where Gordon agrees to tell Renata everything about his crimes in exchange for wanting to know her secret regarding Perry's death.

This was a great episode. Huge step up from last week.

[bold]Celeste[/bold] Despite Kidman's face work, she still manages to hit those emotional notes. Her scene with the therapist, which I've seen some commenters call professionally questionable, was powerful. I felt so much dread when she told her to return to that moment, mainly because I hated watching those abuse scenes from season one. They're still just as disturbing as they were then. Intercutting Reese in there was a nice touch.

I actually loved her scenes with Meryl, especially the moment when the truth comes out. You can see both women grappling, and fighting against, their own perceptions of Perry. Mary Louise putting more weight on why she didn't go to the police than whether her son was violent. There's a moment when you can see Celeste sort of... mystified that they're even having the conversation. Well done.

[bold]Madeline[/bold] Okay, first off, loved her challenging Mary Louise! That short people comeback was great. The deterioration of her and Ed's relationship is logical. I don't know that it's the most interesting part of the season so far, but I like that they're giving her character something to grapple with. A lot of people love Madeline, but her drama just pales in comparison to everyone else's, but I like Reese. I don't have much to say about her character. Though I appreciated the moment when it was clear that her daughter just wanted her phone back.

[bold]Renata[/bold] I'm the guy who was bitching about memes last episode, but I'm all for the memes Renata generates. Laura Dern's killing it. I agree with the user who said that she's making it harder for Meryl to just take that supporting actress Emmy. I mean, I can see Meryl winning simply because she's Meryl, but Laura's no slouch in this department. "I will not NOT be rich," is an all timer. On that note, I like the broader commentary on wealth and class. She's got the most to lose in that department, and it's nice to see her status threatened. Loved the moment when she kicked her husband out of the car. All that fraud because he wanted a Gulfstream. The "creatures of want," comment was a nice callback to Mary Louise calling Madeline a wanter.

[bold]Jane[/bold] I don't know where the Shailene hate comes from. Yeah, the bangs aren't hot and the face is puffy, but her performance still feels genuine. She's got a natural, laid back presence about her that makes her stand out amidst her high profile, high strung co-stars. Her love interest came off as less devious this episode, and it's clear he's just on the spectrum. My hope is that he has no other motive than to be a supporting presence in her life. I'm still not attracted to the actor though.

The bombshell about Perry being Ziggy's father was exceptionally handled. You could see how the ripples of that assault continue to affect these characters' lives. I appreciate the healing that she and Celeste seem to be going through though... at least in this respect. The sons brothers awkwardly coming together at the end of the episode was really sweet and hopeful considering the circumstances. I hope for the best for this makeshift family.

[bold]Bonnie[/bold] Geez... that Kravitz is a wet blanket. I'm glad they're giving her character more material, but I wish it were in the hands of a better actress. I liked her last season when things were lighter, but she's got the same dead eyes in every scene. It really sucks the drama out of the episode. That being said, her mother was a lot of fun, the perceptive, witchy woman that she is. I'm not sure why they had to give her the shining, but I like her energy and I hope she sticks around.

That's all I got to say about that. Dug the episode immensely.

Also, will they use a Sufjan Stevens song in every episode? At this point I kind of hope they do. Get that bread, Suf! You know he watches this show, the little gay that he is!

Great episode. And Laura Dern was the highlight for me in EVERY scene she was in.

Laura Dern is the best actress of the cast. Tonight proved that.

I would watch a show about Renata’s daily antics!

R75 Great commentary! Thank you. I'm gonna look forward to your post every week now.

One disagreement: I think you're being a little hard on Zoe Kravitz. My take is she's being directed to underplay. Last season she was all subtext. Bonnie is obviously full of repression and bound to explode at any minute. I wanna see how Kravitz plays it before I lay judgment.

Up to now, I've been completely unimpressed with James Tupper. But tonight his character was finally given something interesting to do, and I think he played it well. It's the first time I've felt he earned sympathy.

.The brother thing is interesting Could it be Corey Brockfield played by Douglas Smith?

I keep thinking how funny it is that Iain Armitage probably has the biggest trailer of all of them.

I see bad things ahead for little Chloe. Madeline barely reassured her when she asked if Ed was angry at her.

You are observing the very essence of acting in this one gif. Can someone say "game changer"?

