Reviewer Rating: 5/5.0
5
One thing you should take away from Lady in the Lake Season 1 Episode 7 is that when you write a story, remember to live it too.
It’s one crazy, wild episode after another, filled with incredible storytelling and performances.
Audiences will never forget the epic journey Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram take as they tell their story.
In just seven episodes, the show weaves a world of dreams that takes a stand against misogyny and racism. Against classism and violence. Fighting against life and death.
The Lady of the Lake brings a happy ending to the finale. The story started with one body and now ends with another.
As a famous playwright once wrote: “In the sleep of death, dreams may come. When we break free from this mortal bondage, we must stop.”
The Lady in the Lake is the love child of talented writing and expert acting
First of all, hats off to the amazing creative team behind Lady of the Lake. From start to finish, this series is a masterclass in storytelling.
The most accurate way I can describe this show is that it is a fever dream fueled by LSD.
Surprisingly, “My Story” is the first episode that feels grounded in reality. Instead of a woman wearing a crab for a hat, there is a pram on fire.
However, as long as we don’t feel like we’ve lost something, we’ll take what we can get.
In I Know Who Killed Cleo Johnson , everything is kicked up a few notches. I’m still in shock at how crazy that episode was.
From the hospital scenes to the scenes with Cleo and his wife, The Lady of the Lake delivers an experience beyond the capabilities of most television shows.
This Apple TV+ series takes a lot of visual liberties, from dream sequences to well-placed flashbacks. Every wardrobe, hairstyle, set and beam of light has been carefully chosen and placed.
With the talents of Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram on par, it’s no wonder the show has received critical acclaim.
When you look this way, the lady in the lake is twisting and turning over there
While the acting and set design are great, the catalyst for the story is its writing. Behind “The Lady in the Lake,” the scribe doesn’t let the truth get in the way of a good story.
It wasn’t until last episode that I began to wonder if Cleo was still alive.
The twist of Dora’s overdose, and the discovery of her body in the lake, were both strokes of genius.
I feel like this might have been obvious if the writers hadn’t done a great job of misleading the audience’s attention.
It was truly unexpected and a surprising twist that set the perfect pace for the finale.
Rewatching the show now, Cleo’s voiceover narration is heard in a completely different light.
The sign of a great story is how many times it can be enjoyed over and over again.
Through this final twist, viewers can relive the two women’s journey as they fight to take back their lives.
Neither Maddie (Natalie Portman) nor Cleo realize at first how much their actions will affect those around them.
Dreams can be a dangerous thing, but sometimes, they’re the only way we get through the night
Reggie is portrayed as the bad guy in the beginning, but in the end he becomes everyone’s hero. Dora would be proud.
His character is one of the most interesting supporting characters, considering the amount of growth this complex individual went through before turning his back on Shell.
The Big Boss may be corrupt and dangerous, but he’s not the villain in “The Lady of the Lake,” or even truly evil.
This shame belongs to the mentality of the time. Sexism and racism are cornerstones of American culture and need to be cut from the knees.
Sometimes it feels like you only take one step forward, only to take two steps back. Rest assured we are making progress. Slowly but surely.
If there is enough hope, everyone has the ability to change.
Look at Slap. At the beginning of the series, Cleo (Moses Ingram) doesn’t even want to be under the same roof as him.
By the end, he becomes her knight in shining armor.
Dreams can be a dangerous thing, but sometimes, they’re the only way we get through the night.
Freedom comes at a price, but the Lady of the Lake is more than willing to pay it
The central theme of The Lady in the Lake has always been dreams. From the beginning of this series, the concept has taken shape in almost every definition.
Maddie dreams of being independent and creating a life through her own efforts. Cleo wants the freedom to create a world for herself and her family without struggle.
Both women ultimately achieve what they seek, but at what cost?
Maddie is disgraced but has lost love and the chance to have a relationship with her son Seth (Noah Jupe). Cleo had to leave behind her entire world, including her own name.
Everything comes at a price, but these women are ready to pay the price if it means changing their circumstances.
“Lady in the Lake” teaches viewers that there is ugliness in the world, but if you work hard enough and are patient, you can see a glimmer of light in almost anyone. Almost anything.
This series has been one career-defining performance after another. From the protagonists to the supporting characters, every actor gave their best.
“The Lady of the Lake” may have ended, but it will live on in the memories of viewers who were inspired to write and live their own truths.
Overall, I give this show five stars and hope it sets a new standard for television.
Whatever you do in this life, tell your story and make sure you are the protagonist.
Were you shocked by the twist in Dora’s death?
What do you think of Maddie and Cleo’s happy ending?
Let us know in the comments below and join me again when I review your next favorite TV show!
