Big Little Lies HBO

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Can you shed some light on what those are thus far in the series? I know the Australia vs. California and Kindgergarten vs. 1st grade are some of the more significant changes. What else is different.

I'm not the pp but a big one is that there's no affair with the theater guy. Though there is preoccupation with lack of sex between Madeline and Ed. That's a theme in all of Moriarty's books. Elvis and country music always make an appearance as well. And that reminds me that the music in this show is off. I like it, but it's not realistic that moms and kids would all know the words to a 40 year old song that's not really part of mainstream culture.

This is something I notice too- my kids are not 6 yet and we have music on ALL THE TIME, but I doubt highly they will be able to sing Fleetwood Mac or Jefferson Airplane songs at 6 unless I played them all the time repetitively.

Yeah, I could see it happening in one household (I knew plenty of Marvin Gaye by age 6) but it was weird to see a whole busload of people singing along. Something mainstream and contemporary, okay, but the music choices are just...off.

I love Chloe's taste in music and find myself searching for songs she picks but they're very Old Soul songs for such a young girl. Maybe that's the point but it's a distraction. Abstraction, actually.

[Anonymous]

I guess I need to pay better attention. The only Chloe music I was aware we heard was what she played when Ed was doing his Elvis (which was also made up for HBO, but clearly I pay close enough attention).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Yeah they completely elimated janes parents and in the book they are hugely relevant...I think? I read it so long ago.

[Anonymous]

Shocked there hasn't been any spoilers. As someone who read the book I'm dying to discuss what happens! And how the show is...ya know what...I won't even say it. Gah.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Can you shed some light on what those are thus far in the series? I know the Australia vs. California and Kindgergarten vs. 1st grade are some of the more significant changes. What else is different.

I'm not the pp but a big one is that there's no affair with the theater guy. Though there is preoccupation with lack of sex between Madeline and Ed. That's a theme in all of Moriarty's books. Elvis and country music always make an appearance as well. And that reminds me that the music in this show is off. I like it, but it's not realistic that moms and kids would all know the words to a 40 year old song that's not really part of mainstream culture.

This is something I notice too- my kids are not 6 yet and we have music on ALL THE TIME, but I doubt highly they will be able to sing Fleetwood Mac or Jefferson Airplane songs at 6 unless I played them all the time repetitively.

Yeah, I could see it happening in one household (I knew plenty of Marvin Gaye by age 6) but it was weird to see a whole busload of people singing along. Something mainstream and contemporary, okay, but the music choices are just...off.

I love Chloe's taste in music and find myself searching for songs she picks but they're very Old Soul songs for such a young girl. Maybe that's the point but it's a distraction. Abstraction, actually.

Good point. Irl they'd be singing along to a Taylor Swift or Katy Perry song, lol.

Chloe is way too precocious in the tv series and it is distracting.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

I see your point re Madeline and Ed. And also giving Bonnie a dark side early that I don't recall in the book. But in general, it seems you just like the book better and will compare point to point and always like the book better. Which is fine of course but I think they should just both be enjoyed separately. The HBO series adds dimension to the lead characters and makes their interactions deeper. In a way, I think to better brew the curiosity of who killed who. HBO keeps everyone in play from the beginning.

I think your observation that Celeste is likewise different from the book, totally OTT and insufferable is 100% off base.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shocked there hasn't been any spoilers. As someone who read the book I'm dying to discuss what happens! And how the show is...ya know what...I won't even say it. Gah.

Let's talk after the series finale!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

I see your point re Madeline and Ed. And also giving Bonnie a dark side early that I don't recall in the book. But in general, it seems you just like the book better and will compare point to point and always like the book better. Which is fine of course but I think they should just both be enjoyed separately. The HBO series adds dimension to the lead characters and makes their interactions deeper. In a way, I think to better brew the curiosity of who killed who. HBO keeps everyone in play from the beginning.

I think your observation that Celeste is likewise different from the book, totally OTT and insufferable is 100% off base.

NP. Not Celeste, Maddeline. I agree actually. The two Maddelines are very different and the book version is more likable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

I see your point re Madeline and Ed. And also giving Bonnie a dark side early that I don't recall in the book. But in general, it seems you just like the book better and will compare point to point and always like the book better. Which is fine of course but I think they should just both be enjoyed separately. The HBO series adds dimension to the lead characters and makes their interactions deeper. In a way, I think to better brew the curiosity of who killed who. HBO keeps everyone in play from the beginning.

I think your observation that Celeste is likewise different from the book, totally OTT and insufferable is 100% off base.

NP. Not Celeste, Maddeline. I agree actually. The two Maddelines are very different and the book version is more likable.

