Big Little Lies MVPs: Episode 6 "Burning Love"
Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 9:41PM Previously: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, and Episode 5.
by Spencer Coile
In the penultimate episode to HBO's actress juggernaut, Madeline comes to terms with her affair with Joseph and discovers Abigail's secret project: auctioning off her virginity to fight against sex trafficking. Celeste adopts an exit strategy from Perry... but also breaks his urethra. The memory of Jane's rape continues to haunt her, even after realizing that Saxon Baker was not the culprit, but when she finds out there's a petition going around school urging for Ziggy's suspension, she takes matters into her own hands and reconciles with Renata. Meanwhile, Avenue Q finally opens and musical theater fans rejoiced!
With everything coming to a head in next week's finale, there are still so many questions left unanswered. Still, let's take a moment and reflect on the genius that was "Burning Love."
Top 10 MVPs of Big Little Lies. Episode 6 "Burning Love"
How's my little champion?
10. Ziggy's Babysitter
Thirty seconds of screentime, and she made every one of those seconds count. Kind, compassionate toward Ziggy, and even offering Jane a hug, here is a brief glimpse of the humanity and warmth that exists in Monterey, however fleetingly.
09. Long Takes
Whether it is Perry standing over Celeste menacingly out of the shot (see above) or Nathan and Bonnie tinkering away in their garden, the beauty of Big Little Lies comes from these sustained long takes, where we are afforeded the luxury of breathing in the moment with the characters. While the series also deserves praise for its quick, erratic editing to fit the messy psyches of these women, it is through these quiet and deeply intimate moments that the core of these relationships are felt.
08. Jane and Renata's Stalemate
After Jane "gauged out" Renata's eye, it was refreshing to watch these two women finally stand down and admit their faults as mothers and as women. Interestingly, neither completely admitted that they were wrong, but both understood and respected their own maternal instincts. In a series wrapped up with the careful art of concealing the truth, watching this scene unfold was surprisingly therapeutic.
07. Exit Strategies
After another charged counseling session and breaking Perry's penis urging him to threaten her life, Celeste begins to take her therapist's advice seriously. She finds a new apartment overlooking the beach-- no furnishing and still in the Monterey school district. After five episodes of watching Celeste struggle with her relational turmoil, she finally takes ownership in her relationship with Perry and looks for help. Granted, she hasn't confided in a friend yet, but she's taking the necessary baby steps. Plus, choosing to shoot this scene with the sun around Nicole's head like a halo deserves Emmy after Emmy.
Everything in life is only for now...
06. Avenue Q and "For Now"
At long last, Avenue Q has opened! And from the brief snippet we see of the last song, it's good-- Ed even whispers this to Madeline during the show. Indeed, this should be a triumphant night for her. But as she makes eye contact with Joseph's wife in the audience, we know that she is feeling guilt, remorse, and even longing for once was. Yes, everything is temporary, but in this moment, maybe all Madeline is looking for is some stability.
05. Penises; Prosthetic or Otherwise
The scene that had everyone on the edge of their seats-- for more reasons than one. Shocking, blink-and-you'll-miss-it, this was exactly what fans needed in an already action-packed episode. And the fact that Celeste would quickly go on to bash in Perry's penis with a tennis racket was the moment we never knew we needed on television.
04. Chloe and Ziggy's Friendship
However brief the scene is, there was something so wholesome in watching Chloe and Ziggy gallavanting around Chloe's house-- playing the piano, lip syncing to music, chasing one another. This little slice of pure child-like innocence was the perfect contrast to all of the "adult" drama going on.
03. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" by The Temptations
Serving as a central piece throughout the entire episode, it concluded with Ziggy singing this to his mother. And as she watches him adoringly, tears fill her eyes. There is so much she wants to say, that all of these characters want to say, but they can't. The irony of this should not be lost on us; these women are known for being outspoken and eccentric. But as the goings-on come to a close next weekend, only time will tell if the timidity we see at the end here will carry over into Episode 7. But it is going to be one hell of a last ride either way.
