The 'Big Little Lies' Author Isn't Too Sure About A Second Season

If there's anyone in the world right now who should be able to tell us whether a Big Little Lies Season 2 is happening or not, it would surely be Liane Moriarty, the writer of the book upon which the mini-series was based. That's especially true when you consider that, at the end of March, Reese Witherspoon revealed that she's in discussions with the writer about developing a story for Big Little Lies' second season. So it's a little surprising to discover that Moriarty doesn't sound very sure that it might even be happening.

In an interview with Elle, Morairty addressed the Big Little Lies season 2 rumors, saying:

It's all up in the air at the moment. I've never written a sequel for any of my books, so my first reaction was that there should not be a Season 2 — I always tend to think I've put my poor characters through enough! Having said that, Season 1 was so fantastic and I do understand the desire not to let these characters go. Right now, I'm having fun thinking broadly about ideas for how the storyline could possibly continue, but so many talented people would have to say 'yes' for it to go ahead, I have no idea whether it will happen or not.

While her honest appraisal of where Season 2 development is currently standing might be disappointing to fans who are desperate for a return of Big Little Lies, it's actually a little comforting for those of us who don't want it to.

Personally, I find it very telling that Morairty's "first reaction" is that a second season shouldn't happen, because, as the creator of this world, I feel that her gut instinct is probably correct and I'm inclined to agree with it. Though I absolutely adored every second of Big Little Lies, I resolutely believe that the show doesn't need a second season to be made. And I did truly love the show. It got under my skin, and into my heart, and I haven't been able to get it out of my head since it started airing. Within six masterful episodes, Big Little Lies managed to make powerful commentaries on the nature of trauma, gender bias, female friendships, and toxic masculinity like no other show I've ever seen.

But there's also the fact that the finale ended in such a polished, tidy manner that it brought closure to every storyline and character. The fact that much of that final episode was told in silence, and with gestures rather than words, gave the story an even richer ending.

To expand upon these pivotal, poignant moments with any dialogue, never mind a whole season's worth, would cheapen the power of them. I have no desire, for instance, to see Celeste or Jane analyzing their horrific connection to one another, or to see Madeline and Bonnie enjoying a friendship together that is more powerful than their respective marriages. We were already given satisfying glimpses into these ideas during the finale, and they didn't require much explanation for us to understand them.

It's something that Big Little Lies' executive producer Jean-Marc Vallée appeared to agree with during an interview with Vulture, when he revealed,

...this is the perfect ending. There is no way; there’s no reason to make a Season 2. That was meant to be a one-time deal, and it’s finishing in a way where it’s for the audience to imagine what can happen.

Considering how truly harrowing many storylines were in Big Little Lies, it's frightful to imagine the characters having to endure much more. As Moriarty herself said, those poor characters have been through enough, and I'm sure nobody wants to have to see them experiencing further hardships, abuse, and pain for a second season. But then, if Big Little Lies is left delivering a simple story about female friendship, and suburban bickering, then is it even the same show anymore?