Reviewer Rating: 4/5.0
4
It looks like Madeleine Morgenstern’s performance in “Lady in the Lake” is now on.
As we saw in the last episode, the lovely Cleo Johnson ceased to exist after Reggie dumped her body.
We always knew this was inevitable due to the series’ namesake, but The Lady in the Lake does something brilliant.
The writers spent four out of seven episodes making sure we saw Cleo as she was, not the corpse she became.
In doing so, we miss her presence because we, the audience, become attached to her and her dreams.
Now, it’s all up to Miss Maddie and her investigative journalism skills.
But after this episode, she might consider getting a weapon.
Mrs. Maddie is a sloppy lady who won’t accept a life she doesn’t deserve
First, Maddie is living a life she doesn’t want or accept.
However, I don’t think anyone was prepared for that little flashback at the beginning of the episode “Lady in the Lake.”
This girl is sleeping with her boyfriend’s father, and we can’t help but feel that Ellen was right to dump her when they were both young.
Maddie’s middle name should be “Messy” because Miss Morgenstern is like napalm.
This character is amazing and I totally root for her. But she tends to ruin the lives of those around her.
From her old life to her new one, from her husband to her lover, Maddie is paving a fire path to gasoline.
At least we now know who Seth’s father is, but you know what that means, right? Tessie, the little girl who died in the first episode, was Seth’s niece.
This means that Brett Gelman’s Milton in “Stranger Things” must already know that Seth is not his son. Maddie gave birth while she was still with Ellen’s father.
Keep it kosher and keep going, there will be peace when you are done
Speaking of Milton, though, I honestly didn’t realize there was a slight time jump until he showed up at that restaurant with the divorce papers.
There’s a new wonderful thing in this old Jewish bastard’s life. But don’t worry—she apparently keeps kosher.
How weird was Maddie’s reaction when Milton told her he’d met someone?
If anything, I think she’s glad he’s gone. He was someone else’s problem now.
However, Maddie’s reaction to the divorce papers is absolutely iconic.
The first thing she wanted to know immediately was whether she would get alimony.
I don’t care if she technically ditched her husband. After years of servitude and submission, she won alimony.
I think it’s fair to say that we won’t be seeing much more of Milton in the final two episodes.
Considering Seth doesn’t want to be with his mother, it wouldn’t be surprising if we didn’t see much of Seth, played by Franklin’s Noah Jupe.
No, that part of Maddie’s life is over.
It’s time to embrace the new life she so desires, even if it ultimately leads to her death.
Maddie is a bad mother on a one-woman mission
The writers of “Lady in the Lake” were definitely interested in Natalie Portman’s character. She has little sense of self-preservation.
It was as if she was going through some kind of manic episode, pushing her toward the fire rather than away from it.
One thing you can say about Madeleine is that she has balls.
We have to commend her for being so proactive as an investigative reporter. But little did she realize that God had given a goose.
Despite Stefan breaking into her home, Maddie did nothing to improve her security. The woman didn’t even lock the windows.
I knew that would allow the handsome police officer to visit me late at night. I’m sure he wouldn’t mind banging on the window, though, if it meant a madman wouldn’t climb in.
But honestly, she’s lucky to have Officer Pratt, because it doesn’t look like Madeline has a lot of people rooting for her.
If she wants to continue going head-to-head with Empire’s Wood Harris’ Shel Gordon, she’s going to need all the help she can get.
McGrady’s flashy walk into his club and all but demand a live interview left me with my eyes wide open in anticipation of the bloodbath that would ensue.
However, in this case, Maddie takes Judith to show that she has become wiser in her game.
Unfortunately, she did not maintain the same mindset when she met Ms. Zawadzki.
At this rate, if Maddie isn’t careful, the Lady in the Lake will have someone to keep her company.
If there’s one thing the writers of “Lady in the Lake” know how to do, it’s how to subvert expectations.
Raise your hand if you expected Cleo to die within the first or second episode.
I have a feeling that this is pretty much where we all thought this was where the story was going.
Just like we thought Maddie’s meeting with Shell was going to end very badly.
However, the interview that began with coffee and candy led to Maddie’s biggest reality check.
That’s not to say the character doesn’t have her wits, but she should take her cues from Stefan.
The man had a lot of loose screws, so his mother was probably just as insane. She indeed is.
To be fair, Maddie egged her on multiple times, but there was no way Ms. Zawadzki could have stabbed Madeleine.
This Apple TV+ is great at building tension before throwing everything, including the kitchen sink, at the viewer.
This episode is thriller magic. We have to give it to everyone behind the camera and in front of the camera. The Lady in the Lake is a masterclass in storytelling.
What’s most striking about the fifth episode of Lady in the Lake Season 1 is that, unlike previous episodes, it doesn’t feel like a fever dream.
This time, when our tour guide was Maddie, it felt like a descent into madness.
It’s been an incredible journey for these characters. With only two episodes left, we have a feeling this miniseries will come to a happy ending.
It could also have been a real explosion, as Ms. Zawadzki wouldn’t be the last to die.
Let’s be honest, this series could end up going too fast and McGrady will end up in the lake.
The Lady in the Lake is not an easily predictable show and I love this show.
You never know what’s going to happen next, but you know when there are so many talented players involved in a series, it’s going to be intense and fun.
With two episodes left, let’s see what twists and turns Miss Natalie Portman has in store for us.
What do you think will happen to Maddie now that Ms. Zawadzki slit her own throat?
Do you think Maddie will make it to the end of Lady in the Lake alive?
Let us know in the comments below, and join me again as I review the next episode of Lady in the Lake!