02. Renata's Eye Patch
Following up that iconic leopard jumper from Episode 3 was a tall order. But the second that Renata ascended her magnificent staircase and we bore witness to this brilliant piece of costuming... all was forgotten. There is no doubt that this fashion choice will be talked about by year's end.
Bonnie, I love this music. Is it Adele?
01. Madeline's Dinner Etiquette
Enough has been said about Reese Witherspoon's performance at this point, but everything about this scene absolutely worked. From her sheer ignorance about who Sade was, to her vague compliments of Bonnie's cooking and mugs, it all comes to a halt when Nathan and Bonnie disclose Abigail's secret project... prompting Madeline to vomit all over the table. Twice. But not only that, she stands up and gives a slurry speech about Nathan's improper parenting. And perhaps most importantly, this scene serves as the catalyst for her to open up to Abigail at last; about her affair, about how she is far from perfect. It simultaneously hilarious, heartbreaking, and altogether a completely Madeline moment.
With only one episode left, titled "You Get What You Need," there is still so much to explore in the world of Big Little Lies. So buckle down, rewatch some previous episodes, and brace for impact.
Reader Comments (27)
I enjoyed this episode but found it to be the most "nighttime soap," because the comedy was broad and some of the scenes felt underwritten or rushed. The therapist finally telling Celeste that she lives in a world of denial was appreciated. Reese was very good in her scenes.
In these last few episodes, I feel Nicole has taken away Reese's MVP title. And my god. Can the therapist qualify for Guest Actress? Since Supporting Actress is no doubt Laura Dern's to lose.
I cannot believe there's only one episode left.
I was waiting to see what they'd replace "George Bush!" with in "For Now," but they just skipped the line. Opportunity wasted :(
Roger -- i can't beleive it either. how are all of these things going to be resolved in one single hour?
Spencer -- 100% prosthetic (which is weird because Skarsgard isn't shy... but maybe it's because the penis had to get hit?). That thing was just way too long even cylinder
James -- yeah kind of anticlimactic but i thought it was a nice touch to make the song feel more sorrowful than it usually does (because Madeline is worried about the things she loves leaving her, rather than trying to survive something she wants to be done with )
Also that scene between Renata and Jane was amazing. I think this was Shailene's best episode by far.
Reece and Dern for me are the standouts in this series. You will NOT guess the ending if you have not read the novel. If you have read it, do not spoil I have read this blog just long enough to feel there are a few that are a little mean spirited.
Having read the book there is still much to cover. Hopefully it will be an extended episode. That said, what a brilliant adaptation. It better win Best Miniseries at The Emmys in September and I'd love to see Kidman, Woodley, Witherspoon, and/or Dern collect some hardware.
Nathaniel -- surprised you haven't commented on the catwalk in the opening credits! Nicole just blows everyone else out of the water.
Reese was exquisite in her confrontation with her daughter. Her character is such a high wire act but she makes it look so damn easy. That Emmy better be hers.
Nicole has always been one of my favorite actress (easily top 5) but this show for me pushes her into the top slot. Anyone not bowing down and praising her for this work baffles me. She has gone to place so real and relatable that is amazing the network even allowed it. Abuse has been a topic in films and tv for a long time, but nothing has felt this real or visceral to me.
I want Reese and Nicole to both have Emmys for their work, but if I had to choose Nicole blows every single actor on this show out of the water. And I LOVE Reese as well.
I'm not ready for it to end.
Of course Nicole was fondling a prosthetic. It's HBO not Vivid
I know this is a Kidman based site. She does very good work here, but not to the extent some have praised. Reese is lso very good here. Really no weak links. Even the young kids do fine jobs.
Seriously this series is so amazing and addictive. Nicole had better won the Emmy tho.
Cannot wait for the finale! I HOPE Perry is the one who got killed.
For all it's worth, BLL is way BETTER than Feud.
Reese forever.
Craver: agreed, but Feud is getting better with each episode.
All of these actors are pretty much equally great. It´s just a matter of which character you find more interesting. I actually thought to myself "Wow, even the babysitter is amazing!"
