Tell Me Lies Season 3: Tom Ellis OUT, What's Next for Bree?

Tell Me Lies Season 3: Will Tom Ellis Return? The Showrunner Weighs In!

Tell Me Lies Season 2 Finale: The Explosive Oliver Reveal and Its Aftermath

Hulu's Tell Me Lies season 2 ended with a HUGE bombshell. Bree (Catherine Missal), after a whirlwind romance, discovers that her professor Oliver (Tom Ellis) is married and his wife Marianne knew everything along and never said anything! That scandalous reveal ended that toxic relationship immediately; yet viewers were left questioning what this would mean for Season 3!

Show creator Meaghan Oppenheimer spoke with Variety; clarifying some questions about future storyline development, most significantly, whether we might ever see Tom Ellis back. The major reveal involved exactly just how damaging that toxic relationship was and exactly what led Bree to ultimately end this affair once and for all; highlighting the critical damage such individuals have and emphasizing the impact that these relationships could possibly have, especially on that target demographic who likely see a certain amount of relation in some of these depicted story events, especially given the problematic relationship involving age differences and a significant power imbalance; completely altering those narratives shown and providing context, to convey how damaging that whole relationship truly was and setting the foundation to further those developments shown throughout season 2. That story’s significance can’t be overstated, especially concerning what it represents, its possible symbolism and implications within that entire setting, in future installments of that story arc.

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Tom Ellis's Exit and the Future of Tell Me Lies

Collage of young Natalie in Yellowjackets, Lucy in Tell Me Lies, and Rue in Euphoria Image

Oppenheimer confirmed that Tom Ellis is likely not returning for season 3: "I don’t think so. I think Tom was just wanting to do one season. I think that we wrapped up his storyline in a way that really worked for me. I don’t know where else we would go after that with him." She further suggested there might be more with Marianne: “I think we could bring Marianne back, maybe. There’s a lot more story to tell with her.”

This isn't simply some random plot choice: Oppenheimer mentions the greater purpose: debunking myths, providing a more realistic portrayal about problematic relationships, which these specific episodes did really well at delivering in the context surrounding Bree's past traumas and experiences which ultimately affected how Bree responded in this particular relationship. She comments that these problems “happen to the strongest of us”, focusing exactly on those vulnerabilities, those desires within the human condition that lead to difficult and toxic decisions. The importance shown is significant; the show's aim, as stated, involves countering harmful notions about problematic romantic connections.

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The Showrunner's Vision for Tell Me Lies

Bree (Catherine Missal) smiling at someone in Tell Me Lies. Image

Oppenheimer’s statement offers significant context and purpose that really shows why they structured these events the way they did. This clarifies a critical aspect concerning Bree's development. She highlights this toxic affair; the relationship’s ultimate significance is that this became a phase that ultimately made her grow and mature. This affair ended as part of that significant process of discovering more about herself, becoming more independent, completely shifting her from who she once was toward someone else completely, in this case; an independent person no longer defined by a problematic and controlling relationship.

This also makes Marianne a crucial and compelling character going forward. Even with a small role in season 2; Oppenheimer hints toward possible development surrounding her character.

Also Read: Tell Me Lies Season 3: Time Jump Confirmed? New Plot Details!

Our Take on Oliver and Bree’s Relationship: A Necessary Conclusion

Tell Me Lies Hulu TV Series Poster Image

That Bree-Oliver romance is the core focus for many parts of season 2 and that age difference coupled with the student-professor power dynamic set a precarious path; showing the toxic core inherent within the power dynamics themselves; which greatly emphasizes the dangers involved!

Oliver, even more of a villain than the past antagonistic characters (Stephen in particular from prior seasons). He showed no chances of redemption – continuing this same behavior. Ellis's potential non-return sounds likely for those same reasons too. It makes sense; even the actor seems content. And it might be good: Bree’s story moves forward in new ways after this encounter; it signals that she’s outgrown a phase of that difficult relationship, setting the stage to build toward greater maturity and independence, without using an older and more established antagonist figure; thus freeing up new possibilities for storyline and the chance for developing Bree's character even more without relying on an external character!

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Conclusion: What to Expect From Tell Me Lies Season 3

Season 3 remains uncertain: Hulu needs to decide to continue this popular series. But the creator’s remarks highlight an extremely important part and its influence on this coming season’s narratives: A satisfying conclusion which leaves those previous major antagonist roles behind; focusing on development of that very key protagonist figure: Bree.

While the storyline doesn't have Tom Ellis back as Oliver, this also provides new storytelling opportunities and it seems this creator will fully utilize them: using her narrative framework effectively without an important and recurring antagonist figure; generating even better levels of storyline development and far more focus and greater energy toward Bree's character arc and her personal growth! That exciting direction warrants intense speculation – so get ready!