Lady in the Lake episode 4 recap: A tragic Christmas Eve

Lady in the Lake episode 4 recap: A tragic Christmas Eve

As a seasoned journalist with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the latest episode of Lady in the Lake has left me utterly captivated. The intricate web of characters and their intertwining stories is reminiscent of a classic Agatha Christie novel, albeit with a modern twist.


We’re nearly at the halfway mark of the thriller-drama series “Lady in the Lake,” set in 1960s Baltimore, which is an adaptation of Laura Lippman’s book. The show features Natalie Portman and Moses Ingram as characters Maddie Schwartay and Cleo Johnson. The fourth episode, titled “Innocence fades when you encounter cruelty: first in others, then in yourself,” was released on August 2nd and addresses a key question that’s been lingering since the series premiere.

WARNING: Major spoilers for Lady in the Lake episode 4 are below.

Please be advised that the television show “Lady in the Lake” contains a scene portraying sexual assault. We’ll touch on this aspect in our summary too.

In continuation from where we left off previously, the fourth episode of ‘Lady in the Lake’ starts with Maddie encountering Stephen Zawadzkie at a mental institution. He’s keen to engage with her following her suggestion of a shared connection, yet disheartened when he finds out she intends to interview him. She queries him about who accompanied him on the day of Tessie’s murder, but he remains silent. His skepticism grows as Maddie claims their meeting at Tessie’s body was merely coincidental.

Maddie makes a discovery

In a straightforward manner, let me rephrase the passage for you:

Lady in the Lake episode 4 recap: A tragic Christmas Eve

1. Following her meeting with Stephen, Maddie goes to the Baltimore Star headquarters and fills Bauer in about the military experiments. However, that’s not the news he’s hoping for, but Maddie manages to convince him. Simultaneously, Reggie phones Cleo and shares the winning lottery number with her, instructing her to depart by Christmas Day. In a hurry, Cleo and her son visit a hairstylist who operates from her own apartment. Cleo proposes a deal that could help this woman establish her own hair salon. All she needs is to bet on the number 366 during the Christmas Eve lottery draw.

An officer down

In a subsequent pursuit related to Myrtle’s attempted assassination, Officer Davis tragically loses his life. As Shell watches this unfold on the news, there’s an air of concern when they mention a woman who was present during the incident. Authorities are yet to reveal Cleo’s identity, but it seems it won’t be long before she is found.

Maddie successfully publishes her piece on military experiments in a newspaper, and upon arriving at work, it’s clear that her article is generating quite a buzz. Bauer shares exciting news with her: she has been offered a position at The Baltimore Star. Although she won’t be spearheading investigations right away, Maddie is content to have the opportunity. For now, she’ll handle calls on the helpline, but she’s grateful for the chance to start her career. Additionally, Bauer invites her to attend a football game on Christmas Day.

Lady in the Lake episode 4 recap: A tragic Christmas Eve

Reggie is given an impossible task

After seeing the news, Shell approaches Reggie with a challenging assignment – to eliminate Cleo. Given the gravity of this task, it’s no surprise that it weighs heavily on Reggie as he readies himself for what appears to be a lethal act.

Cleo pays a visit to Dora, while Officer Platt meets Maddie. She inquires about Officer Davis, but he’s tight-lipped about his work. He doesn’t want to provide her with exclusive news for the newspaper. Maddie wishes to advance their relationship and invites Platt to the football match, but he can’t accept. He reminds her that they could face legal consequences if they’re seen together as a couple, yet she’s uneasy. During a chat about her past sexual encounters, she recalls an instance of sexual assault. This happened before she married Milton, and he remains unaware of it. I suspect this secret is kept from everyone.

The number hits

Reggie contacts Cleo and proposes they arrange a meeting at the stroke of midnight on Christmas morning, as he needs to claim his portion of the earnings before she departs. On Christmas Eve, it becomes apparent that the horse racing results are being manipulated in some way. Maddie’s hairdresser, who happens to be styling her hair at the time, is overjoyed when they receive a call indicating a substantial win in the lottery.

Lady in the Lake episode 4 recap: A tragic Christmas Eve

On Christmas Eve, I gather with my loved ones, finding myself face-to-face with my mother, expressing years of unmet support that I’ve yearned for. Meanwhile, during Hanukkah celebrations within my community, Maddie is there, but Milton’s absence is conspicuous. Amidst the festivities, Allan approaches me, his anger palpable as he accuses Maddie of exploiting a tragic event to boost her own reputation by using his late daughter in her recent article.

Stephen breaks out

In a psychiatric facility, Stephen ignites a Santa costume belonging to an employee within the cafeteria, causing a brawl to ensue. With everyone preoccupied, he manages to slip away unnoticed.

From his vehicle, Reggie observes Cleo and Slappy strolling down the street, tears welling up as he contemplates the forthcoming action. Later, it’s just Cleo who heads towards Reggie at their designated location. When Reggie arrives, she appears visibly afraid.

Maddie gets home and discovers someone in her apartment, unexpectedly finding Stephen in the kitchen. He’s upset and questioning their connection, doubting her assertion that she feels a bond between them. She attempts to flee but he stops her, telling her he forgives her. He releases her grip and she offers him one of her sweaters, terrified of his possible reactions. However, he doesn’t retaliate; instead, he departs.

Rest in peace, Cleo

In the climactic moment of episode 4 of “Lady in the Lake,” it appears that Reggie is responsible for Cleo’s death, as her demise occurs off-screen. As the authorities pursue Stephen, Reggie relocates Cleo’s body to a water tank in the lake. This action leads to Reggie disposing of Cleo’s corpse and concealing himself, while the police apprehend Stephen. However, since we did not witness her murder, I find it suspicious that Reggie is the one who disposed of Cleo’s body; this does not necessarily confirm that he was the one who killed her.

The remainder of the show will likely explore the repercussions of Cleo’s demise and the possibility that mainstream media might not address it. Will Maddie pursue justice for Cleo, or is she engrossed in Tessie’s predicament? I can’t help but sympathize with Cleo’s sons.)

Lady in the Lake episode 5 premieres on Friday, Aug. 9 on Apple TV+.

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2024-08-02 10:28

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