Overview of Tell Me Rise Season 3, Episode 7

Tell Me Rise Season 3, Episode 7 was incredibly intense, possibly the toughest episode for fans to digest.

The episode titled “I Promise I Won’t Sting” followed shortly after Bree (Misaru Cat) and Wrigley (Spencer House) shared their much-anticipated first kiss. However, as the lyrics of The Killers’ “Mr. Brightside” hinted, the episode ended on a chilling note, leaving viewers questioning how things could spiral from that kiss.

Attention: Spoilers Ahead for Season 3, Episode 7!

After both confessing their feelings, Bree and Wrigley decide to end things with Evan (Branden Cook) and Pippa (Sonia Mena) to focus on their new relationship. Just when they think they’re on track, Bree’s mother Mary (Emily Mead) shows up intoxicated at the venue, after Evan took her out. Meanwhile, Lucy (Grace Van Patten) tries to outmaneuver Stephen (Jackson White), but doesn’t quite succeed—or does she? Following a breakdown in front of him, Lucy eventually receives her tape back from Stephen. The end credits come with a heavy sense of unease because, aside from this twist, Lucy had a disturbing moment with Tegan (Bianca Nugara) and Bree discovers that there had been an affair between Evan and Lucy during the Hawaiian party.

The Implications of the Tape Transfer

Lucy recorded the tape in Episode 3, which has haunted her since. In Episode 6, her anxiety spikes when she unwittingly shows up at Steven’s house. By Episode 7, Lucy decides to take charge, trying to play Steven at his own game. She claims she wants to reconcile, but trust issues cause problems. When she skillfully navigates the situation, it sets the stage for Steven to think breaking up with Bree is her idea. He promises to give Lucy the tape once they’re officially back together.

However, when Lucy seems overly eager with Bree’s mother, Stephen realizes she’s manipulating him and coldly declares she’ll never get the tape. Later, Lucy, in tears, pleads to view the tape, exclaiming her desperation. She begs him, “I can’t do it anymore. Please, I want it to be over.” Stephen eventually gives in, claiming he won’t duplicate the tape, but the motivations behind his actions remain suspect.

Some viewers might wish to believe that after witnessing Lucy’s despair, Stephen finally feels empathy. Yet, creators Meghan Oppenheimer and Jackson White suggest otherwise. Oppenheimer described Stephen’s feelings as cynical, stating that he’s simply bored with Lucy’s suffering, which takes the fun out of their tumultuous relationship.

Wrigley’s Choice: Bree vs. Pippa

While Stephen has shown little empathy, Wrigley is caught in a heart-wrenching decision between supporting Bree and comforting Pippa. Despite breaking up with Pippa earlier, her emotional distress weighs on him. At Bree’s exhibition, he’s understandably worried about them but gets a call from Pippa, who’s feeling low and needs him.

Although Wrigley initially wants to comfort Bree, his guilt about leaving Pippa behind pulls him in her direction. This leads to a regrettable moment between him and Pippa, which ultimately pushes Bree back to Evan. This raises questions about why Wrigley succumbed to Pippa’s needs.

Spencer House explains there’s still a people-pleasing aspect within Wrigley. Under pressure, he tends to revert to old habits. He cares about Pippa and, caught up in the moment, makes a choice that he later regrets.

Ending Insights: Lucy’s Dilemma

After securing the tape, Lucy warns Tegan about the dangers of Stephen, despite him reminding her that she had already expressed similar concerns before. This indicates a troubling memory loss on Lucy’s part. She expressed to Bree and Pippa how the tape’s looming presence felt like an endless cycle of madness, showcasing how deeply affected she is by the lies and manipulation surrounding her.

But if Lucy can’t recall her earlier chats with Tegan, could the tape’s possession by Stephen be a facade? Upcoming episodes hint at escalating tensions at Baird College, with revelations that might involve Lucy at the center of a scandal.

As Bree navigates her relationship with Evan juxtaposed against Wrigley’s feelings, it leaves viewers pondering what lies ahead—not only for them but for the entire cast as tensions escalate.

The new episode of Tell Me Rise Season 3 will premiere Wednesday on Hulu.