Below is my ranking for the Season One episodes of "BIG LITTLE LIES", HBO's 2017 adaptation of Liane Moriarty's 2014 novel. Created by David E. Kelley, the series starred Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley:
RANKING OF "BIG LITTLE LIES" SEASON ONE (2017) EPISODES
1. (1.07) "You Get What You Need" - Attorney Celeste Wright finally makes a bold move against her abusive husband, Perry. Close friend Madeline Mackenzie deals with fallout from a past illicit relationship. And their new friend Jane Chapman discovers who has been hurting neighbor Renata Klein's young daughter, Amabella.
2. (1.05) "Once Bitten" - Madeline is confronted by her desperate former lover, theater director Joseph Bachman. Principal Warren Nippal scrutinizes the behavior of Jane's six year-old son. And Celeste's therapist, Dr. Amanda Reisman, presses her about the Wright marriage.
3. (1.03) "Living the Dream" - Madeline organizes a trip for her friends' children to compete with Renata's birthday party for her daughter. Celeste succumbs to Perry's charms. And Jane opens up about a past trauma.
4. (1.01) "Somebody's Dead" - The series premiere opens with a suspicious death at an elementary school fundraiser. The episode flashes back to the introduction of Madeline and Celeste; and how they first met Jane and befriended her.
5. (1.06) "Burning Love" - Bonnie Carlson, the second wife of Madeline's ex-husband Nathan, tells him about the secret project of his and Madeline's daughter Abigail. Jane confronts Renata about the latter's suspicions regarding Ziggy and her bullying tactics. Madeline and her second husband Ed Mackenzie have a candid conversation about their lack of passion.
6. (1.04) "When Push Comes to Shove" - Nathan invites Madeline and Ed to a couples' dinner to discuss Abigail. In light of further evidence of someone bullying Amabella, schoolteacher Emily Barnes suggests that Ziggy be medically evaluated.
7. (1.02) "Serious Mothering" - Jane deflects Ziggy's questions about his unknown father. Madeline is outraged over Renata's slight against Ziggy and Jane. And Celeste suggests she and Perry see a counselor.