Big Little Lies HBO

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Didn't the first episode have Bonnie signing a petition to ban Avenue Q? That set up early animosity between Bonnie and Madeline that wasn't in the book. I think all the added character conflict keeps everyone a suspect, which the book didn't really do.

Yes, Bonnie did sign a petition in the show but there was no such issue in the book. I think it's another sign of Bonnie's duplicity - all peace and love and let people live, while her other face is vindictive bitch. There was animosity in the book, but one of the things Madeline grappled with was that Bonnie didn't show any, even while she believed Bonnie was purposely trying to undermine her parenting with Abigail.

i thought it was interesting that the TV Bonnie set up the meeting between parents, though she clearly has no interest in getting along with Madeline or Ed. Likewise, it seems like Madeline's ex chose Bonnie because she's so much more laid back, but he seems less appreciative of her lifestyle than her ability to drive Madeline crazy.

[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.

Hmm. I agree with you about the book version of Madeline, but I think it's one of those things that had to happen in a condensed version of the story. She was lovable and well-liked, which is why it was surprising to people that she lost her sh*t about seemingly inconsequential things. A girls' girl who nevertheless couldn't manage to get along with her own daughter or her ex-husband's new wife, though her (Maddie's) life was enviable in so many other ways. And those things bugged her more than anyone else and always made her feel like she still had to control and fix something.

Also, Celeste took an immediate liking to Jane in the book and they spent more time together one-on-one. The big breakaway from Perry wasn't with her career, it was a plan to actually leave him and steps taken to do it.

Please don't give book details that might be spoilers for the HBO series. We don't know how HBO go, but I'd hate to have details ruined for those lucky ones coming to this story for the first time.

+100

Please stop comparisons between the book and the series. You're spoiling the book and come close to spoiling the series. Does the board have a way to disguise spoilers? Or can you change your ink color to white and then those posts can only be seen by a reader highlighting the posts?

This is an interesting series that is totally new to me and now I want to read the book. I totally understand why people want to talk about it, so I'm looking for a way for anyone who reads the threads can avoid any potential spoilers, yet for others to be able to talk about the book and the series.

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Yes let's go back to the original thread intent: let's talk about Little Big Lies HBO!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Just watched Episode 4. omg OMG!!! This show gets better and better. And it was great to start with!

Can we discuss Annabella for a moment? It's obvious to me that poor Ziggy has nothing to do with what's going on with her, right? For a moment I wondered if she was maybe doing it to herself but then realized that was highly unlikely especially given the bite mark on her shoulder which was revealed in the previews for next week.

That reminds me, Laura Dern is another one who does such a great job with her character. All the seething that goes on just under the surface seems genuine in a almost creepy way. And their crazy, modern museum-looking house is so perfect.

+1
Laura Dern is a fabulous actress. Did anyone see "Enlightenment"? I think it was only out for one, maybe two seasons, and then cancelled. She played the most annoying character, but she played it perfectly. Girl can act.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My 9 year old likes the song American Pie because its about Pie. The White Rabbit thing is probably to make us all worried that Ziggy is crazy like his dad (but the psychologist put that to rest).

No- American Pie isn't about pie. You're joking, right?

Not the PP, but pretty sure s/he means her 9 yr. old thinks it's a song about pie, and that's why he likes it. Not that it's actually about pie.

[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.

Hmm. I agree with you about the book version of Madeline, but I think it's one of those things that had to happen in a condensed version of the story. She was lovable and well-liked, which is why it was surprising to people that she lost her sh*t about seemingly inconsequential things. A girls' girl who nevertheless couldn't manage to get along with her own daughter or her ex-husband's new wife, though her (Maddie's) life was enviable in so many other ways. And those things bugged her more than anyone else and always made her feel like she still had to control and fix something.

Also, Celeste took an immediate liking to Jane in the book and they spent more time together one-on-one. The big breakaway from Perry wasn't with her career, it was a plan to actually leave him and steps taken to do it.

Please don't give book details that might be spoilers for the HBO series. We don't know how HBO go, but I'd hate to have details ruined for those lucky ones coming to this story for the first time.

THANK YOU! I haven't read the book and would just like to enjoy the series for what it is. The title of this thread is even "Big Little Lies HBO," so maybe another thread could be started for those of you who'd like to discuss the book. I'll steer clear because I don't want to read any spoilers!

[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.

NP. I haven't read the book, but the bold is how I see.Madeline's character on the show. After the most recent episode, I was thinking I'd like to have a friend like her! I think her character is very warm and supportive and quite flawed and interesting.

On another topic, I don't understand the posts saying that there's no affair between Madeline and theater guy. The last episode made it clear that they had had . . . Something a year ago that was unresolved.

I agree. I've thought from the first episode that even though Madeline was a bit abrasive and OTT, she seemed like the loyal friend and the one who would call out any B.S. I like her character, but then I see things in each woman that I like.

[Anonymous]

This is a stupid complaint, but I hate hate hate the opening title sequence that they put together for this!! It's just so weird and disjointed. All the shots of the moms driving and then glancing at the kids, and the parade of kids and then moms in their audrey hepburn getups. I usually fast forward through it but this weekend I watched it live and ugh. It's so distracting. Other than that, I'm liking the show more and more. I posted a few weeks ago that I wasnt' thrilled with it (it felt too different from the book to me) but Nicole Kidman's performance is amazing. It's totally drawing me in.

