Big Little Lies
Sunday was the much awaited premier of HBO’s seven part limited series Big Little Lies. This star studded murder mystery was full of curiosity, fun, amusement and cringe worthy moments. Big Little Lies follows a group of people living in the quiet town of Monterey, California. Filled with beautiful homes, doting mothers and adorable spoiled children. The story told through three women, we find out that there is more to this town then what lies on the surface. Full of lies, deceit and rumors, they are quickly divided into the haves and have nots. There is much conflict, a lot of secrets and even more betrayals amongst friends, parents and partners.
The episode opens with a scene chaos and place lights flashing, with audio of individuals being questioned about a recent death that has happened in the community. Cut to Madeline, played by Reese Witherspoon. She is a stay at home mom that struggles to find her own identity in life. She isn’t happy with herself not having a career but at the same time doesn’t really have respect for the “career woman” mom type. I have to say I love her character. I’m torn, she sucks but I love her. It seems in the past that Reese Witherspoon has been type cast as this down to earth girl next door type and she is far from that in Big Little Lies. Madeline is always in the middle of what ever drama seems to be happening. I can tell she means well, but we all know that one person that wants to “do good” by everyone, but really just likes to know everything that is going on with everyone. Like I said, Madeline sucks but I can’t help but love her right now.
It’s interesting to me how the first episode plays out. We know that a murder has taken place, or at least that someone has died. All of these questions being asked about this death revolve around Madeline. So is she the one who was killed or was she the murderer? Judging by her personality it could definitely go either way. But I love that HBO is giving us another whodunit murder mystery with a bad ass cast.
As the first episode progresses, Madeline befriends a new mom who has just moved to town, Jane played by Shailene Woodley. She is sweet and quiet and her son Ziggy is a soft spoken mild manner child. It’s orientation day at school and he is really nervous and wants to make friends. Madeline introduces Jane to Celeste, played by Nicole Kidman. I want to say she is extremely lucky since her on screen husband is Perry, played by Alexander Skarsgard. But it turns out he is kind of a dick which sheds light on the first dirty little secret in this story. Celeste’s so called happy life with the perfect, sexy husband is darker than she leads on.
At the schools orientation a little girl gets choked by another child and the teacher asks for the student to come forward in front of the parents and classmates. The little girl belongs to Renata, played by Laura Dern. A powerful working mom, clearly trying to make a point that she can be a career woman and a protective mother. Renata’s daughter points to Ziggy, Jane’s son, when she is asked who hurt her. Ziggy denies it but the damage is done and the line is drawn in the sand between those with Madeline and her NEW friend Jane and those who are with Renata.
So the first episode leaves us with a few things. There is a clear divide within the community. We are going to hear the this story told by Madeline, Celeste and Renata. Jane the new girl to the mom’s club may have a few dark secrets she is running from. My guess is it’s a dangerous abusive husband or boyfriend, but we have yet to find that out. Each one of these women is struggling with their own secrets all while trying to keep up appearances. After the first episode I was exhausted trying to keep up with them. I also can’t wait to see how the husbands’ rolls play into all of this. Madeline’s husband is played by the amazing Adam Scott. It’s exciting to see him in a some what serious roll. They all seem to try and stay out of the daily gossip but it’s clear that this time they won’t be able to. Hopefully in the episodes to come we will have lots to dissect and discuss as this mystery unfolds!
Crashing
Last Sunday was also the debut of a new comedy on HBO, Crashing. The Judd Apatow produced comedy follows Pete, played by Pete Holmes, a sheltered suburbanite who is married to his childhood sweetheart and dreams of making it as a stand-up comedian. But when he finds out his wife is cheating on him, Pete’s world unravels, forcing him to reevaluate his priorities.
This show is packed with all of today’s comedy greats. In the first episode we meet Jess, Pete’s wife played by Lauren Lapkus. Artie Lang, Jay Oakerson, Greer Barnes and others. They all give Pete the hard truth about what it takes to become a successful comedian. After Pete leaves his wife he ends up spending a lot of time with self proclaimed shit show, Artie Lang. He tells him over and over again. That this life is not glamorous. When Pete tells him that he is a legend, he responds with, “A legend of what? Getting so fucked up I shit my pants on a plane?” Pete asks, “ Was it in first class or coach?” Artie replies, “First Class. Don’t shit your pants in coach man, that’s just rude.”
I can’t wait for the coming episodes of crashing. The writing is fantastic and the characters are great. It’s also nice to see comedians playing themselves. I can only imagine that the upcoming cameos will amazing. It’s like a coming of age story about one lost comedic soul and how the underground comedy world takes him under their wing. But nevertheless Pete takes a beating form his fellow comedians. Some are helpful, some are not. Some are bitter, sarcastic assholes. We can only hope that Pete finds his own way and that his jokes get much much better.
Girls Final Season
Hannah and the gang are back for the final season of Girls. It’s finally time for all of the girls to grow up and find their place in the world. I personally love this show. Yes it is outrageous, but the casting is great, the story lines are hilarious and almost every episode I find myself constantly rolling my eyes. As absurd as it may be I think almost every woman out there can relate to most of the struggles they face. This week finished up episode two and to be honest, surprisingly the only character so far that is wising up to her own bullshit is Hannah herself, played by Lena Dunham.
It will be interesting to see how Hannah and the rest of the girls grow this season. It’s always sad to say goodbye to characters you have fallen in love with over the years but I am excited to see the outcome. They are all fucking awful to one another still but at the same time you can tell they really do care for each other which is one of the endearing qualities of this show. I’m also glad that they are deciding to end this show when its still on top instead of dragging it out to a slow painful death.
It’s safe to say that some things haven’t changed in the new season so far. Hannah is still always naked, Adam Driver, shirtless, never gets old and Elijah, played by Andrew Rannells is still the best character ever. He’s such a lovable dick.
In the Coming Months for HBO
Animals 2 two premieres March 17th.
Silicon Valley Season 4 April 24th
Veep Season 5 April 24th
Game Of Thrones season 7 Summer of 2017
