Ep 3. The End of the World

In Big Little Lies season 2 episode 3 titled The End of the World, the Monterey Five are still reeling from the events of the previous episode, with Renata trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and Madeline struggling with her guilt over not telling Ed about her affair. Meanwhile, Celeste is dealing with the aftermath of her decision to fight Mary Louise for custody of her boys, with Mary Louise rummaging through her belongings and trying to dig up dirt on her.

Renata is particularly hit hard by the financial loss her husband's scandal has caused her, and she's trying desperately to cling on to the remnants of her wealth. Even though she's trying to put up a strong front, it's evident that it's taking a toll on her, and she breaks down in front of Madeline during a playdate. Madeline, who's herself struggling with her own issues, tries to comfort her friend, but it becomes evident that both of them need to confront their problems rather than just sweep them under the rug.

Meanwhile, Bonnie is still grappling with the guilt of pushing Perry down the stairs and causing his death. She's becoming more and more reclusive and feels isolated from her husband, Nathan, who's worried about her. Bonnie ends up going to her mother for some solace and ends up sparking a conversation about the trauma her mother faced growing up. The episode delves deep into the theme of intergenerational trauma, and the struggles that Bonnie and her mother face become a metaphor for the struggles that the characters have been dealing with since the beginning of the show.

The episode also sheds more light on the dynamic between Mary Louise and Celeste, with Mary Louise trying to pry into Celeste's past and dig up any dirt she can find. It becomes evident that Mary Louise is not one to be underestimated, and she's willing to go to great lengths to get what she wants. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, where Celeste discovers something that could potentially derail her custody case, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats.

Overall, The End of the World is a poignant, thought-provoking episode that explores the many layers of trauma and the devastating impact it can have on people's lives. The acting performances are top-notch, with each character bringing their A-game and delivering some powerful moments that will leave you emotionally drained. The episode also does an excellent job of setting up the rest of the season, with several plot threads coming to the forefront and hinting at larger conflicts to come. If you're a fan of Big Little Lies or just a fan of quality television, this is an episode that you won't want to miss.