Tell Me Rise
The Hulu series might initially come off as just another soapy teen drama, but that barely scratches the surface. It’s diabolical, stressful, and strangely addictive in its humor. At its core is the tumultuous relationship between Lucy Albright, a college sophomore, and senior Steven DeMarco. This duo is caught in a cycle of intense passion that often spirals into manipulation and deceit. They seem inseparable, but that dynamic is bound to change. As season three kicks off, we find Lucy and Steven in a seemingly good place as the spring term begins—a scenario that surely won’t last.
Tell Me Lee E.S.: Stream or skip?
Opening Shot: Flashback to 2015 when we witness Bree (Misaru Cat) marrying Evan (Branden Cook). In the finale of season two, Bree just discovered a shocking secret: Lucy (Grace Van Patten) had an affair with Evan during college. This revelation came via a voicemail from her ex, Steven (Jackson White), just before Bree’s wedding, and now, as season three opens, Lucy is on a desperate quest to find Steven.
Key Points: Tell Me Rise unfolds across two timelines. One timeline takes place during Bree and Evan’s wedding in 2015, while the other goes back to 2009, capturing life at the fictional Baird College. The wedding serves as a backdrop for the rekindling of old drama as characters reunite, revisiting their student days.
The show revolves around a group of college friends, but primarily focuses on the toxic, back-and-forth relationship of Lucy and Steven. Last season, they oscillated between animosity and attraction, leading to a toxic cycle. Now, in 2015, Steven is engaged to Lucy’s former best friend, Lydia, but that didn’t prevent him from hooking up with Lucy right before Bree’s wedding finale. This entanglement prompts Lucy’s frantic search for Steven as the episode starts.
The brilliance of the show lies in its time-jumping narrative. Characters are often found mocking one another, and the shifts in timelines allow for surprising revelations about who is lying or betraying trust. For instance, when Bree discovers Lucy’s past with Evan, we expect her to lash out. Instead, Bree confesses her own shortcomings, leaving viewers curious about what else has transpired.
Which Show Do You Remember? There’s a palpable sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the tension-filled vibes of Cruel Intentions or Freeform’s Cruel Summer.
Our View: As season three kicks off, lingering storylines from the past season add a layer of tension. Bree’s affair with a married professor, Oliver, remains unresolved, and he continues to impact her life. Meanwhile, Pippa (Sonia Mena) and Diana’s evolving relationship hints at complexity and depth. The season has already begun dropping clues about their shifting dynamics.
Honestly, I often find myself disliking many aspects of this show. The manipulative tendencies among the characters could be studied in psychology classes, and I can’t recall a character who stresses me out more than Stephen, particularly since Jackson White plays him so effectively cruel. The way the show portrays sexual relationships can be unsettling, revealing how everyone seems to play a part in this twisted web. But despite its flaws, the series manages to keep you engaged, with fresh lies and secrets coming to light in each episode. It’s like the unhealthy bond between Lucy and Stephen—bad for me, but hard to resist.
Featured Performance: Jackson White delivers a performance that makes you both hate and love to watch. His portrayal of Stephen is downright sinister, keeping audiences on edge whenever he’s onscreen.
Sex and Skin: As expected, these college students engage in a lot of sexual escapades.
Parting Shot: The premiere ends with Bree, having conquered her nerves, walking down the aisle. When the vicar asks if she’ll accept Evan as her husband, there’s tension as Stephen watches anxiously, while Lucy and Pippa eagerly await Bree’s answer.
Sleeper Star: My standout character is Diana, portrayed by Alicia Crowder. Last season she proved her manipulative skills, even outsmarting Steven. This season, she provides a voice of reason amidst the chaos, all while cultivating her own complex traits.
The Most Pilot-like Line: In 2009, Lucy tells Bree that things feel different this time with Steven. It’s a common trope, and you can’t help but think how misguided that sentiment is.
Our Call: Watching Tell Me Rise feels like reliving a tumultuous relationship. I know it’s not healthy, but, well, the heart wants what it wants. Let’s stream!
How to Watch Tell Me Rise
If you’re new to Hulu, consider starting with a 30-day free trial of their basic (ad-supported) plan. After that, it’s $10.99 a month. If you prefer an ad-free experience, it’s $18.99 monthly.
Looking to save? There are Disney+ bundles that include Hulu, starting at $12.99/month for a plan with ads, going up to $32.99/month for an ad-free combo.
