If I had to choose one adjective in the English language to describe love, I would probably use “irrational.” That’s also how I would describe Netflix’s latest original series, “Love.”
The show, created by Judd Apatow, Paul Rust and Lesley Arfin, centers around two people and the story of their unlikely but inevitable courtship. Set in Los Angeles, the first episode introduces us to Gus (Rust), a tutor on a Hollywood set, and Mickey (the forever wonderful Gillian Jacobs from “Community”), who works on a radio advice show. Both are in incredibly toxic relationships, but by the end of the first episode, they are free of their significant others and coincidentally meet at a convenience store.
But because the very idea of love makes me want to set all my belongings on fire (irrational, I know), I decided to break down the show by what I loved and what I didn’t love.
What I loved
“Love” reminds me a lot of the other Apatow-produced show, “Girls.” I often describe “Girls” as the show in which the four most deplorable people exist. But the truth is, both shows are fairly real about what it’s like to just be a person.
People are horrible sometimes. They disappoint. They fall short of your expectations. But sometimes they come through. It’s weird and messy, but it’s life. Apatow succeeds when it comes to making “Love” feel true to life, and Mickey and Gus are no exception.
Mickey is flawed. She uses everyone in her life, including her perfect roommate, Bertie, and she never apologizes or accepts the consequences of her actions. Gus, on the other hand, is infuriating in his approach to life. He’s nice and you want to root for him, but he’s unwavering in his desire to prove to others that he’s cool.
The show is unapologetic in its portrayal of these characters. They are pure garbage fire, and that is OK.
What I didn’t love
Look, as a society we understand the tropes of romantic comedies. Two people are going to end up together. And in most cases, the geeky Woody Allen-ish guy gets the hot mess. But these characters are incredible messes. There’s not a single reason why either of these characters should be together. You know that, too, but you still root for them to get together.
You sort of get tired of these characters halfway through the season. And I’m not sure if the creators knew who these characters were when the season started. Gus wants Mickey, but then abruptly doesn’t; that felt unnatural as it happened. Mickey has an alcohol and drug problem, but it’s only superficially discussed, as if it’s not a real problem affecting real people.
As the season winds down, you’re just so tired of their shit that watching these two get together almost feels contrived. And I can’t say I was surprised because I was expecting a rom-com, but I wanted something that felt real to the characters. So what if they don’t get together right now? They do because that’s what’s expected. But then the season ends and you’re just like, “OK, now what? Do I have to watch another season of their relationship? Do I care? Probably, but I shouldn’t.” And the show has already been picked up for a second season.
At one point during the first season Mickey says, “Hey, just so you know, relationships are fucking bullshit.” Yeah, we know. A lot of things are, yet we invest our time and energy in them anyway.
Sometimes it’s just worth it. Even if it is irrational.
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Binge meter
Episode count: 10
Episode length: 25-35 minutes
Total time: About 5.5 hours
Notes: This show is breezy and an easy lazy Saturday watch.
“Love”
2:01 a.m. Friday, Netflix
3 out of 4 stars