I think Bonnie will attempt suicide by drowning, walking into the sea. Her mother had those water visions as a premonition. Her mother is an alcoholic and is drinking again. This will not end well. Renata's meltdown is everything! Mary Louise is so creepy and passive agressive. No wonder her son was so fucked up. I wanted to slap her when she was talking to Celeste, denying that her son would be abusive. Meryl Streep's portrayal of her is brilliant. I love her 'scream' from last week's episode.

I also think Bonnie will try to commit suicide.

I bet Bonnie's mom was a HARD drunk back in the day. I love that for her. And of course she's now super preachy about others' social and emotional intelligence.

Did any of you watch the preview for future episodes? It showed Bonnie suspended in water.

We also see Celeste making out with a new guy:

[quote]I see bad things ahead for little Chloe. Madeline barely reassured her when she asked if Ed was angry at her.

The shit is going to hit the fan more that family. Madeline and Ed will be fighting more. I can see Joseph's wife plotting some kind of revenge towards Madeline. It seemed like the wife was following Ed around in the previous episode.

R87 I noticed that. But, I think it could be some kind of dream/imagination scene where Bonnie considers suicide, but doesn't go ahead with it or maybe she tries to commit suicide some other way.

r88 Trashy hot guy. And look at that tongue action. Get them cookies, Nicole!

I'm just now realizing that the mothers both display their spiritual totems. Mary Louise with her cross stroking and Elizabeth (Bonnie's mom) with her crystal, bone, and feather.

I wonder if the show will follow the book and have it revealed that Bonnie's father was abusive and maybe that combined with alcoholic mother really fucked up Bonnie.

Anyone else thought it was unusual when Bonnie told Shailene that aquarium guy might be faking his Aspergers and that people sometimes do that to get away with saying dumb shit? People are already calling that problematic writing, but I think it functions to show the audience that deep down she really is one of them and not as alienated and isolated in that community as her mom thinks she is. Conversely, it might mean that she's been largely assimilated into that community. Or maybe it was her mean drunk mom coming through, just before we got introduced to her.

I'm finding this sort of boring.

The viewer knows exactly what happened.

So Meryl -- and everyone else -- not knowing isn't very interesting.

The black women in the turban who is into -- wait for it -- voodoo!

What a cliche.

[quote]So Meryl -- and everyone else -- not knowing isn't very interesting.

That's exactly why they aren't dragging it out and have revealed the truth about Ziggy and the rape in the second episode already. So now we're nervous because Meryl is going to go talk to the detective.

And I love that detective, by the way. She's cruising that town like a shark.

r96 I'm a gay guy who is obsessed with this show. We're all clichés in one way or another.

And Bonnie is such an atypical black woman, I quite enjoy watching this juxtaposition.

I think there is something shady with aquarium guy. He's going to cause additional problems for Jane.

So many overheard conversations, Phoebe vs Ericia ,unpleasant mothers in law.,visions dreams and flashbacks. I suspect the dead husband will not be dead and his new name will be Joe Riley. I love every minute of it.

“I also used to like to sit on your face, you think that will ever happen again?”

“Can someone give a woman a fucking moment?”

[quote]So Meryl -- and everyone else -- not knowing isn't very interesting.

Agreed. The fact that they're all lying about a non-crime when they could have just told what really happened is also tedious.

r102 They wanted to, though, but Madeline fucked it up because she's a compulsive liar. It would be suspicious to the cops if everyone came out with a different version. And now the chickens are coming home to roost.

I wonder if the guy that Celeste was kissing is the brother or Perry. I thought it weak writing that the young daughter is he one who started off the reveal of Ziggy’s dad. Also Madeline’s husband just happened to overhear her conversation with the older daughter about the affair just seemed a bit too convenient as well. Love Laura Dern as well! Hope she gets another HBO series soon.

I'm probably in the minority, but I hope Madeline gets some kind of payback. She's compulsive liar, has a big mouth and she isn't careful with what she says. In the season premiere, when she was showing that house to the couple she was blabbing away on her phone and I almost expected her to say something incriminating in front of the couple. We know that her little daughter Chloe is an eavesdropper and I'm betting Chloe knows more secrets other Ziggy's paternity.

If Bonnie does try to commit suicide, I hope the writers don't try to make that being Madeline's cue for redemption. Then again that could happen. Madeline will be crying to Bonnie and apologizing for not allowing Bonnie and others to tell what happened to Perry.

Who was Celeste daydreaming about around the time she crashed? He looked way different than Perry. I hate whoever wrote the storyline involving the kids and Ziggy’s conception. So awkward and uncomfortable. I have never liked Meryl and yes, I’m a millennial. She’s overrated.

[quote]She’s overrated.

