The Major Props Linda Cardellini Stole From The Dead To Me Set
Throughout her career, Linda Cardellini has been a force to be reckoned with as an actor. Some fans might know her from her work as Lindsay Weir in "Freaks and Geeks," Velma Dinkley in the live-action "Scooby-Doo" movies, Laura Barton in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Judy Hale on Netflix's "Dead to Me," and many other roles.
In a recent interview with BuzzFeed, Cardellini spoke about her acting roles, as well as the props she was able to take after working on several productions. Though she wasn't able to take anything from the Marvel films — she did get lovely wrap gifts — she owns her jacket from "Freaks and Geeks," the Velma outfit from "Scooby-Doo," and quite a few major items from "Dead to Me."
In addition to the wooden bird that is seen throughout the series and Judy's iconic wardrobe, Cardellini revealed, "Of all the things I took from Dead to Me, I have the outdoor furniture." These items graced Jen Harding's (Christina Applegate) backyard. "It's totally beautiful, and amazingly, we kept it in great shape for all those years," Cardellini said.
The furniture was important to both Jen and Judy
The bird plays a major role in "Dead to Me" — Jen uses it to kill Steve Wood (James Marsden) and it often symbolizes her and Judy's desire for freedom. However, the outdoor furniture is just as vital. It is present during many important moments such as Steve's murder, and also connects both Jen and Judy.
Brandi Kalish, the set decorator, spoke with Architectural Digest about how she designed the backyard. As a real estate agent, Jen holds herself in a certain way, and she decorates her home to match the multi-million ones she sells. Furthermore, given the trauma that Jen deals with, the beautiful rattan set serves as a way for her to take back control and keep strong while everything is falling apart.
Linda Cardellini told BuzzFeed that the furniture also represents Jen and Judy's friendship, especially because of all the scenes where the two women are outside, as well as those where Judy falls asleep in the backyard. In the final scene, Jen is with Ben (Marsden), Steve's twin, and her kids, and she gazes at the pool house where Judy once lived. Most likely remembering all the times she and her friend spent in this backyard, Jen makes the decision to tell Ben the truth. Though the episode ends before she confesses, the furniture is present at an important moment and, once again, symbolizes the deep friendship these women shared.