To me Celeste is the most important character because of her development. At first I didn´t care for her at all and even thought Kidman was miscast. But now she´s my favorite part of the show. It´s also because of how real those therapy sessions hit. We cannot praise Weigert enough.
(Fun Trivia: Both Kidman´s and Weigert´s fathers were therapists in real life btw.)
Still, Witherspoon, Dern and Woodley are giving probably the best performances of their careers.
therealmike -- have to disagree on Dern. She has given a few performances that might never be topped (citizen ruth, wild at heart, inland empire) that would count as many actors all time bests.
@Nathaniel
What makes Lula one of your top 3 for Dern?
By this stage, if Perry isn't Jane's rapist then I'll actually be surprised. They've never actually had the two meet, which is odd.
I think this week's MVP was Woodley, surprisingly. That scene with Dern (with the eyepatch! although my favourite Dern costume is still the fringe from last week) was immaculate.
Reese: 2
Kidman: 2
Dern: 1
Woodley: 1
I still reckon Witherspoon wins the Emmy of the pair if she and Kidman are both nominated in that it's the flashier role, the most external and the most varied (even if Kidman is probably doing somewhat better work, it's more internalised as is Kidman's MO and quieter and more purely dramatic). I do worry about Lange, of course, and who can discount if Moss goes miniseries for Handmaiden (why can't I seem to get a definite yes/no on this?) or even Winfrey (although they rarely go for TV movies over mini-series these days).
I think everyone is operating on a very high level on this show. No faking it. Which is a huge part of the enjoyment. It's high art for the masses if that makes any sense. Reese will end up being the big award magnet I think mostly because she did most of the marketing and she has the flashier role. Nicole is doing beautiful work though. Affecting in a different way and groundbreaking in a way. The roles are tailored for their actresses which is very very obvious and very nice to see because they get to flex muscles we knew they had in astonishing ways.
I also love the director's trust in his child actors. They have personalities and they're very eccentric and charismatic. Ziggy being MVP of course.
The preview for the last episode has me all overwhelmed. The choice of ending it with high drama and murder while everyone is dressed as Audrey Hepburn and Elvis Presley is GENIUS!!!!
Yes to this whole list. This series' use of music is fantastic.
I don't know who I'd vote for between Kidman and Witherspoon at this point. Everyone is doing such great work.
The only thing I'd like is more objectification of Joseph, please! Get on it, straight male director and writer! (Note: I'm half joking here)
"All of these actors are pretty much equally great. It´s just a matter of which character you find more interesting."
Probably true. FWIW, my favorite Laura Dern performance was Enlightened; at least the Globes recognized it.
I am really glad that Jane and Renata called a truce. There are so many shows/movies about women fighting, but very rarely do they resolve their differences. It's refreshing.
Wasn't Feud cancelled due to lack of public interest and its inaccurate portrayals? This show is much better realized in both its acting and direction. Emmys to Reese and Nicole!
I am going to miss this show. It has delivered a true Sophie's Choice of Emmy-worthy performances in lead actress (and supporting—I think Weigert is every bit Dern's equal). For me though, Witherspoon immediately crafted an indelible character, while Kidman has slowly built a more enthralling—and tricky—performance, with shades of Birth and Rabbit Hole (her two best, IMO) in the knockout therapy scenes. She wins the Emmy in a tight walk, which is really saying something. (Does Pfeiffer have a shot for The Wizard of Lies? Not likely given this lineup.)
Honestly the casting for this show was so amazing. As others have stated, every performance is top notch and even the child actors are giving great performances and seem to really be embodiments of their parents in the series.
Reese knocked me out in the confession scene opposite her daughter. Man.
I want Reese and Nicole to both win, dammit. I can't choose. But I think Reese would win over Nicole.
I agree with Nathaniel that this was Shailene's best episode thus far.
I do wish Miss Kravitz had more to do, that's the only thing about this series that I would change.
Overall I'm just so happy this exists lol.
Hey Nat
What do u feel about Nicole's performance?
What a weird thing to remember that Laura Dern has played Reese´s and Shailene´s mother before