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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.
The last of this week’s three-part release of Made for Love is here. The sixth episode of the HBO Max dark comedy television series is titled, “I Want You To Give a F*** About Me.” Once again, Stephanie Laing is the director, this time with Sarah McCarron and Sarah LaBrie as the writers. Beware as you proceed as this article may go a little in-depth on some spoilers.
Plot Summary
Continuing from Episode 5, Byron Gogol (Billy Magnussen) is in a simulation where he is on a beach date with his wife, Hazel Green-Gogol (Cristin Milioti). However, as improvements seem to be made, he comes to an epiphany: “The world is annoying”. The digital tech business billionaire then makes preparations to meet Hazel in person.
Hazel meets Dr. Fiffany Hodeck (Noma Dumezweni) and Herringbone (Dan Bakkedahl) on her walk home. She decides to keep the Made for Love implant in her head as its value may benefit her in the future. After a brief falling out with her father, Herbert (Ray Romano), he asks for the aid of a nun, “Judiff” (Kym Whitley).
With no other options left, Hodeck drops Herringbone at a hotel with some cash to last him a little while longer. She then sends in her resignation to Gogol, who is not fond of this outcome.
Discussion
I didn’t take too many notes on this episode, but it’s the details in it that count most. From Keefus Ciancia’s musical scoring to the Sarahs’ crafty (albeit peculiar) storytelling, there is a lot to gather from here. Gogol’s hologram of Hazel awakes on a simulated beach, and Milioti’s acting puts the audience in awe at how gorgeous her performance can be. Even here, Magnussen’s character is still made out to be the bad guy. His date with Hazel is distracted by a beach ball to the face and a man’s pet dog that intercepts the two. Gogol longs for a realistic date without all the intrusions — a type of date that goes his way. His reality principle never kicks in because the only thing he wants (or thinks he wants) is pleasure. Later, it turns out that someone is spying on Gogol.
The real Hazel arrives home and argues that her father has become careless. She admits that is jealous that he has paid more attention to his sex doll, Diane, than herself. As a counter, he points out that he needed somebody by his side for a decade ever since she left. She then disputes that she left because he failed in his role as a father figure. This dramatic scene is one of the more pivotal moments of the series so far. As of now, it’s earned a place as one of my favorites as well. From what we’ve seen from Herbert up to this point, it really does seem like he cares for Diane in ways that he should have with his daughter.
Further Analysis and Final Thoughts
Upon the arrival of “Judiff,” Hazel learns the difference between sex and abuse. The nun tells her that sex is an act consisting of sex between two individuals. By breaching and taking over the “hiding places” of her mind, they conclude that Gogol is playing God for his own personal purposes.
The character development and dynamic between Hazel and Herbert in this episode is one that I adored most. Of course, I cannot say this without commending the performances of Milioti and Romano. Let’s take the final scene, where they go to Hazel’s mother’s former gravesite, as an example. With her body moved to another cemetery, father and daughter mourn the loss of a loved one, fortifying their bond. In the next moment, however, they read the inscription on a deceased man (named Dirtdog)’s tombstone. It reads, “Died Doing What He Loved: Getting His Dick Wet.”
Made for Love delivers a lovely balance between comedy and drama. Another example is when “Judiff” dramatically teaches Hazel about sex and abuse, then enters a room where she talks to Herbert’s sex doll. Unbeknownst to her, Diane is his new “life partner.” This is what I like about the writing of the show. Overall, this episode is laudable for its succinct yet heavy minutiae, such as the inclusion of donut holes and diversity of character roles. I’m not too fond of the multiple-episode release of the series every week, and I do hope HBO Max learns to pace it out a bit more in the future for their other shows.
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.
