*MAJOR Spoiler Alert* Seriously, don't read this if you haven't seen the show yet.
It's been two weeks since the finale of HBO's hit limited series "Big Littles Lies" and I still can't stop talking or thinking about it. Not only was the show cinematically close to perfect, but it was also a huge step for mainstream television to tackle a story about motherhood and violence and abuse against women. These are my 13 favorite things about the seven-episode experience.
1. The phenomenal soundtrack.
Yeah, we're all a little skeptical of a first grader's iPod being so extensive, but Chloe is an exceptional first grader. With the technology that is put into children's hands these days, I don't totally doubt it. Either way, the soundtrack to this show is possibly the best element of the show, so I am willing to suspend my belief. *Bonus: scroll down to the bottom of this article to listen to the Big Little Lies playlist. I'm totally listening to it while writing this.
2. Madeline's passionate one-liners.
I have always loved Reese Witherspoon, but honestly, she might be my hero after watching her portrayal of Madeline Mackenzie.
3. Bonnie's character, who reassures us that some people are slightly normal in Monterey, California.
Also her clothes. Also, how can you not be obsessed with Zoë Kravitz?
4. The scenery.
I too would be constantly taking photos if this was what I saw all the time.
5. The little dance you can't help doing as soon as the theme song starts.
*Sighs at the reminder that the series is already over.*
6. The very real, very effective portrayal of the complexities of an abusive relationship.
While Celeste and Perry's nightmare relationship is incredibly hard to watch, it was so good to see mainstream television portraying complexities of abusive relationships. Between the extremely vivid scenes and the therapy sessions, Big Little Lies spread awareness of domestic violence and the conclusion that it will always end badly if ignored.
7. The also necessary portrayal of PTSD on mainstream television.
As a survivor of sexual assault, this was not the easiest show for me to watch. However, seeing Shailene Woodley's portrayal of Jane and her struggle with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a result of being raped was actually therapeutic for me. While I am fully aware that my PTSD is valid and that I am not alone, it never hurts to have some reassurance of those. Not to mention how much the show spread awareness of PTSD. I also believe that this show helped people who do not have PTSD to have a little bit of a deeper understanding of what it is like on a day to day basis through Jane's character and struggle.
8. The cinematography.
Gotta love HBO and those HD cameras.
9. The adorable, talented children.
Kids are the best actors because they still have the best imaginations.
10. The all around theme of motherhood.
I couldn't help but text my mom and tell her I love her during any given episode.
11. And the bond between mothers.
How refreshing is it to see a story where women come together, differences aside? Stop believing the sexist lie that we're told since our childhoods, that we are all in competition with each other.
12. Finally, a show where the abuser gets killed, instead of their victim.
F*ck you, Perry. If I was there on Trivia Night, I would've brought him back to life, just to beat and kill him all over again. Shout out to Bonnie for coming in and finishing the job, though.
13. Closure.
I couldn't help but cry at the end of this show. Not because I was sad, it was because it was so beautiful to see these two women, survivors of the same assaulter come together and not only experience closure but also will heal together.
