‘Big Little Lies’ Season 2’s Woes Started With Its Writing (Column)

There’s no saying just how different the season might have been if Arnold had the kind of control she might have expected when taking the job, or how much Vallee specifically managed to change when he took over post-production. Still, having watched all but the finale, the biggest culprit of the season’s decline isn’t the direction, but the writing.

What used to be an insightful series about the ways women bond and fracture in order to survive has become a disjointed montage of greatest hits. Most every episode feels like it was engineered backwards from two main concerns: “what do we want to see happen opposite Meryl Streep?” and “would this moment make a good meme?” The attempts to shade out Bonnie’s past has devolved into a muddled depiction of childhood abuse and vague mysticism .

Whatever the issues were between the directors, all of these weaknesses are ultimately down to the scripts. And if Arnold’s unfiltered version sought to bring out the subtleties of the moments in between — the unspoken trauma and panic and understanding that made a scene like Season 1’s crucial death resonate so hard without a single one of Kelley’s words — there’s no doubt that it would have been a more compelling version than the one we’re seeing now.

also, NO SEXY MEN this season. If it were my show to direct and write, I would get more men like first season and have them at least be attractive and sexual..

Ooooooo. “The secret.” Ooooooo.

What woes? I’m just as into this season as I was into the last one. It’s great tv.

hey, Variety. Take several seats. This season is excellent

The direction is fine. The editing sucks ass.

There are no 'woes.' The stories aren't as electric as Season One but it's still one of the best shows on TV.

🏆🏆 TelevisionAcad 🏆🏆 goldenglobes

okay, this is getting a bit to far. Season two first five episodes are actually better than season one, so...

🏆🏆 TelevisionAcad

Watched only 1 episode of S2 and didn't bother with the rest. BigLittleLies

what woes? its great..

This season felt as if everyone of the lead actresses had it in their contract their character had to have a 'big moment' - a lot of emoting without any of it making much sense. So disappointing.

40 min episodes blow... ten more minutes of writing. Come on David E, I thought u could give us that

Probably a lot tougher without Liane Moriarty writing the whole thing for them.

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