Ep 1. What Have They Done?

In Big Little Lies season 2 episode 1, titled "What Have They Done?", we are reunited with the suburban moms of Monterey, California. The episode opens with an eerie voiceover of Detective Adrienne Quinlan (Merrin Dungey) questioning each of the women about what happened on the night of the fatal school fundraiser. We're quickly reminded of the immense secrecy and tension that surrounded the events of last season, and as the detective delves deeper in her questioning, it becomes apparent that these women are still carrying the weight of their lies and deceptions.

From there, we catch up with each of the five main characters - Madeline (Reese Witherspoon), Celeste (Nicole Kidman), Jane (Shailene Woodley), Renata (Laura Dern), and Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz). Madeline is still trying to balance her complicated relationships with her ex-husband Nathan and her current husband Ed, all while dealing with her teenage daughter's burgeoning rebellious streak. Celeste is struggling to cope with the loss of her abusive husband Perry, while also trying to be there for her twin boys who are struggling with the trauma of their father's death. Meanwhile, Jane is navigating a relationship with her new boyfriend, but is still haunted by the memories of her assault.

Renata, always the alpha-mom, is dealing with a crisis of her own. Her husband's company has gone under, leaving her family on the verge of financial ruin. And last but not least, Bonnie is trying to move forward from her pivotal role in last year's tragedy, but is plagued with guilt and a sense of responsibility.

As the episode progresses, we watch as each woman tries to maintain some level of control over their lives, but is ultimately doomed to feel the overwhelming weight of their secrets. It's clear that no matter how much progress they've made, they are still grappling with the cumulative trauma of their past traumas.

What's interesting about this first episode is how it really sets the tone for the rest of the season. Rather than focusing solely on the whodunit aspect, we're given a deeper look at the psychological toll these events have had on all involved. It's an exploration of guilt, grief, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Ultimately, "What Have They Done?" sets the stage for what is sure to be another gripping season of Big Little Lies. While the pacing is slow at times, it's a necessary reminder of how each character is still being held hostage by their secrets. And with Detective Quinlan continuing to dig deeper into what happened that fateful night, it's clear that the past can only be buried for so long.