'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2: Myrtle Summer's political power poses major threat to one character

In 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, Cleo Johnson's trouble continues to increase, especially because of the assassination plot
PUBLISHED JUL 19, 2024
Myrtle Summer poses a threat to one woman in 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)
Myrtle Summer poses a threat to one woman in 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)

Contains spoilers for 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2 has officially dropped on Apple TV+, and it appears Cleo Johnson's (Moses Ingram) problems are far from over. 

As Episode 2 unfolds, Cleo finds herself increasingly entangled in dangerous schemes and plots that threaten her safety. Cleo discovers from Dora Carter (Jennifer Mogbock) that Shell Gordon (Wood Harris) previously financed Myrtle Summer's (Angela Robinson) political campaigns.

Using this knowledge, she attempts to convince Myrtle to provide her with a full-time, paid position. However, Cleo suffers a major setback in Episode 2. Let's discuss it!

Can Cleo Johnson achieve her dream in 'Lady in the Lake'?

Moses Ingram as Cleo Johnson in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)
Moses Ingram as Cleo Johnson in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)

Cleo works two jobs to support her children. Their father, Slappy (Byron Bowers), has good intentions but is irresponsible. Whenever possible, Cleo volunteers for Myrtle, the first Black woman state senator, hoping to secure a full-time position.

Cleo also takes on a second job as the bartender and bookkeeper for Gordon, who is running against Myrtle in the political arena. Gordon represents a significant conflict of interest for Cleo. 

Her dual roles put her in a challenging position, navigating the complexities of working for both a political rival and the very campaign she hopes to join full-time.

Angela Robinson as Myrtle Summer in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)
Angela Robinson as Myrtle Summer in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)

It appears highly unlikely that Myrtle would ever allow Cleo to join her team full-time. Myrtle may be concerned about the potential for divided loyalties or the negative optics of having someone closely associated with her political adversary on her team.

In Episode 2, Myrtle is hesitant to offer Cleo a paid position. Eventually, Cleo has a meltdown during an interview for Myrtle’s campaign, which appears to be her last interaction with Myrtle’s office.

Following this, Cleo seeks out Gordon, asking for a more significant role in his operation and a better salary. In response, Gordon hires Cleo’s husband to perform at his bar.

Moses Ingram as Cleo Johnson in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)
Moses Ingram as Cleo Johnson in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)

It seems that Cleo will now shift her focus to working for Gordon instead of Myrtle. Given the dynamics and the tension that has built up, Myrtle is unlikely to view Cleo’s transition positively.

Is Cleo Johnson in danger in 'Lady in the Lake'?

Moses Ingram as Cleo Johnson in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)
Moses Ingram as Cleo Johnson in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)

In 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, Cleo is assigned to deliver an envelope of cash to a man. However, the man holds her at gunpoint and forces her to drive him to a location where he intends to carry out an assassination of Myrtle.

By the end of 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, gangsters fire shots at Myrtle’s location, prompting someone else in the building to emerge with a shotgun and fire at the car. Cleo manages to flee the scene, and the episode ends. 

However, it appears that Myrtle and the man might eventually catch up with Cleo, leaving her unable to escape. Given the intensity of the situation, Cleo’s attempt to flee may not be enough to ensure her safety.

If Myrtle succeeds in catching Cleo, the confrontation could be fatal, as Myrtle may see Cleo as a direct threat to her safety and political future.

If Myrtle discovers Cleo's connection to the plot, she could retaliate, potentially putting Cleo’s life in serious jeopardy. Myrtle might even kill Cleo because she recognizes her own power.

Cleo may struggle to achieve justice, especially given the power and influence wielded by both Myrtle and Gordon.

How to stream 'Lady in the Lake'?

Natalie Portman as Maddie Schwartz in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)
Natalie Portman as Maddie Schwartz in a still from 'Lady in the Lake' (@appletv+)

The first two episodes of 'Lady in the Lake' are currently available for streaming on Apple TV+.

'Lady in the Lake' Episode 3 is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 26, 2024.

With a competitive pricing structure, enjoy all the entertainment Apple TV+ has to offer at a monthly subscription cost, making premium content accessible to a broad audience.

The base price of Apple TV+ is $9.99 per month. For this fee, viewers gain access to the platform's full library of original series and movies.

'Lady in the Lake' trailer



 

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