Tell Me Lies Season 2 Episode 7 Review: I’m Not Drowning Fast Enough

If you’re wondering whether it’s possible to watch an episode of this show without getting frustrated with at least one character, Tell Me Lies Season 2 Episode 7, “I’m Not Drowning Fast Enough,” makes it clear that it’s almost impossible.

What is Tell Me Lies without a new twist in Lucy and Stephen’s messed-up relationship?

Despite constantly hurting each other, they always find their way back to each other. In any other relationship, it might be cute, but in this case, it’s just messed up. Still, we must credit the writers for creating such an electric dynamic between these two while maintaining the depth of their toxicity.

After the last episode, when Lucy waved a white flag and broke down in front of Stephen, I was unsure where their storyline would go next. But of course, for every step they previously took in the right direction, this duo now doubles back on.

Their invisible strings pull them together again when Stephen realizes he no longer has any use for Diana after her dad cuts her off.

Instead of being decent, Stephen does what he does best and strings Diana along. While doing that, he finally apologizes to Lucy for everything he’s put her through (though it’s a very vague apology).

He even manages to pull out his excellent manipulation skills, twisting her own words from the last episode, where she admitted that despite knowing he’s a bad person, she still loves him.

In a different situation, without all the past toxicity and hatred, this would be such a cute confession of their undying love, but this is not love.

Despite all the growth Lucy makes this season, she caves to Stephen’s words and finds herself right back where the series started.

Honestly, it’s super disappointing to see her do this, especially since she knows how toxic her relationship with Stephen is. I don’t see the female empowerment I was hoping for from her, but there’s still time for her to change for the better.

Moving on to another problematic couple, who are shockingly still together after seven hectic and drama-filled episodes, Oliver and Bree appear to be going strong… or at least they depict their relationship as strong and healthy.

As the Christmas season fast approaches in the school term, Marianne throws her annual Christmas party for her students and colleagues.

Instead of being grateful for having such a kindhearted professor, Bree uses this opportunity to get back at Oliver for keeping her a secret instead of leaving his wife.

To no one’s surprise, not even Lucy’s, which is crazy considering that she’s been in some messed-up situations, too; Oliver and Bree sneak off and have a quickie in the laundry room during the party.

Even though both parties consent and fully know what they’re doing, Bree finally realizes what they’re doing is wrong.

It takes her long enough, but I think having sex while looking at her “boyfriend’s” wife’s clothes and undergarments, as well as hooking up during her party, finally clicks in Bree’s mind as a bad idea.

Her guilt and panic attack is short-lived after Oliver senses her change in mood and throws the words “I love you” at her.

As we’ve learned in previous episodes, Bree comes from a broken home and rough childhood, so it’s understandable (to an extent) that she puts herself in relationships she thinks are healthy.

However, this is a low-blow and manipulative tactic on Oliver’s part because he knows he never intends to be in a serious and loving relationship with Bree.

As bad as it sounds, I’m praying for this couple’s downfall. Despite her bad choices, Bree deserves much better than the cards she’s given herself.

Even though the show is filled with toxicity, it is good we have Wrigley and Pippa slowly and steadily rebuilding their friendship.

The pair are not dating anymore, but it’s refreshing to have positive and honest interactions between a male and female character.

Despite Wrigley often portraying himself as chill and happy, he finally trusts someone enough to open up about his feelings, revealing that he struggles mentally and feels like a failure.

In true friend fashion, Pippa lets him cry in her arms and promises they will figure everything out as a team. She even goes one step further and shares that she is bisexual.

These two support each other through thick and thin, becoming a fan-favorite pairing. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for them, especially as the only positive relationship in the series.

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New episodes of Tell Me Lies stream Wednesdays on Hulu.

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