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Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
Made for Love continues this week with the premiere of three new episodes. The fifth episode of the HBO Max dark comedy series is titled, “I Want a Lawyer.” Stephanie Laing is the director, with Christina Lee as the teleplay screenwriter. Hold on tight, as this article may go a little in-depth on some major spoilers.
Plot Summary
Continuing from the previous episode, Byron Gogol (Billy Magnussen) continues to watch his wife Hazel Green-Gogol (Cristin Milioti)’s every move. After waking up blacked out drunk in her living room with Bangles (Patti Harrison), she and her father Herbert (Ray Romano) go to a bowling alley to meet with a potential lawyer named Biff (Jon Daly). With trouble heading his way one after the other, he plans to merge with Hazel. Meanwhile, Dr. Fiffany Hodeck (Noma Dumezweni) finds a way to free her “test subject” dolphin, Zelda from Gogol confinement. She meets her ex-husband Ignacio (Mel Rodriguez) with plans to sell him the Made for Love chip. The scientist then meets up with Herringbone (Dan Bakkedahl) to discuss how to remove the implant from Hazel’s brain.
In flashbacks, Hodeck’s “test subject” shows good promise in the chip’s enhancement of emotion. Gogol plans to use this to “bypass deceit” on humans. This is how he coins the device’s name, “Made for Love.”
Discussion
Last week, in my review for the third episode, I explained that Gogol tends to “bullshit” in speech. In another way, I can also liken him to Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg; or Amazon CEO, Jeff Bezos. The billionaire character is within reach of so much information and technology, but his attention and intentions are in the wrong place. During a pitch meeting, he fails to notice what his Gogol phone can do for its users. He then blackmails someone as a means of avoiding divorce. Additionally, he doesn’t realize that the chip implant could work towards a posthuman goal and instead intends to use this solely on human beings.
Nothing this character does is for the benefit of others but rather himself — and himself only. Aside from bullshitting, it is his deceptive nature that determines his sense of being. That’s why he is able to win a lawsuit against an entity that’s just as vast as his company.
When Gogol learns that his wife tried to kill herself in his pool, he begins the process of merging. Again, this decision is one made out of hubris. At the bowling alley, Herbert tries to discuss with Hazel her suicide attempt and escape from Gogol. He tells his daughter: “No such thing as ‘starting over,’ okay? It’s a fantasy, but there’s ‘moving forward.’ It’s okay to get a life.”
Final Thoughts
“I Want a Lawyer” shows us how remarkable digital technology can be in the right hands. Although, it also proves how ridiculous it could be in the wrong ones. We can see this in the juxtaposition between Hodeck and Gogol. On one hand, the former wants to establish a meaningful connection amongst multiple species. In fact, the doctor says she “achieved full communication” with the dolphin. Unfortunately, she does not get her way. On the other hand, the tech billionaire tries to nestle in a “sensory cocoon” to keep tabs on his wife. Not only this. Hazel and Bangles have passed out drunk in the Greens’ living room, having tried to get Diane — Herbert’s sex doll — under the influence. This is my favorite part of the episode, and perhaps nothing can top this scene in the show.
As humanity evolves, so does their technology, and both are valuable. The way we use it to our advantage should also be purposeful for others as well. I believe this episode is a worthwhile and well-thought piece of the overall narrative.
What are your thoughts on this series? Do you like the story so far? Let us know! For more HBO Max, comedy, and science-fiction-related news and reviews, follow The Cinema Spot on Twitter (@TheCinemaSpot) and Instagram (@thecinemaspot_). Also, you can now find us on Facebook (TheCinemaSpotFB)!
Managing editor & film and television critic with a Bachelor's of Arts in English Literature with a Writing Minor from the University of Guam. Currently in graduate school completing a Master's in English Literature.
