Big Little Lies: Season 1

| SEASON VERDICT | 

Powerful. Intense. Stellar. I expected this to be, at the very least, good given the star-studded cast, but Big Little Lies was quite sensational. The writing was excellent, the characters were complex, the direction was so defined and well-executed, and the acting performances were beyond masterful. Nicole Kidman was almost always mesmerizing to watch - particularly her nuanced scene with her therapist - as well as the exquisite performances of Reese Witherspoon and Laura Dern. 

- Episode Guide and Ratings -

Episode 1: Somebody's Dead
A suspicious death at an elementary school fundraiser draws attention to the frictions among three mothers and their families.

Episode 2: Serious Mothering

Jane deflects questions from Ziggy, Madeline is outraged over a slight from Renata, and Celeste suggests she and Perry see a counselor.

Episode 3: Living The Dream

Madeline organizes a trip to compete with Amabella's birthday party, Celeste succumbs to Perry's charms, and Jane opens up about her past.

Episode 4: Push Comes To Shove
Nathan invites Madeline and Ed to a couples' dinner to discuss Abigail, while in light of further evidence of bullying, Ms. Barnes suggests Ziggy be medically evaluated.

Episode 5: Once Bitten
Madeline is confronted by a desperate Joseph, the school principal scrutinizes Ziggy's behavior, and Dr. Reisman presses Celeste about her marriage.

Episode 6: Burning Love
Bonnie tells Nathan about Abigail's secret project; Jane confronts Renata; Ed and Madeline have a candid conversation about their lack of passion.

Episode 7: You Get What You Need
Celeste makes a bold move; Madeline deals with fallout from her past; Jane learns who's really been hurting Amabella.

SEASON AVERAGE

(4.43)

*Episode synopses are from IMDB.