'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2 Takeaway: Maddie's fight for justice hints at one major theory
Contains spoilers for 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: In 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, viewers finally get a glimpse into Maddie Schwartz's (Natalie Portman) past and her relationship with Allan Durst (David Corenswet), Tessie's (Bianca Belle) father.
In the past, Maddie and Allan were romantically involved, but Allan was a timid young man, very obedient to his parents. Allan’s mother saw Maddie as an unsuitable match for her son. However, Allan’s father, Hal Durst (Mark Feuerstein), was fond of Maddie.
However, there is a significant catch that needs to be discussed in detail. So, let's jump in!
Did Hal Durst harm Maddie?
As Episode 2 unfolds, the intertwined histories of Maddie and Allan become clearer, shedding light on the emotional and psychological burdens that Maddie carries.
Allan's father often engaged in friendly conversations with her. However, when Maddie visited Hal's room, she was confronted with a disturbing sight: numerous naked portraits adorning the walls.
Maddie was confused as she looked at the paintings, feeling an overwhelming sense of discomfort. His room also contained a yellow sofa, from which someone was scrubbing blood in Episode 1’s flashback.
It seems Hal was a creepy man who liked exploiting young girls or women. It could be possible he did something to Maddie, which led to her breakup with Allan.
If Hal was indeed a dangerous man with a history of raping young girls or women, it’s plausible that he targeted Maddie at some point. In a scenario where Maddie found herself in imminent danger from Hal, she might have been forced to defend herself against his advances or violent behavior.
It can be interpreted that Hal may have attempted to rape Maddie, leading her to act in self-defense. This self-defense act could have resulted in Hal’s death, an event that Maddie would have found deeply traumatic.
This event might have contributed to the breakdown of her relationship with Allan. Maybe that’s why whenever Maddie sees blood, she seems to zone out.
Was Tessie Maddie's daughter?
In 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 1, Maddie discovered Tessie's lifeless body, which overwhelmed her with sadness, as if she were Tessie's mother.
In 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, Maddie’s emotions shift when she learns that a suspect has been arrested. The arrest brings her a sense of relief, indicating that progress is being made in the investigation.
Maddie’s deep concern and emotional turmoil regarding Tessie suggest a strong personal connection, leading to the possibility that Tessie might have been her own daughter, possibly with Hal.
If Hal had indeed raped Maddie in the past, she might have delivered Tessie at a private hospital. However, Allan took care of the girl, which could explain why Maddie felt such a profound connection to her.
After Hal’s death, Maddie may have married Milton (Brett Gelman), seeking a fresh start and stability, but her new life was marked by profound misery.
This would explain Maddie’s decision to leave her husband in Episode 1.
'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2 is now streaming on Apple TV+