Okay, but did you see this, though? Never done before! She single-handedly invented "necklace acting" in last night's episode. Just like that.

R107 She was obviously mocking Reese's chin.

LOL, R101, my partner and I guffawed at those lines! Dern is killing it. Love her. So is Meryl.

Kidman's face is a huge distraction. In every scene, I'm trying to figure out what's wrong with her face rather than listening to what she's saying. Same for Woodley's hair. The bangs look awful and so severe. Kidman's bangs are similar. It makes them look harsh.

Woodley looks ill.

Woodley looks fat AF.

She did look rather unfortunate in this shot, didn't she?

I've been rewatching season 1 and she looks great.

Woodley and Kravitz looked gross in that yoga scene.

Madeline's daughter with her Ally McBeal cloud PJs.

[quote][R107] She was obviously mocking Reese's chin.

I would love some scene of Mary Louise making fun of all the women and she starts mocking Madeline's chin, Jane's hideous bangs, Renata's big dick face, Celeste's weird face, and Bonnie's smelly look.

I'll say this: Remember the end of last season when we all had that somber, safe, joyous feeling one gets when witnessing a (somewhat) happy ending? How happy we were when all 5 women bonded?

This episode certainly shot all that to shit, didn't it??

Celeste is impossibly nice. I felt that when I read the book and Kidman plays it quite well without getting annoying and twee and self-satisfied. She really is sensible and kind to a fault that I guess that's why her relationship with Perry lasted so long.

She lets her had MiL stay around because her sons like her. She never tells the witch to get the fuck out of her house. She doesn't get mad at Jane when Ziggy is told that Perry was a rapist. She allows the boys to interact as brothers.

Is Woodley pregnant?

Bonnie's patchouli and weed look is getting on my nerves. Other than that, I'm enthralled. Watching both episodes again.

I think I would leave my whole life behind just to take a spin in a car with Renata.

Renata driving away flipping the bird should be a staple reply across the internet.

Do we think every lead is getting their own iconic episode this season? Meryl got her scream in the first one, Renata owned the second one, I'm hearing Shailene nails the third one...

I don't get the love for Renata. She's one note and annoying.

Yeah, they need to push Renata out of her comfort zone and show us some of her other facets. Which admittedly they seem to be doing now.

I want to see her and Mary Louise fight.

R107 What the hell are you talking about??? Everyone in cinema history knows Timothee Chalamet invented “necklace acting” in CMBYN. Please hand in your gay card pronto!

r127 I can't believe I forgot about that. I even recall writing on DL what that gesture meant on a metaphorical level.

Well, this is quite embarrassing.

That gif of Chalamet's hot.

Anyway, Renata's not one note. She's multifaceted in the first season and this season they seem to be deconstructing the character.

I loved that scene in the first season with Renata thawing when Shailene visits her at home.

[quote]I don't get the love for Renata. She's one note and annoying.

You mean Meryl.

Kick her out of the fucking house. Who'd allow her to be around talking and behaving like that? Actually, kick her off the show. She's awful in this as an actress and her silly character.

A few other observations.

It's now just a soap opera. Before, it was a notch above.

The children all talk and behave like adults.

Lenny Kravitz's daughter is beautiful.

The gurl who was raped mumbles and mutters her words. She's annoying. So is her stupid wig.

We need more location shots. That's what made the last season.

I don't dislike Meryl on the show, but she doesn't feel like a character yet. She feels like a plot device. Everything that made the second episode strong had very little to do with her.

[quote]Everything that made the second episode strong had very little to do with her.

No, she was the weakest link. I'm amazed at how bad she is and it's not just the writing.

[quote]Bonnie's parents are fucking annoying.

I thought the father was the "gay friend" at first.

She looks like a nun.

They should have given Joan Collins Meryl's part. Or someone LIKE Joan Collins.

R129 I was just typing that about that scene.. Laura starts as rabid Renata and with the acknowledgement of her maternal pain we watch as she transforms. I love that about this show. Not the expected histrionics but the unexpected quiet epiphanies each character comes to that allow them to be more than rich priveleged harpies. Great writing, great acting. "I'm going to get my ears checked." Doesn't even require acting. The writing is doing all the work.

Last night when Ziggy told Shailene he knows she lies to him was another. Adam Scott asking Madeline to describe "us". Devastating quiet moments that no amount of "necklace acting" can capture.

Meryl's part is written like a nighttime soap villain.

Nobody real talks like that.

[quote]Meryl's part is written like a nighttime soap villain.

