It’s a wonderful li(f)e

As dark drama Big Little Lies nears its stunning finale, two Closer talking heads debate whether it’s ever OK to be economical with the truth…

ur favourite TV show of the O year (so far) has almost come to an end – and the series finale promises to be an explosive one, as all the secrets and lies in the glamorous town of Monterey are finally laid bare.

Starring a stellar cast, including Oscar winners Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon, along with Laura Dern and Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies is based on the bestselling novel by Liane Moriarty (author of The Husband’s Secret). The whodunnit begins with an investigation into a murder at a school trivia-night fundraiser – but the identities of the victim and the killer are enshrouded in mystery.

The story leading up to the murder is told through a series of extended flashbacks and is centred on three mums: Madeline Mackenzie (Reese Witherspoon) who is struggling with feelings of jealousy towards her ex-husband’s new younger wife Bonnie (Zoe Kravitz); Madeline’s best friend Celeste Wright (Nicole Kidman), a former lawyer with a passionate but volatile marriage to a younger man (Alexander Skarsgård); and Jane Chapman (Shailene Woodley), a newcomer to the town who the two best friends have taken under their wing.

Single mum Jane is escaping a dark past and Madeline makes it her mission to help her new friend find closure, despite potentially devastating consequences.

With wardrobes to kill for, stunning backdrops, an evocative soundtrack and an A-list cast, it’s easy to see why Big Little Lies is one of the most successful drama series on HBO – the network that also brought us big-hitters Sex And The City, Game Of Thrones and The Sopranos.