Based on the novel by Carola Lovering, Hulu's Tell Me Lies focuses on the complicated, turbulent relationships of Lucy, played by Grace Van Patten, and Stephen, played by Jackson White, through emotional turmoil stretching from college years to a wedding reunion in 2015.
By the end of Tell Me Lies Season 2, Lucy ends up with Max, in the 2015 timeline of the show. This is in significant contrast with her toxic relationship with Stephen. Season 2 is characterized by the revelation of Stephen's manipulation and Lucy's susceptibility towards accepting his faults.
Reflecting upon all her relationships throughout her life, Lucy goes to Max who treats her with a healthy and balanced relationship free from abuse. The showrunner Meaghan Oppenheimer told TODAY.com that the narrative intended to show audiences the red flags in Stephen's behavior.
Stephen and Lucy’s fragile relationship in Tell Me Lies
Tell Me Lies is a drama series centered on the complicated relationship between Stephen and Lucy. The series depicts the chemistry between the two lovers, laced with emotional manipulation, deception, and mutual destructiveness in detail.
According to Oppenheimer, who talked to TODAY, Stephen's "fatal flaw" lies in his need for revenge. This characteristic often leads to chaotic confrontations, even with close friends on Tell Me Lies.
In the season finale of Tell Me Lies, Stephen records a confession from Evan, played by Branden Cook, about a former fling with Lucy. This is cold and calculated cruelty imposed on his fiancée Bree's wedding day where she is close to walking down the aisle.
Lucy's relationship with Stephen is a mirror that reflects her vulnerabilities and deep-rooted insecurities, and she begins to question her sense of self. Oppenheimer mentions Lucy's character arc as a journey through self-discovery and emotional resilience, showing the lasting impact of Stephen's influence.
It brings to light the blind side of judgment with love and attraction when interwoven with manipulation and unworked trauma.
Why does Lucy end up with Max in Tell Me Lies?
Max contrasts with Stephen in that he is a solid, supportive partner for Lucy. He is introduced in Tell Me Lies Season 1 as a minor love interest. However, in season 2, episode 3, viewers see Max and Lucy reconnecting at a bachelor-bachelorette party, hinting at their deepening bond.
Max's stable and empathetic personality provides Lucy with a sheltered haven to heal and rebuild. This is brought out when Max and Stephen are talking amicably during the wedding timeline when Lucy is not feeling up to her ex.
According to The Direct, Max reassures Lucy that Stephen's doings don’t matter all that much because they're all in the past.
This moment displays Max's support and shows why Lucy feels emotionally safe with him.
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While Stephen is chaos and manipulation, Max is the grounding Lucy needs to find value in a non-toxic relationship in the 2015 timeline. As for the season, Oppenheimer said that Lucy learns about healthy boundaries and mutual respect from Stephen, which allows her to appreciate the calm Max brings into her life.
Unlike Stephen, Max gives power to Lucy by respecting her autonomy and providing a warm relationship. This makes Lucy accept a relationship that nurtures her.
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