[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.

NP. I haven't read the book, but the bold is how I see.Madeline's character on the show. After the most recent episode, I was thinking I'd like to have a friend like her! I think her character is very warm and supportive and quite flawed and interesting.

On another topic, I don't understand the posts saying that there's no affair between Madeline and theater guy. The last episode made it clear that they had had . . . Something a year ago that was unresolved.

You know the scene with Celeste in the car? That's book Maddie. She's the BFF every girl wants to have. In the tv series, they're trying to make her more "well rounded" I guess with the constant bitching and losing her shit all the time but it's just coming across as unlikable for no reason imo.

[Anonymous]

Have we talked about the cost of the real estate in this series?

There is no way Madeleine and Ed could afford their house. Administrative director of a community theater and a web site designer? $14.8 million? I know tv always stretches these things but this goes beyond the standard "suspension of disbelief." LOL

http://www.vulture.com/2017/03/big-little-lies-houses-cost-location.html

[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.

Hmm. I agree with you about the book version of Madeline, but I think it's one of those things that had to happen in a condensed version of the story. She was lovable and well-liked, which is why it was surprising to people that she lost her sh*t about seemingly inconsequential things. A girls' girl who nevertheless couldn't manage to get along with her own daughter or her ex-husband's new wife, though her (Maddie's) life was enviable in so many other ways. And those things bugged her more than anyone else and always made her feel like she still had to control and fix something.

Also, Celeste took an immediate liking to Jane in the book and they spent more time together one-on-one. The big breakaway from Perry wasn't with her career, it was a plan to actually leave him and steps taken to do it.

Please don't give book details that might be spoilers for the HBO series. We don't know how HBO go, but I'd hate to have details ruined for those lucky ones coming to this story for the first time.

+100

Please stop comparisons between the book and the series. You're spoiling the book and come close to spoiling the series. Does the board have a way to disguise spoilers? Or can you change your ink color to white and then those posts can only be seen by a reader highlighting the posts?

This is an interesting series that is totally new to me and now I want to read the book. I totally understand why people want to talk about it, so I'm looking for a way for anyone who reads the threads can avoid any potential spoilers, yet for others to be able to talk about the book and the series.

Thanks.

NP. Oh please. None of what has been discussed - the little changes or differences in character - spoils the ending or any major story lines. I read the book recently in preparation for watching the series so it's still fresh in my mind. People have been really good in here about not spoiling the ending in any way IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Have we talked about the cost of the real estate in this series?

There is no way Madeleine and Ed could afford their house. Administrative director of a community theater and a web site designer? $14.8 million? I know tv always stretches these things but this goes beyond the standard "suspension of disbelief." LOL

http://www.vulture.com/2017/03/big-little-lies-houses-cost-location.html

In the book they're more middle class. In the show it sounds like he's a big tech guy who makes millions. I don't care. I like the house porn.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have we talked about the cost of the real estate in this series?

There is no way Madeleine and Ed could afford their house. Administrative director of a community theater and a web site designer? $14.8 million? I know tv always stretches these things but this goes beyond the standard "suspension of disbelief." LOL

http://www.vulture.com/2017/03/big-little-lies-houses-cost-location.html

In the book they're more middle class. In the show it sounds like he's a big tech guy who makes millions. I don't care. I like the house porn.

I actually think that's an important part of the book that has been changed. They are middle class in the book. They have a lot less money than their friends and neighbors like Celeste and Renata. Madeline has to worry about money. BUT. They're happy and in love. Much happier than their richer friends. The author talks about how they wanted a laid back lifestyle with time to go surfing and enjoy the small pleasures in life. The implication being that you can't buy true happiness with money. Big change in the tv series.

[Anonymous]

Yes, when David Kelley wrote the script based on the book he changed some things. The female lead characters in both are strong, fierce even, and love their children, friends and significant others (in varying degrees) to death--figuratively, and we'll see if literally. It is a murder mystery after all. Kelley brought the characters out hard to advance the story but also, especially in Madeline's case, to weave her and all the people in her life (who she loves or hates) into the suspicion/suspense of who kills who. (Kelley succeeds here, making the show much of a "thriller"/mystery than the book.) As for the entire setting, that's more of the intensity the show brings, and brings a whole new dimention to the story. I'm one who really enjoyed the book's Australian setting and am loving Monterey, high bridges and cliffs, water crashing at rocks, and unbelievable houses set at the water's edge. It's a great book and a great adaptation, IMO.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Have we talked about the cost of the real estate in this series?

There is no way Madeleine and Ed could afford their house. Administrative director of a community theater and a web site designer? $14.8 million? I know tv always stretches these things but this goes beyond the standard "suspension of disbelief." LOL

http://www.vulture.com/2017/03/big-little-lies-houses-cost-location.html

In the book they're more middle class. In the show it sounds like he's a big tech guy who makes millions. I don't care. I like the house porn.

Same, I don't care. It's TV and I like houses and pretty scenery.