The much-anticipated HBO true crime series, Love & Death, starring Elizabeth Olsen, has finally hit screens. However, as viewers settle in for the gripping tale, some are discovering that the show falls short of expectations.
Set against the backdrop of a Texan Methodist church congregation in the late 1970s, Love & Death promised an enthralling narrative. Elizabeth Olsen, in the role of Candy Montgomery, adds a stellar performance to her repertoire.
Still, despite these promising elements, the series struggles to captivate its audience fully.
Created by David E. Kelley, the show leans heavily on the trope of foreshadowing impending disaster, a technique previously seen in Kelley’s successful Big Little Lies. The storyline revolves around Candy’s infidelity, leading to inevitable complications and a murder that seems apparent from the start.
According to a review by The Independent, while Love & Death is based on real events, it falls into the trap of sensationalism, leaving some viewers unimpressed. The pervasive shadow of violence adds an air of predictability to the plot.
Moreover, the series’ structure, with its clear division between a build-up to the crime and courtroom resolution, lacks the intricate complexity, meticulous detachment, or emotional depth found in other successful crime dramas.
Despite these criticisms, Love & Death remains a glossy addition to the true crime genre. Elizabeth Olsen’s performance shines, and Jesse Plemons adds depth to the narrative.
In a television landscape dominated by standalone miniseries, Love & Death offers a passable entry. While it may not meet lofty expectations, it still appeals to fans of true crime. Nevertheless, viewers may find themselves wishing for more depth and complexity in the storytelling.