Exactly. And why does she keep leaping out of the dark the second Celeste wakes from her nightmares?

r138 The part wasn't theirs to give as Meryl cast herself in the role. Because she's Meryl and She's allowed to do that.

And Joan Collins? First of all, she doesn't have the range (anymore) and people would be calling the show soapy even more than they do now. For me, it's exciting to watch a serious actress tackle this campy role. We should have fun sometimes!

I'd be curious to know how much the character is written like that and how much is Meryl being allowed to embellish by the director. Probably both but we do need to see something more. She's acting in some script that doesn't match the show and the other actors and characters.

I've seen three episodes of the first season and I hate it. I just don't care about the characters. Does it get better?

r144 It does get better and I still don't care about any of the characters. Not really. But just like with Succession, I've realised I can enjoy the show without liking any of them.

Everyone's so hung up on whether characters are likable. I guess I understand the urge, but there's so much great art out there that follows unlikable characters. A character being likable has no bearing on a show's quality. Whether the characters are well realized, written, and performed is way more important in my opinion. This is, of course, all subjective.

Anyway, if you're three episodes deep into season one and aren't enjoying it I can't imagine the rest of the show clicking for you. I was hooked from the start so... as they say... can't relate.

It took me a few episodes before I stopped worrying about who died and how which really isn't all that interesting and started growing attached to the characters. Ziggy was my way in.

Meryl is shitting all over Celeste.

Ziggy is a great little actor.

I liked the actor playing Ziggy... until I googled him earlier today. I can't with theatre queens.

I love his new haircut, though. Very cute.

The twins that play Nicole’s sons are beautiful kids. Totally adorable and I don’t even like kids.

omg this thread is FRAUND ZERO

Some gays do hate frauen because they want to be them.

Gays live for beautiful broads in distress. Always have. This show appeals to that sensibility.

Ziggy is probably going to enjoy his instant twincest access.

Can we not?

Nicole got a larger chin implant. That’s what is throwing her face off ( and too many filled around the eyes ) Many actresses get larger chin implants with their facelifts or instead to refine their neck and stop it from sagging but she should have stayed with the last one . It’s too large and distracting. Angelina Jolie did this too. These women are like Mr. Potato Head changing their facial parts on a monthly basis .

I feel so bad for Ed, he knew something was up with Madeline and the theater guy last season but pushed it down. When he overheard the cunty daughter spill the beans the bottom totally fell out.

Mary Louise needs a good hard kick in the cunt.

How did Perry's father die, ML referred to an accident. I wonder if he used to beat Mary Louise? How did Perry's brother die? Hmm!?

If I was Renata I would have killed that fortune losing mother fucker.

Watch Ed go and fuck the theater's guy's wife.

I hope he is above that. But Renata may want to borrow his face to sit on a couple of times a week.

Ed is bound to do something stupid in response to Madeline's affair. He might not sleep with Joseph's wife. I could see him snapping and attacking Joseph and ending up in jail. With that scenario, I could see Mary Louise finding out about Ed's attack and then she might think Ed was involved in Perry's death.

I think Perry killed his brother and that was just the beggining of his psycho act.

Just remember whatever happens to Ed, he will always have good hair.

Ed's hot.

How did the teenage daughter come to know about her mother's affair? I don't remember her knowing about it during Season One.

Madeline confides in her daughter after she confronts her about auctioning off her virginity.

R165, Madeline told her point blank.

Those teef are ridiculous Mary Louise needs to die in a grease fire teeth first preferably

Mary Louise has Anthony mason rodent teeth. I think we'll find out that perry's dad was violent too...

Reese is the one who benefited most from this show. Her career was dead in the water when her latest films all flopped and she was aging out of romcoms.

The guy who played Bonnie's (step?) father didn't do much but wonder if he will figure into things more because the actor is great at playing creepy

"YOU WILL NOT BE LIKE HIM!!"

Such subtle writing.

r172 I think the writers wanted that verbalised for Mary Louise's sake, but it still came across as awkward. On the other hand, Weigert has been doing that hypno shit on her AND she's been misusing Ambien, so perhaps we should be looking at that as a PTSD event, and not as something a normal person in everyday circumstances would say.

The, "You will not be like him!" moment was fine. Neither subtle nor over the top, but a logical, emotional continuation of the therapy scene.

Okay, late to catching up with the discussion. Here are my thoughts after watching S-O2, E-02.

