Love (2016)

:

Season 2
  • Network: Netflix
  • Series Premiere Date: Feb 19, 2016
Season #: 3, 2, 1, 1
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 52 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 52
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 52
  3. Negative: 2 out of 52
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User Reviews

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  1. JorgeLestre
    Mar 12, 2017
    8
    'Love' gathers a very charming leading duo in a very interesting and funny second season. Although sometimes we can't take it too seriously, the fact is that Judd Apatow's comedy is actually pretty mature while approaching the immaturity of relationships.
  2. mromalv
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    This show almost perfectly captures the chaos that is a real relationship. It's refreshing to see a more earthed portray of what love actually is, instead of the usual stock romance we see in Hollywood.
  3. 1000WordsaPic
    May 5, 2017
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Why love makes a strong return!
    Finally, a show where ‘maturity’ and ‘emotional development’ are possible even in TV land.

    I have to admit that I enjoyed bingeing on this show snuggled on the couch with my husband over the weekend. As we’re heading into winter over here in Melbourne, Australia. It was nice to watch some awkward 30 something be in the L.A. sunshine even though they are all white and pasty (on purpose).

    The show follows Micky (Gillian Jacobs) a self-sabotaging young woman with only fragile connections in the world. It begins when Her world collides with social anxious overly polite, Gus (Paul Rust) from the midwest, apparently, that's where nice people come from. Gus is highly codependnt struggling after a recent breakup from his fiance and finds relief in Micky is more spontaneous carefree attitude and ability to express herself. Even though at times she is unsure what she is expressing or why.

    Unlike many shows that are based on dating and friendships, such as FRIENDS, Sex and the City or How I met your mother where each season spans a year. Love’s timeline is only one or two months each season. The second starts right from where the first ended, which helps the show feel more grounded. Similar in style to Lena Dunham’s Girls trying to capture the gritty realism of love, sex and growing up. Which should not be surprising as both TV shows were produced by Judd Apatow. I have a feeling that Gus might have some young Judd Apatow influence.

    Micky seems alone in the world except for a new housemate from Australia (who I finally realized reminds me so much of my brother's housemate), a sympathetic neighbor and work. Her job at a radio station is the producer for a narcissistic ‘fake’ psychiatrist Dr. Greg Coulter. you could draw a parallel with Dr. Greg Coulter and Dr. Fraiser Crane also radio psychiatrist (Fraiser, TV series), whose catchphrase was“I'm listening” the joke being he was unable to actually listen.

    Her character seems comfortable and familiar with this dynamic of on and off friendship with a narcissist boss. In S2 Ep8 Marty Dobbs you can see why when Gus and the Audience get to meet her father who is an alcoholic self-obsessed narcissist who refuses to admit he was and is a neglectful and unsupportive parent.

    This was a really triggering episode for me and my partner, far too close to our own lives for comfort. Mikey is trapped in the classic child and narcissist parent relationship where she is so hurt and angry but continues trying to please her father. Not able to let go of hope. That it might be different with her father and get the love she still desperately craves.

    This difficult relationship with her father impacts the rest of her life. Especially romantic which is played out between her and Gus. At the end of the first season, Micky joins Alcoholic anonymous and SLAA sex and love addicts anonymous as well. Desperate to end her compulsive attractions and sexual behavior. To me, this highlights a growth in maturity for her character as she can finally acknowledge that she isn't coping.

    This is mirrored and the end of S2 with Gus going to ALANON support meetings for family and friends of alcoholics. Where he is able to admit that he also has issues but can not control Micky's addictions and needs to let go of trying to ‘fix her’. He had been so scared of being rejected that he would constantly be trying to check if he was doing anything wrong and pretending not to be needy.

    His codependency is so apparent as he spends time away on a film shoot for a month of him trying to be fine about the separation from Micky. He doesn’t tell her how lonely he is, how no one is friends with him and often embraces himself on set where he doesn't belong. As Micky feels his lack of emotional honesty she pulls away as a reflex, making Gus try to be ok even harder.

    There is a heartbreaking scene when a family in a diner ask Gus to sit with them. It ends with Gus tearing up talking about how he misses his family. How he is home sick and is missing Micky. The family awkwardly leaves which I think is a bit harsh on the part of the writers. As they knew he was lonely and realized that's what he needed.

    This painful moment of truth brings in the realization that he does need people to talk to. That he can't keep going on trying to be fine all by himself. Which is when we see him go to his first ALANON meeting and finds a space where he can share what he is going through is a safe and supportive environment. It also gives him the understanding he needs to give Micky the support she actually needs, which is acceptance of where she is at. Giving them the space to reconnect once he gets back and are able, to be honest with each other about how they are feeling.

    Funny, touching and surprisingly genuine,    … Expand
  4. Xbluannax
    Nov 20, 2021
    8
    Watched all of these and sad it came to an end. Very emotional, sad and funny at the same time.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. IndieWire
    Reviewed by: Liz Shannon Miller
    Mar 13, 2017
    83
    Love is not the solution to these characters’ problems. But love is there, right on screen. Right as advertised. Maybe a fancier title would jazz things up a little bit, but there’s no denying that the show delivers on that promise.
    Read full review
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Matthew Gilbert
    Mar 9, 2017
    80
    We’ve seen this kind of romantic comedy before. The pacing is very gradual, too. But Rust and Jacobs are each thoroughly endearing in very different ways. ... Another plus: Rust and Jacobs are surrounded by good supporting characters, including Mickey’s lovable and endlessly cheerful roommate, played by Claudia O’Doherty.
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  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: Jen Chaney
    Mar 9, 2017
    80
    Just when you’re ready to break up with Love, it starts to works its magic on you, thanks to the charms of its cast and a suite of directors (Dean Holland, Joe Swanberg, Lynn Shelton, Maggie Carey, John Slattery) who have a knack for shining a light on the darker, comedic corners of human intimacy.
    Read full review
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