In Praise of Tell Me Lies’ Most Controversial Character: The Case for Loving Pippa
On February 16, the tumultuous friend group from Hulu’s Tell Me Lies had one final adventure. After three seasons, the codependent, self-destructive crew at Baird College achieved something unprecedented: they actually communicated. They were honest with one another. The series finale might as well have been titled Tell Me the Truth. It was a fitting and perfect conclusion to a brilliant sleeper hit, prompting viewers to reflect, “What if my college years had been incredibly chaotic yet undeniably sexy?”
However, here’s the twist: One character, Pippa, was (mostly) honest throughout the series, and yet, for some inexplicable reason, she’s often the character viewers love to criticize the most. Even when she strayed from the truth, Pippa (Sonia Mena) always meant well—or at least tried her best. Yet, on social media, she is labeled as “annoying” and the “worst character.” I just don’t understand it.
When we first met Pippa as a freshman, she was characterized by insecurity and a tendency to tell white lies to fit in. (Who hasn’t experienced that?) She was vocal about sex but (surprise!) unlike Lucy (Grace Van Patten) and Macy (Lily McInerny), she hadn’t actually been sexually active yet. The late-blooming college freshman inside me felt a connection to her forced confidence and her longing to bond with others.
Over the course of three seasons, her self-confidence blossomed. While her friends and frenemies acted amorally at best and immorally at worst, Pippa remained a reliable safe haven. This doesn’t mean she never hurt anyone; however, she never intended to or tried to justify her actions. Her two biggest lies stemmed from shame: one after experiencing a sexual assault and another when she came to terms with her sexuality and began cheating on her boyfriend, Wrigley (Spencer House), who, by the way, was also unfaithful. Wrigley is often seen as the pure hero of the show and is a fan favorite. I like him too, but I also appreciate Pippa. It frustrates me that audiences are so lenient towards him yet harsh on her.
Tell Me Lies is gearing up for its season finale by airing its most toxic episode yet, and one of the stars is defending that controversial twist. In the Tuesday, February 10 episode of the hit Hulu series, Evan (Branden Cook) was determined to reclaim Bree (Cat Missal), leading him to seek advice […]
Most viewers agree on the villains of the show: Stephen (Jackson White) is a sociopath, and Evan (Branden Cook) is selfish and entitled. To Lucy detractors, she is a chaos-driven missile; to her defenders, she is simply battling a mental health crisis. Regardless, maintaining a relationship with her is challenging. But Pippa? Pippa embodies none of those traits, leading to skepticism from viewers. When I expressed on Threads this morning that Pippa was my favorite character, I was met with reactions like, “Did we watch the same show? Or have you not finished it yet?” and “Girl, what?” One person even sent a GIF of Schitt’s Creek’s David Rose making his signature “ew” face. So why do people find her so distasteful?
My theory is that viewers are put off by Pippa’s gentleness. She is more introspective and measured compared to her friends, making her an easy target. Her girlfriend, Diana (Alicia Crowder), often takes bold actions for her own benefit, earning our support. She outmaneuvers Stephen in his own game of manipulation, effectively breaking away from his abusive grasp. Diana handles an unplanned pregnancy with pragmatic decisiveness. She exhibits kindness when deserved but is just as quick to withhold it when necessary.
So is Pippa, but her needs are more visibly pronounced. While Lucy’s needs erupt in chaotic displays, Pippa is quieter in her longing. She sits alone in her dorm room painting her hair. She clings to Wrigley, even knowing they might be better off as just friends. (Let’s not forget that she spent her entire winter break by his side following the death of his brother, Drew.) Why is she met with such disdain?
Showrunner Meghan Oppenheimer has highlighted the sexism in how viewers equate the cruel machinations of Stephen with the unforeseen chaos caused by Lucy. I share her concern. Could it be that some form of -ism—be it sexism, racism, or homophobia—fuels the backlash against Pippa as well? She doesn’t have the same flawless skin as Lucy or Bree. She represents the lone gay friend (she exclusively likes females, she tells Wrigley; Diana’s sexual orientation remains unclear). We often champion the female characters when they’re enacting vengeance, which feels like a more traditionally masculine act. It’s about decisive action, not reflection. Bree (Cat Missal) engages in an affair with her professor and finally allows herself to pursue Wrigley, despite being victimized by the professor in various ways. Lucy acts on impulse, dictated by her whims, while Pippa thoughtfully considers her actions and humbly acknowledges her mistakes.
If I were at Baird, I would choose Pippa (and perhaps Wrigley) as friends. Wouldn’t you?