1. WTF do the parents of middle aged children assume they can just walk into their bedrooms and lurk around while they're sleeping. Is this a California thing? It's creepy as fuck. Bonnie's mom is lucky her daughter didn't marry a Texan. Because she'd end up with a face full of lead. Celeste needs to get her MIL the fuck out of her bedroom too.

2. R104, it showed how casually Maddy lies and over-shares. She had no business telling her teenage daughter about her affair. She's a complete narcissist who is oblivious to the damage she does and the havoc she creates. She's also horrible at keeping secrets. You can't swear someone to secrecy, especially a child or a teenager, and think the info won't get out somehow....even by mistake.

3. R146, regarding unlikeable characters. I disagree. I stopped watching so many shows (and reading books as well) because there was no one to root for, no one to care about. Sopranos is a good example. Also, Succession looked so promising from the plot and early trailers. I gave it a few episodes and quit. Just disgusting people all around. No redeeming qualities at all.

4. Bonnie's mom is a bigger bitch than Mary Louise. Insults Bonnie's husband to his face, and behind his back to Bonnie. I don't get why the husband even invited her to visit. She clearly isn't a loving mother who brings peace and joy to her child.

5. R94, I loved Bonnie's Aspergers comment. It's what we're all thinking---that aspies can't be bothered to even try to be polite and consider the feelings of other people. It's a very convenient excuse to be an asshole.

6. It was very weird to hear Celeste tell her sons that Perry was a "good man". I wonder if she would say that in front of Jane.

7. I was dying for Celeste to blast Mary Louise when she kept badgering her about why she never went to the police about Perry. I wanted her to say, "STFU, you old bat. Haven't you ever heard of battered woman syndrome? THAT'S why I didn't go tot he police. Educate yourself if you don't know anything about it." She needs to stop coddling that shrew.

8. The necklace scene was a bit overplayed. Could have been more subtle. Meryl should have just tapped the cross on her neck for a second.....not that extended fiddling with it on her chin.

9. Everyone needs a hairstyle makeover: Jane (the infamous bangs--just awful), Bonnie (those dreds must reek), Celeste (no bangs, shorter, blonder), Maddy (go shorter - ha!). Mary Louise (she needs a mullet). Love Renada's hair--no change needed.

10. I figured out what's wrong with Shailene's face. She looks like she has allergies--puffy faced. Sounds like it too--all congested.

[quote]9. Everyone needs a hairstyle makeover: Jane (the infamous bangs--just awful), Bonnie (those dreds must reek), Celeste (no bangs, shorter, blonder), Maddy (go shorter - ha!). Mary Louise (she needs a mullet). Love Renada's hair--no change needed

Are you a hairdresser/stylist?

[quote]8. The necklace scene was a bit overplayed. Could have been more subtle. Meryl should have just tapped the cross on her neck for a second.....not that extended fiddling with it on her chin.

But that extended fiddling has never before been captured on celluloid. Isn't there something to be said about that as well? I stan pioneers and those who are pushing the art form!

I need a short but bombastic scene in which Meryl goes to Robin Weigert and tries to get her to break patient-client confidentiality. Which reminds me of this tweet of Emily Nussbaum's I saw earlier today:

[quote]People seem to be watching Big Little Lies more like sports than scripted TV.

That's exactly what I've been noticing in myself. But I suppose that's inevitable when you cast all these behemoths; you just want every single one to square off against each other or else the opportunity seems squandered somehow.

I suspect Mary Louise (casting her as an anti metoo is interesting) will be this year's Renada. Eventually she will switch over to the right side.

I can't help but think of reunions.

Reese and Laura worked on Wild together. Reese and Meryl worked on Rendition together. Meryl and Nicole worked on The Hours together. Any other connections?

R176. No, that's just my opinion on their hair, since everyone seems to be weighing in.

Gays are experts on hair even if not hairdressers. I can spot a wig even a good one a mile away.

Woodley looked pregnant on one of the talk shows. There was a rumor she was last year but it was only for a role.

r180 Meryl and Dern: Little Women (2019), Dern and Woodley: The Fault in Our Stars (2014).

Did Weigert and Meryl share scenes in Angels in America? One was a Mormon mother and the other a rabbi, right?

cant watch it. such whiney bitches. laura dern? ugh

I forgot to include the Weigert and Meryl connection in Angels in America! Meryl actually played both the Mormon mother and Rabbi in that, but Weigert played the old timey Mormon mannequin that comes to life and talks to Harper. Weigert's got a good relationship with HBO.

