Tell Me Lies Creator Reveals That Stephen Giving Lucy The Tape Has A Cynical Reason In Season 3

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Be warned, this contains spoilers for episode 7 of Tell Me Lies season 3! A significant and surprising event has just happened on Tell Me Lies that will change everything.

In season 3, episode 7 of Tell Me Lies, creator Meaghan Oppenheimer explains Stephen’s motivation for finally giving Lucy the blackmail tape. He’d been keeping it from her for a while, despite her repeated pleas. He ultimately gives it to her after she breaks down emotionally in front of him.

According to showrunner Laura Oppenheimer, the moment in Tell Me Lies season 3 isn’t an act of love. In an interview with Decider, she explained that it’s actually Stephen losing interest in manipulating her, because her reactions aren’t satisfying anymore. She admits this is a “cynical” take, but says it’s how the scene was intended to be interpreted.

I have a pretty negative take on this. Some might assume he’s acting out of love or sympathy, but I believe he’s simply repulsed by her current state and her desperation. It’s stopped being enjoyable for him because she’s lost all dignity. She’s essentially given up and is begging for it to end, and that’s ruined it for him. That’s my understanding of his mindset – that’s how he’s reacting emotionally.

Jackson White, the actor who plays Stephen, also shared his thoughts on the scene. He explained that once his character wins, the situation stops being enjoyable. Giving Lucy the tape wasn’t an admission of loss, but rather a final, powerful move to secure his victory.

He has a predictable habit: once he achieves victory, he stops enjoying himself. And whenever Lucy starts to struggle, he loses interest and gives up. Perhaps it’s just his nature, but he quickly becomes disinterested. So, it wasn’t surprising when he resigned – it felt like a natural consequence of already winning.

Episode 7 of Tell Me Lies is full of intense moments, but a certain tape stands out as the biggest shock. While Evan and Pippa both end things with their current partners, hoping to finally be together, Bree discovers Lucy and Evan slept together while they were in Hawaii. Still, the tape’s reveal is the most impactful event of the episode.

Lucy managed to get the tape, which kept her safe, and then found Tegan to warn her about Stephen. However, it turns out Lucy had already given Tegan this warning, revealing that her stress has been affecting her memory. This makes it unclear what Lucy finding the tape actually signifies now.

Lucy might not be out of danger despite having the tape. With only one episode left in season 3 of Tell Me Lies, she may have mistakenly believed it would protect her. Stephen could have a backup plan, like copies of the tape, or a way to leak it publicly regardless.

It looks like things are going to get even harder for Lucy in the final episode of Tell Me Lies. Despite already being at her limit, the show suggests she’ll face more challenges. Even with the tape now in her hands, it’s likely that using it will lead to further complications.

Tell Me Lies season 3, episode 8 arrives Tuesday, February 17 on Hulu.

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2026-02-10 21:01