'Lady in the Lake' Episode 3 Preview: Cleo Johnson in trouble as secret assassination plot comes to light
Contains spoilers for 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2 and speculations for Episode 3
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND: The first two episodes of 'Lady in the Lake' have officially dropped on Apple TV+, and it is filled with mysterious deaths and racism.
Based on Laura Lippman's novel, the show is set in 1960s Baltimore and follows Maddie Schwartz (Natalie Portman), a housewife who leaves her conventional life to pursue investigative journalism.
In Episode 1, Maddie finds Tessie Durst (Bianca Belle) dead and frozen, after she had been missing for a long time. In Episode 2, the focus shifts to Cleo Johnson (Moses Ingram), a young Black woman who unexpectedly finds herself in trouble.
Let's discuss key events from 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, and speculate on what might happen in Episode 3.
What happened in 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2?
'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2 opens with a flashback to Maddie's younger days, revealing her past relationship with Allan Durst (David Corenswet), Tessie's father.
Maddie intends to interview Allan’s mother, but the encounter does not end well. However, Allan’s father is fond of Maddie. When Maddie goes inside his room, she is shocked to see paintings of naked women.
Later, the focus shifts to the present, where Maddie and Judith Weinstein (Mikey Madison) are taken away by the cops for questioning regarding the discovery of Tessie’s body.
After questioning, the cops drop Maddie off at the home Judith arranged for her after she left her husband in Episode 1.
Later, Maddie attends Tessie’s funeral, where Tessie’s mother collapses in grief, clinging to Maddie. Viewers discover that the suspect is Stephan Zawadzkie (Dylan Arnold), the man from the aquarium. His mother observes the funeral from a distance and, upon returning home, violently confronts and beats her son.
As the episode progresses, Cleo learns from Dora Carter (Jennifer Mogbock) that Shell Gordon (Wood Harris) once funded Myrtle Summer's (Angela Robinson) political campaigns. She tries to use this information to persuade Myrtle to offer her a full-time, paid position. However, while Myrtle is eager to make use of Cleo's help as a volunteer, she is hesitant to offer her a paid role.
Later, Cleo erupts during an interview for Myrtle’s campaign, which seems to mark her final visit to Myrtle’s office. She then approaches Gordon, requesting a larger role in his operation for a better salary. Subsequently, Gordon also hires Cleo’s husband to perform at his bar.
After leaving her husband, Maddie is left without money. Officer Ferdie Platt (Y'lan Noel) helps her out. Maddie stages a robbery, hoping to claim insurance money for her valuable wedding ring. Platt inspects Maddie's flat and quickly realizes that there was no actual burglary; it’s just a desperate plea for help. He decides to take her to the diner.
He updates Maddie on the investigation into Tessie’s death, revealing that Stephan is the prime suspect. Later that night, journalist Bob Bauer (Pruitt Taylor Vince) shows up at Maddie’s house to get some sound bites about her connection to Tessie’s case. She provides him with the information. Subsequently, Stephan is arrested.
As the episode unfolds, Gordon uses his financial influence to pay off the police with substantial bribes, hoping to sway the investigation.
When Reggie Robinson (Josiah Cross) delivers the latest bribe to Platt’s partner, he discovers that Stephan’s mother has been actively involved in redirecting the investigation. She has suggested to the police that a Black man with a black eye, who had been seen at the fish store earlier, might be responsible for Tessie’s murder.
This new lead complicates the case further, introducing racial dynamics and potential misdirection into the investigation. The officer advises Reggie to keep a low profile.
Reggie asks Cleo to take over his task of delivering another envelope of cash to a man. The man forces her at gunpoint to drive him to a location where he plans to assassinate Myrtle.
Realizing the money is intended for this purpose, Cleo tries to escape the dangerous situation. At the end of 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 2, gangsters open fire on Myrtle’s place, prompting someone else in the building to come out with a shotgun and shoot at the car. Cleo takes the opportunity to flee the scene.
What to expect from 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 3?
In 'Land of Women' Episode 3, it appears that Cleo may face grave danger, as Myrtle holds significant power and influence. 'Land of Women' Episode 2 leaves Cleo's fate uncertain, but the escalating situation suggests that her involvement in the assassination plot could lead to severe consequences.
Myrtle’s position of power means she has the resources and authority to seek retribution if she learns of Cleo’s role in the attempted assassination. If Myrtle discovers Cleo's connection to the plot, she could use her influence to retaliate, potentially putting Cleo’s life in serious jeopardy.
Gordon’s significant influence and power provide him with a level of protection that shields him from the immediate consequences of his actions.
His high status means that even if he planned an assassination, he is less likely to face legal repercussions or public scrutiny due to his connections.
However, Cleo, being a Black woman with fewer resources and lower social standing, faces a much more precarious situation.
If Cleo is killed, Maddie may face the challenge of solving yet another complex case. Maddie’s previous experience in uncovering Tessie’s murder has set her on a path of becoming a determined investigator.
When will 'Lady in the Lake' Episode 3 air?
'Lady in the Lake' Episode 3 is set to premiere on Apple TV+ on Friday, July 26, 2024.
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'Lady in the Lake' Episodes 1-2 are now streaming on Apple TV+