Made for Love

This fascinatingly obtuse series adapted by the novelist Alissa Nutting from her own book has a vibe hovering somewhere between Black Mirror and Veep - about a woman escaping a seriously problematic relationship with tech billionaire and thinly-veiled allegorical caricature Byron Gogol. Not all of it works, it gets increasingly cluttered over the second season and some plot threads straight up dissolve away but the unsettling vibe and an incredibly strong cast lend it some serious weight. As a narrative reflection of contemporary issues around technology, assent and control it's super intriguing - as a straight up story it feels a little cold and lacking, the two combined make it a weird bit of TV that may genuinely end up having more to say in ten or twenty years than it does now.

Hazel's (Cristin Milioti) escape narrative has huge caper energy, but Made for Love has mysteries within mysteries, and they unfold in ways that are alternately exciting, astounding, and creepy. Milioti is the clear standout among an already impressive cast. Even when the deliberately scattered storytelling wears a little thin, she holds our attention with no trouble. Billy Magnussen's Byron Gogol is also delightfully, terrifyingly unhinged. The only thing wrong with this show is its pacing. Otherwise the outstanding cast gives us more than enough reason to keep coming back for those answers and makes Made for Love a solid installment in the techno-dystopic rom-com genre.

While I immensely enjoy every scene Ray Romano is in (7 stars for his funny self), I find this entire series a bit messy. The idea that this is a fusion of comedy, drama, science fiction, and horror is a cop-out. It seems that it just does not know what it wants to be, and that's how this show begins to break down. Different subplots, scenes, and characters seem disjointed; there is no cohesive theme, therefore you are left wondering, what exactly is the point?

This show was so good! A role we actually got to see "the Mother" in (same Actress plays "the Mother" in How I met your Mother). I want to see Christin Milloti in more and I want to see her projects thrive (Another favorite of hers is Palm Springs). Billy Magnussen is truly freaky as a tech mega millionaire Gogol. Such an interesting exploration of relationships, love, and technology, especially in this day and age, and from the perspective of the woman. This show highlights how nuanced interpersonal abuse is, that it is more than just violence and hostile language, but financial and emotional manipulation. So disappointed that HBO didn't give this show a proper chance, or push for it, and that they took it off HBO Max. There are people who like this show (and MINX) and we want to still be able to watch the shows on your platform!!

I knew nothing about this show when I started the first episode. I have to say it's quirky, weird, and fun. It has some funny scenes especially when the main character knows her creepy husband is watching. The episodes are not long. Worth the watch if you want to drown out the crazy world and just watch something fun.