In the first season and book, Shailene wasn't necessarily calling the incident w/ Perry rape but more rough consensual. Looking back, I think she went out looking for a hot breeding from a guy like Perry and I don't blame her!

r186 The book came out pre-MeToo, right? So I can see why they'd want to tweak that.

R187 The tv show premiered months before the metoo movement.

the most cunty of all the cunt shows.

r188 Oh, yeah, right. I remember them collecting the awards during it.

They're still maintaining the nuance of the situation. In the first episode of season 2 Jane states that she was complicit, at least at the beginning, implying that it eventually turned into rape, which we saw in the first episode. She describes his demeanor changing, and then he eventually just ends up using her.

And let's not forget that consent can always be taken away at any point during a sexual encounter, no questions asked. She did struggle and told him to stop (I think) but then just relented and went along with it because she was scared he'd do something even crazier.

R102, now we know how Y&R viewers felt over JT

will the hores be pissed when meryl steals their emmy?

Only Laura and Shailene.

I’m still find it very engrossing. The cast should easily win best game ensemble. Though I must admit - I’m would get distracted sometimes by Nicole’s face and Reese’s chin. Does it seems certain somebody will die or get murdered? I’m thinking Mary Louise.

Omg Fuck that spellchecker. Lol

r28 it's in Calabasas on the Malibu side of the 101 freeway. It came close to getting burned down during the fires. The fire got as close as across the road from it. I've worked there every time it's been shot. The owners built it themselves, by hand. The guy and his friends started building it in the 70's and he got married and raised his family there. He and his wife are really sweet people.

She's sweet r38. At least she is at work.

[quote] I mean, I can see Meryl winning simply because she's Meryl

Which is the reason she's won her recent awards. These women are proving that when you get the right part you shine.

Meryl isn't the greatest living actress, she the actress that got the right parts that made her shine. Unfortunately that has meant that others have gotten overlooked in order for Meryl to be the only actress in her age group to be considered greatest living.

I thought the first season was okay, I wasn't one of the many who loved it, but I think I watched most episodes. But, I haven't watched this season, just not interested and the reviews haven't been great.

Thanks for coming in to let us know, R201.

[quote]Woodley looked pregnant on one of the talk shows.

For unsightly post-abortion weight, which never films well, I recommend long scarves.

You're welcome R202 :)

[quote]The second episode of “Big Little Lies” saw a slight 7% rise from the premiere (1.5 million as opposed to 1.4 million) and ended up at over 2 million viewers with the addition of a first replay and preliminary viewing on HBO GO and NOW. Episode 2 was also the series’ second most watched after only the season 1 finale.

R200 it’s been seven years since she won her last Golden Globe and Oscar. The third Emmy recently was for voiceover. Truth be told, Meryl doesn’t win a lot, she’s just nominated a lot. Plus the Globe isn’t a real serious award for acting anyway.

Fuck you, R206!

Not surprised Meryl’s character isn’t aware of women being victims to predatory men... for a second, I forgot she was talking about Perry and thought she was talking about Weinstein...

Great clip of Debbie Reynolds imitating Meryl's acting style.

The necklace scene seemed forced to me... I could tell Meryl was thinking : how can I make this character more interesting...

r209 I want Meryl to do Debbie now.

I wish the Meryl character hadn’t started out weird, right out of the box. Wish she’d started normal and unthreatening, maybe with hints, and slowly gotten weird.

[quote]The flashbacks of Young Mary Louise start in tonight's episode.

That poster in the first thread outright LIED to us.

R198 Thank you. I was wondering because I like how the house looks and the property around it.

R212 I feel the same way. She's too fucking weird in the past two episodes. She's probably going to get weirder as episodes go on. There are supposed to be flashbacks with a young Mary Louise and I'm guessing she always weird or she was abused and turned into a weirdo.

R213 The actress playing young Mary Louise was listed on IMDB for episode 2 a few days ago. An agent or someone probably messed up with her listings. Her page was updated and she's listed for following episodes. Episode 4-She Knows Episode 5-Kill Me Episode 6-The Bad Mother Episode 7-I Want To Know

r216 Thanks! Four episodes, interesting.

R209 Hilarious!

r209 I love Meryl but I would be shitting myself laughing had I witnessed Debbie doing that in person. Genius!

Well dig up the old girl and make it happen r211.

Meryl couldn't do Debbie as Debbie didn't have the affectations in her acting Meryl does.

All these fairly good actors in this.... shit!

r220 So you're saying Debbie's acting wasn't recognizable in any way?

I am DYING over that Debbie as Meryl clip.

