Burning Love

"Burning Love" is a very riveting episode that leads up into the finale. Some characters begin to play around with the pieces designed to be placed in the finale. These characters begin to lose their façade here. For example, Celeste begins to take her therapist's advice to find a new place, to protect herself from Perry. That happened when Perry claimed, "I could have killed you," after she whacked him with a tennis racket in self-defense. Also, Renata takes down her controlling persona a notch when Jane confronts her about Ziggy. Could these women, who differ so much yet are caring mothers, could become friends? I really liked how the episode gave Bonnie more to do. She became front-and-center in terms of Abby's project and discussing it with Nathan. Yeah, this is another excellent episode that reminds you how gifted all of these actors are and how well they perform together. In this episode, Celeste's therapist continues to goad Celeste in leaving her life with Perry. She needs to find a new place (which she does) and tell other people (she cannot as she is afraid to tell Madeleine who views her as a woman with a perfect life). The violence continues between the two, and Celeste realizes she could actually die if this continues. Jane decides to go to Renata's house after their big rumble and speak to her heart-to-heart, how Ziggy really isn't a bad person. The scene, with the playdate between Chloe and Ziggy, actually shows that to be true. Madeleine and Ed have a frank discussion about the lack of passion in their lives. Maybe Madeleine should come clean about her affair if she wants to save her marriage. Her daughter, Abby has a secret project which is selling herself online, which absolutely drives her parents bonkers. Another fantastic episode in the books! A well-acted episode that sets up the pieces for what should be a mind-blowing finale. The answers shall be given! Who is Jane's tormentor? Who really attacked Amabella? Who is the victim in the murder mystery? Can Madeleine's marriage be saved? I really cannot wait for what is next. My Grade: A

Another breathtaking episode! This show keeps you stuck to the monitor!

In Episode 6 of Big Little Lies, titled "Burning Love," the narrative gains intensity as the tensions between the characters reach a breaking point, foreshadowing the climactic events to come. In this episode, the personal conflicts that have been simmering finally spill over, affecting not only the primary characters but also the community around them. We see Celeste (Nicole Kidman) grappling with her decision to leave Perry (Alexander Skarsgård), weighed down by fear and uncertainty. Madeline (Reese Witherspoon) faces the fallout of her affair, which jeopardizes her marriage to Ed (Adam Scott) and exacerbates her guilt, leading her to a breaking point. Meanwhile, Jane (Shailene Woodley) grows more desperate to confront the demons of her past. With tensions escalating, "Burning Love" sets the stage for a tragic convergence of these intertwined lives, capturing the relentless push-and-pull between appearance and reality.

Nicole Kidman's portrayal of Celeste is especially striking in this episode, showcasing a nuanced balance of fragility and strength. Her scenes convey a haunting sense of desperation and entrapment, amplified by her struggle to break free from Perry's hold. Alexander Skarsgård's performance remains powerful and chilling, adding complexity to his character as he manipulates Celeste's emotions, leaving her feeling both love and dread. Reese Witherspoon brings a raw vulnerability to Madeline's character, whose once-confident exterior crumbles under the weight of her guilt and the fear of losing her family. Shailene Woodley continues to deliver a compelling performance as Jane, driven by a need for closure that borders on obsession. Together, the actors breathe life into a complex story, with each of their portrayals highlighting the nuanced emotional stakes of the episode.

The direction by Jean-Marc Vallée in "Burning Love" enhances the tense, almost claustrophobic atmosphere, capturing the characters in close, personal spaces that reflect their isolation and inner turmoil. His use of tight framing and muted lighting deepens the sense of unease that pervades the episode, as characters are shown physically confined in spaces that reflect their emotional struggles. The episode's pacing is deliberate, focusing on small moments of introspection that gradually build up the tension, allowing the viewer to fully grasp the emotional weight of each decision. The transitions between the main characters' lives are seamless, creating a sense of cohesion and interconnectedness that reinforces the narrative's central theme of hidden secrets and the cost of maintaining appearances.

The writing in this episode is sharp and insightful, carefully navigating the nuances of each relationship while exploring themes of power, love, and self-worth. David E. Kelley's script delves into the psychological complexities of abuse, infidelity, and trauma, revealing how these elements intertwine and affect not only the individual characters but the people around them. Celeste's journey is particularly impactful, highlighting the mental toll of abusive relationships and the difficulty of escaping such a cycle. Madeline's guilt over her infidelity explores themes of honesty and redemption, while Jane's need for justice reflects the trauma of unresolved pain. Kelley's writing strikes a balance between dramatic intensity and realistic portrayal, giving the episode both emotional resonance and authenticity.

While "Burning Love" is emotionally gripping and thematically rich, some may find the episode's pacing slow, as it focuses on internal struggles rather than advancing the external plot. However, this pacing serves to deepen the viewer's understanding of the characters' motivations, making their ultimate choices more impactful. The cinematography reinforces this intimacy, with close-up shots and muted color palettes that underscore the characters' vulnerability. The editing is subtle yet effective, weaving the storylines together in a way that maintains the episode's tension without overwhelming the viewer. The overall atmosphere is one of growing dread, with each scene contributing to a sense of impending tragedy, reflecting the fragile lives these women have constructed and the inevitable consequences of their secrets.

In conclusion, "Burning Love" is a masterful exploration of the complexities of human relationships, bolstered by powerful performances, intricate storytelling, and careful direction. The episode delves deeply into each character's psyche, exploring the painful realities behind the facades they present to the world. The performances of Kidman, Witherspoon, and Woodley add a raw, emotional depth that makes the viewer invested in each woman's journey, as they confront their pasts and make choices that will shape their futures. Vallée's direction and Kelley's writing come together to create a compelling narrative that is as haunting as it is thought-provoking. As the series approaches its climax, "Burning Love" leaves the viewer with a sense of both anticipation and unease, knowing that the carefully constructed lives of Monterey's residents are on the brink of collapse. This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the cost of hidden truths and the strength required to face them.

Whenever a shocking scene comes in BLL, I am not surprised. Having seen 6 episodes you do realize that it can get really nasty all of a sudden.

What my real issue has been- that all along BLL was shown as a murder mystery all along and the first 4 episodes were moving with that ominous tone but now it feels like the show is isn't an Agatha Christie thrill ride- its a psychological and social drama about the lives of three mothers and the different issues they have had. Shailene Woodley gets her bite of cake in this episode and so does Zoë Kravitz who had been thrown into the background for this long. Skarsgård impresses as he has in previous episodes.

The episode was in fact great and the tension in the get together scene was well showcased. The episode did get a little cheesy at points but it only enhanced the plot. Lets see the surprise the finale has!