Big Little Lies

A suspicious death at an elementary school fundraiser reveals underlying rivalries among some of the parents, despite the appearance of friendly camaraderie.

Madeline feels slighted by Renata and receives bad news about her community-theater production. Ziggy asks Jane the reason they moved to Monterey. Celeste suggests to Perry that they should seek counseling. Nathan and Ed have a tense meeting regarding their wives.

Madeline arranges a trip in an attempt to provoke Renata, aiming to overshadow Amabella's birthday party. Following another disagreement, Celeste gives in to Perry's advances before they begin therapy with Dr. Amanda Reisman. Madeline is summoned to a meeting with Abigail's guidance counselor. Principal Nippal reveals the theme for the Fall Gala Fundraiser; later, Jane asks Madeline for assistance with Ziggy's family tree project and shares details about her past.

Nathan arranges a couples' dinner with Madeline and Ed to discuss a "parenting paradigm" for Abigail. Meanwhile, Celeste prepares for a city-council meeting regarding Madeline's play and grows frustrated by Perry's worries about her returning to work. Jane consults with Ziggy's teacher, Ms. Barnes, who recommends a medical evaluation for Ziggy due to ongoing signs of classroom bullying. As Madeline faces a troubling revelation from her past, her online investigation leads her to uncover someone significant from Jane's history instead.

Madeline gets positive feedback about the play from her director, Joseph Bachman, though she is unsettled by his increasingly cold attitude. Principal Nippal and Ms. Barnes relay their findings regarding Ziggy and Amabella to Jane. Celeste meets with Dr. Reisman for a private session, during which he attempts to understand the nature of her relationship with Perry.

Madeline is concerned about the complications she has brought to Jane. Jane addresses Renata directly. Bonnie informs Nathan about a confidential project that Abigail has been involved in. At the same time, Ed and Madeline have an open and honest discussion about the absence of passion in their marriage.

Celeste begins to assert her independence, while Madeline faces the consequences of her past actions.

After the first-day-of-school events, Madeline becomes concerned about Bonnie's behavior. Mary Louise, Celeste's mother-in-law, provides her straightforward evaluation of Madeline's character. Meanwhile, Jane discovers from her new coworker, Corey, that she is recognized in town as one of the "Monterey Five."

Renata's future becomes uncertain when Gordon runs into legal trouble. Corey invites Jane on a "practice" date. Following a difficult therapy session with Dr. Reisman, Celeste confides in Mary Louise about her relationship with Perry. Bonnie's mother, Elizabeth, arrives. Ed confronts Madeline about the secrets she is keeping.

Mary Louise attempts to draw closer to Jane. Renata directs her anger toward Principal Nippal. Madeline is compelled to address her problems during a couples therapy session with Dr. Reisman. Celeste continues to struggle with her memories of Perry.

Celeste confronts Mary Louise for crossing boundaries with Jane. Renata faces a probing court hearing involving Gordon. At Amabella's disco-themed birthday party, Jane confides in Corey. Meanwhile, Madeline persists in her efforts to mend things with Ed.

Renata manages the consequences of Gordon's legal issues and tries to assist Celeste. Meanwhile, Bonnie reflects on painful memories from her past.

Celeste is caught off guard by Mary Louise. Gordon continues to let Renata down. Bonnie considers a way to ease her mother's suffering and confront her own lingering guilt. Ed considers an unexpected offer before witnessing Madeline in a vulnerable moment. The Monterey Five face growing attention and scrutiny following Perry's death.

Celeste confronts Mary Louise about a traumatic incident from Perry's childhood. Meanwhile, Madeline fears that their deception is fracturing the Monterey Five.