How sweet that a screen icon paid homage to me in such an amusing manner. Who would an appropriate actress be to play Glenn in similar fashion? Bonnie Franklin, perhaps? Deb Messing?

I wish Debbie and Carrie were still around.

Only my beautiful daughter can play a young me !

R209 Was Debbie having fun or making fun of Meryl? I wonder because Carrie Fisher and Meryl were very close friends. It started with Postcards and they were close right up to Carrie's death. Meryl spoke at the funeral.

Debbie was a comedian exaggerating for a laugh. There is certainly a grain of truth in her impersonation but I didn't see it as snarky or disparaging. Debbie probably does that every time she sees Meryl as an inside joke.

Laura Dern is outshining them all, I am loving Renata this season.

So true! Glenn is considered an inside joke, as well. Differently.

No happiness in this season

I really don't understand why the Debbie clip is so hilarious? Debbie played Debbie in everything.

R231 that's how I feel too.

Reese Witherspoon makes this show.

I wanna know who Nicole was fucking in that car. That is all.

[quote]One disagreement: I think you're being a little hard on Zoe Kravitz. My take is she's being directed to underplay

She's not much of an actress in the first place. Like Cara Delevigne, she gets cast for her looks.

Sorry but Debbie playing Liberace's mother was amazing, and totally unlike Debbie. And she could do great imitations.

I'm surprised the Emmys didn't toss her a nod for that Liberace film. They've handed out nominations for less.

She was good but if you blinked you missed her.

Gorden will so make a plea deal with the Feds and throw Regina and her friends under bus with the stuff he finds out about their involvement in Perry's death.

At this point the real crime these gals have committed is the cover up of the circumstances of Perry's death (which are fairly harmless legal wise as non-premediated man slaughter / self defense). Madeleine really fucked these girls over.

I doubt they remain friends for long.

It bugs me how the women minus Bonnie never call Madeline on fucking things up.

I wouldn't put it past Renata's husband to throw the women under the bus. In season 1, he seemed irritated with Renata's feud with Madeline. He'll be pissed once he finds out why Renata suddenly became friends with Celeste, Jane, and Madeline after Perry's death.

Didn't one of the talking heads in season 1 tell the detectives about Renata fighting with Jane and Madeline?

[quote]Didn't one of the talking heads in season 1 tell the detectives about Renata fighting with Jane and Madeline?

Yes. And more than once, I think.

[quote]I doubt they remain friends for long.

I think the falling outs will happen mid-season. I'm betting if Bonnie does attempt suicide then that will cause the fighting.

[quote]Does it seems certain somebody will die or get murdered? I’m thinking Mary Louise.

I think Mary Louise will kill or try to kill someone and will be carted off to jail at the end. I don't see any of the main five ladies being murdered. If someone is killed I could see it being one of the husbands or Madeline's teenage daughter.

A murder is entirely unnecessary. Hope the show doesn't go that route. It doesn't need to [italic]completely[/italic] devolve into Desperate Housewives murder-of-the-season sensationalism.

What makes the show are the character studies and dynamics like Celeste and Perry in season one. Renata and Gordon in the latest one is quite interesting, too. I mean, in episode one this season you got a defeated looking Gording watching his toy train go in circles while Gordon was holding a bat like his life depends on it.

I think Perry was somehow involved with his brother's death. This article mentions that two young boys were cast as young Perry and his brother Raymond and they will appear in three episodes.

Streep is desperately trying to repeat that moment in Sophie's Choice where her face looks like she's taking a really painful shit. She's been doing schtick for years and the cross on the chin mime was just the latest example.

For anyone but Streep, the cross on the chin thing would never be mentioned.

It’s absolutely ridiculous that everything Streep does — every smile, every frown, every grimace, every hand movement, every accent, every cadence in speech — is analyzed to death.

R250, she does bring the analysis on herself with her very actory choices.

She is part of the world's cultural heritage - one of the greatest ever - so of course we're going to analyse and celebrate her to death. We should appreciate her while she's still around!

Streep is NOT one the greatest actors ever. Sheesh, the hyperbole.

She very much is but we're not doing this again on her 70TH BIRTHDAY. We're just not.

I enjoyed reading the book, and I think the show is pretty great. But I think Diane Lane would have been a better choice to play Celeste. Kidman is too distracting for several reasons. The scenes with Skarsgård would have worked way better with Lane, in my opinion - that no one asked for.

Kidman was the best part of season one.

Also, Meryl's being fully absurd this season. It's like she's doing self-parody.

