Big Little Lies episode 4 preview: For Madeline, there is no respite

Will Big Little Lies episode 4 represent a bounce-back week for Madeline? One would certainly hope so, given that through the journey so far, nothing is coming altogether easily for Reese Witherspoon’s character. Tonight, she learned that her daughter Abigail had a new interest in living with Nathan, while puts Madeline in turn in a complicated position with her ex-husband. Can you establish a new dynamic were there was none at this point in your life? There are also of course questions about if she can get on the same page with Renata.

If things don’t get better for Madeline after dealing with these two things, there are always chances to dine and go jogging, right? These do seem to be two of the primary visuals for the show to date. (At least everyone’s keeping healthy while dealing with misery, right?)

In all seriousness, next week’s new episode “Push Comes to Shove” raises many interesting questions, and this is just based on the promo below. For example, is the relationship between Celeste and Perry about to become even more toxic? Can Jane actually figure out a way to make things better for Ziggy? One of the more remarkable things about the series is that it has this transformative quality. It can take events that seem benign and explode them outward. It makes matters bubble under the surface in a way few other shows can — and a way few other writers can other than David E. Kelley. This is one of the benefits that comes with having him behind the scripts for the series.

For some specific details regarding episode 4, the synopsis below offers that insight — including some evidence that Madeline really won’t bounce back at all anytime soon:

“Nathan (James Tupper) invites Madeline (Reese Witherspoon) and Ed (Adam Scott) to a couples’ dinner to discuss a “parenting paradigm” for Abigail (Kathryn Newton). Celeste (Nicole Kidman) prepares for a city-council meeting about Madeline’s play, and bristles at Perry’s (Alexander Skarsgård) concerns about her returning to work. Jane (Shailene Woodley) meets with Ms. Barnes (Virginia Kull), Ziggy’s (Iain Armitage) teacher, who suggests her son be medically evaluated in light of further evidence of classroom bullying. While Madeline is confronted by a skeleton from her past, her internet sleuthing reveals a key player from Jane’s past instead.”

What are your expectations for Big Little Lies episode 4? We welcome your thoughts in the attached comments. (Photo: HBO.)