Agree. No need for the affair.
They also got rid of Jane's compulsive gum-chewing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

I see your point re Madeline and Ed. And also giving Bonnie a dark side early that I don't recall in the book. But in general, it seems you just like the book better and will compare point to point and always like the book better. Which is fine of course but I think they should just both be enjoyed separately. The HBO series adds dimension to the lead characters and makes their interactions deeper. In a way, I think to better brew the curiosity of who killed who. HBO keeps everyone in play from the beginning.

I think your observation that Celeste is likewise different from the book, totally OTT and insufferable is 100% off base.

NP. Not Celeste, Maddeline. I agree actually. The two Maddelines are very different and the book version is more likable.

Agree. No need for the affair.
They also got rid of Jane's compulsive gum-chewing.

Thank god. That would have been horrendous on TV.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

I see your point re Madeline and Ed. And also giving Bonnie a dark side early that I don't recall in the book. But in general, it seems you just like the book better and will compare point to point and always like the book better. Which is fine of course but I think they should just both be enjoyed separately. The HBO series adds dimension to the lead characters and makes their interactions deeper. In a way, I think to better brew the curiosity of who killed who. HBO keeps everyone in play from the beginning.

I think your observation that Celeste is likewise different from the book, totally OTT and insufferable is 100% off base.

NP. Not Celeste, Maddeline. I agree actually. The two Maddelines are very different and the book version is more likable.

Agree. No need for the affair.
They also got rid of Jane's compulsive gum-chewing.

Thank god. That would have been horrendous on TV.

Yes, that's true!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Here's a big change that won't spoil anything (and I could have forgotten it from the book) but I think the entire Avenue Q storyline is a David Kelley creation. Smaller things, I think Madeline and Ed also had a son. I thought Jane's encounter with Ziggy's dad was different but don't want to detail that because I see that that might be affecting other storylines later on. Also Jane's parents played a big(ger) role in her and ziggys lives.

Madeline and ED do not have a son in the book. Just Chloe.

Did you actually read the book? They do have an older son and that is actually how Maddeline knows Renata and where their issues stem from (interactions with that son's peer group).

Maddeline and Ed are both a lot happier, sunnier, and more laid back in the book. There is no real beef between Ed and Nathan, no affair, no Ave Q storyline. Madeline herself is much more relaxed and bubblier. Ed is a personable, fun surfer guy. All the other moms love him. I liked book Maddie but find her to be OTT in the tv series and borerline insufferable, a grown up version of Tracey Flick. In the novel, she is portrayed as gossipy and a busy body but ultimately lovable with a heart of gold. She's extremely extroverted and wears her heart on her sleeve, which sometimes gets her into trouble, but she's not this tightly wound creature constantly sniping at and exploding on the people around her. I'm surprised the writers went in this direction with the character. She's so unlike able.

Celeste is basically the same so far.

I see your point re Madeline and Ed. And also giving Bonnie a dark side early that I don't recall in the book. But in general, it seems you just like the book better and will compare point to point and always like the book better. Which is fine of course but I think they should just both be enjoyed separately. The HBO series adds dimension to the lead characters and makes their interactions deeper. In a way, I think to better brew the curiosity of who killed who. HBO keeps everyone in play from the beginning.


I think your observation that Celeste is likewise different from the book, totally OTT and insufferable is 100% off base.

NP. Not Celeste, Maddeline. I agree actually. The two Maddelines are very different and the book version is more likable.

I get it now "Celeste is basically the same" as the book -- (I misread as saying she's OTT "same" as Madeline).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Can you shed some light on what those are thus far in the series? I know the Australia vs. California and Kindgergarten vs. 1st grade are some of the more significant changes. What else is different.

I'm not the pp but a big one is that there's no affair with the theater guy. Though there is preoccupation with lack of sex between Madeline and Ed. That's a theme in all of Moriarty's books. Elvis and country music always make an appearance as well. And that reminds me that the music in this show is off. I like it, but it's not realistic that moms and kids would all know the words to a 40 year old song that's not really part of mainstream culture.

This is something I notice too- my kids are not 6 yet and we have music on ALL THE TIME, but I doubt highly they will be able to sing Fleetwood Mac or Jefferson Airplane songs at 6 unless I played them all the time repetitively.

Yeah, I could see it happening in one household (I knew plenty of Marvin Gaye by age 6) but it was weird to see a whole busload of people singing along. Something mainstream and contemporary, okay, but the music choices are just...off.

I love Chloe's taste in music and find myself searching for songs she picks but they're very Old Soul songs for such a young girl. Maybe that's the point but it's a distraction. Abstraction, actually.

Really? I always have my Darryl Hall & John Oates and Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan---neighborhood kids all know it by now at the neighborhood parties...before we get into actual dance music. My boys were always singing the Beatles in preschool. It was my oldest's favorite CD at the time---Octopus's Garden, JoJo, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Shocked there hasn't been any spoilers. As someone who read the book I'm dying to discuss what happens! And how the show is...ya know what...I won't even say it. Gah.

I have to keep biting my tongue around my mom and husband who both haven't read the book.