There’s nothing more brutal than a BFFs to mortal enemies arc, and I fear we’re witnessing one in season 2 of the Hulu masterpiece, Tell Me Lies. At the end of season 1, there’s a truly shocking plot twist — Lucy’s emotionally abusive ex, Stephen, and her childhood best friend, Lydia, are engaged when everyone reunites in 2015 for Evan and Bree’s wedding. They really left us panicking about that cliffhanger for two long years. But at long last, season 2 is upon us and some serious drama went down between Lucy and Lydia. Lydia swears that she’ll “never forgive” Lucy… but for what? We finally have some answers: Here’s what Lucy did to Lydia in Tell Me Lies.
What Did Lucy Do To Lydia In Tell Me Lies?
What Happened Between Lucy And Lydia?
Okay, let’s walk through what we know so far. In the summer of 2008, Lucy and Lydia are still super close, and Lydia hates Stephen for hurting her bestie. “If that little gremlin even looks in your direction, call me,” she tells Lucy before they head back to school. “Same goes for his cunt girlfriend.” Lydia even calls Stephen “rancid.” And yet, she’s the one who ends up with him years later! WTF!
In the same season 2 episode 1 scene, we meet Lydia’s little brother, Chris, who’s an incoming freshman at Lucy’s school, Baird College. When Lydia says, “I still can’t believe you chose Baird over Colgate,” he jokingly replies, “The girls are hotter at Baird.” In hindsight, I this line was clearly foreshadowing.
During the first week of school in fall 2008, Lucy’s friend, Pippa, and Lydia’s brother end up chatting at a party. It seems innocent at first, but Stephen’s girlfriend, Diana, later finds a (presumably) drugged Pippa lying in a bed with most of her clothes off. Chris is there too, and he looks much more guilty than concerned. Lucy is obviously extremely worried about Pippa and suggests they talk to someone about what happened. Pippa refuses.
In episode 7 of season 2, we finally find out why Lucy and Lydia’s friendship ended. When Lucy, Pippa, and Wrigley go to a bar one night, students are gossiping about a girl named Katie who accused Chris of raping her. They say that Katie must’ve lied because there was no evidence, and Lucy gets angry and argues with them about it. Unfortunately, she makes a wild decision and says she knows Katie’s telling the truth because “he did the same thing to me.” Yup, Lucy claims Pippa’s story right in front of Pippa, which is insanely problematic. Of course, when Lydia finds out about this, she informs Lucy that their friendship is over.
Where Do Lucy And Lydia Stand In 2015?
At the end of the season 1 finale, they very awkwardly greet each other and hug when Lydia arrives at the wedding. But it’s not until the first episode of season 2 that we get more insight into how these former besties really feel about each other in 2015. When Lucy takes a break from the party to be alone for a few minutes, Lydia walks in. Lucy attempts polite small talk at first, but Lydia quickly says she “can’t do this.”
“I’ve been trying today for Stephen, because I know he wants everyone to be cool,” she tells Lucy. Then, Lydia looks her ex-friend dead in the eye and adds, “I just need you to know… I will never forgive you. For any of it.” Oof. Lucy looks upset and responds with a slight nod. She notably doesn’t argue.
“For any of it” makes me think there’s even more to the story… we shall see.