Dianne Ladd or Diane Keaton would've been interesting for Mary Louise.

I’m surprised they didn’t go with another Swede like Liv Ullman or Lena Olin for the part.

[quote] So Meryl -- and everyone else -- not knowing isn't very interesting.

The previews shows that Mary Louise either knows now her son was killed or that she will have figured it out by the next episode.

They made Adam Scott dug last season with the Jesus beard, this season he is hot.

Meryl Streep is a national treasure. She could spend an entire episode stitting on the toilet having the shits, having awkward conversations with the other castmembers with the bathroom door between them and she'd get an Emmy for it.

Dug what?

Nicole Kidman's face is starting to disturb me.

[quote]4. Bonnie's mom is a bigger bitch than Mary Louise. Insults Bonnie's husband to his face, and behind his back to Bonnie. I don't get why the husband even invited her to visit. She clearly isn't a loving mother who brings peace and joy to her child.

The way she did it was harsh but nothing she said was wrong. He should have been able to tell when Bonnie started having issues. He should know whether or not she eats "french fries." His emotional EQ is terrible and he called her in because he couldn't figure out what was wrong when she pin pointed it within a day or two.

[quote]She's too fucking weird in the past two episodes. She's probably going to get weirder as episodes go on. There are supposed to be flashbacks with a young Mary Louise and I'm guessing she always weird or she was abused and turned into a weirdo.

While I love Meryl it's obvious the character is going to become their enemy very quickly.

[quote] The way she did it was harsh but nothing she said was wrong.

You can be right AND not be a bitch about it. She was angry and confrontational and her attitude didn't help to diffuse the situation or come even close to solving the problem. Her daughter shut her out as well and it pushed Bonnie into an even more isolated and self destructive state.

[quote]Streep is NOT one the greatest actors ever. Sheesh, the hyperbole.

She's America's Vanessa Redgrave

[quote]Dianne Ladd or Diane Keaton would've been interesting for Mary Louise.

It WOULD be interesting to see Keaton in an interesting meaty role on TV.

But does she still have what it takes? She's become so fake and mannered over the years.

She did a season as a nun in that hot young pope series...

I was so looking forward to the next episode when the announcement came out that Kristallnacht starts today. Just one more fucking thing Trump has ruined for me.

r260 I'm shocked by how hot he looks in some of the scenes. Not creepy at all anymore. I bet he complained after the first season.

So I guess Ed will fuck the theater guy's wife who has the new tits.

[quote]Her daughter shut her out as well and it pushed Bonnie into an even more isolated and self destructive state.

She did manage to drop one hint to us, the audience, that this isn't the first time Bonnie has been in trouble with her "What have you done, this time?” comment after which Bonnie almost immediately switched the convo to wanting her out.

Am I the only one distracted by the fact that Adam Scott comes across as really gay?

r272 Really? That's interesting. I don't get that from his character at all.

He just comes across as a bit... beta in this show to me. Pretty much all of the men do, except for Perry.

He can hook up with the hobbit from the old coffee haunt.

I just realised that waiter was played by Joseph Cross, and not by one of the Ashmore twins. How about that.

streep is fucking terrible in season2 i cannot stand her

[quote] streep is fucking terrible in season2 i cannot stand her

[quote]So I guess Ed will fuck the theater guy's wife who has the new tits

I think that will happen. In the premiere episode, it seemed like the woman had been following Ed around and it's likely that she's psycho and wants some kind of revenge against Madeline. I wouldn't be surprised if that woman follows Madeline to one of her meetings with the other women and then she somehow overhears details about Perry's death.

I don’t see Ed as a revenge fuck type of guy. Especially with the wife of the guy Reese fucked. Too messy. Of course I could be totally wrong . I’m interested to see what he will do now.

Maybe Ed will meet the surfer dude in a bar at closing time.

Join us in the third episode thread!

I am convinced that Zoe Kravitz and Lisa Bonet are the same person; has anyone seen the acting-challenged mother/daughter duo together in real life?

Someone has to say it: Laura Dern is, and always has been, ugly as homemade sin.

r282 Oh, god, I thought she was Lisa Bonet for the duration of the first season, when I wasn't yet discussing the show here on DL.

You're wrong about Laura Dern; her face has so much character, she's infinitely watchable.

Laura Dern has never been ugly. Though she was a horsey young lady. Now "handsome".

I thought Laura Dern was well paired with Eric Stoltz in Mask.

I feel Laura Dern deserves our admiration for the career hit she took on Ellen for the Puppy Episode.