Love Season 3
“We’re indestructible. We’re invincible.” Love’s second season didn’t feel as groundbreaking as its debut year, and this is unfortunately a trend that continues into season three. That disclaimer aside, that’s not to say that this is a bad season of television or that it doesn’t have something to say. In fact, it’s nice to see the production team realize that three years is enough for this story and that this vehicle won’t draw itself out and needlessly jeopardize Mickey and Gus’ relationship and happiness in the process. Brevity is definitely Love’s friend and the series makes the most of this final season. Love still features some big laughs, but so much of its humor comes from knowing the relatable beats of what it’s like to be in a relationship. As season three begins, Mickey and Gus are now the sort of insufferable super couple that they’ve mocked in the past. They feel invincible. This final year explores new relationship territory for the pair, such as road trips, helping your significant other heal when they’re on the mend, going to a wedding together, and figuring out who your real friends are as you begin to grow up. It’s almost eerie how happy and sweet Mickey and Gus are now, and while it might give the audience a bit of whiplash, it feels like a comfort the show has earned. It might be a little annoying to see these two operate in “true love” mode, but the show wants to nauseate you to that degree. This arguably is a slightly less challenging version of the show, but it’s one that still feels authentic to its mission statement. It’s deeply cathartic to just watch Gus and Mickey go on a healing spree to try and help those around them while they attempt to keep their own shit together and not have everything fall apart. This season of the show is also important because it puts into perspective the fact that Mickey and Gus have only known each other for six months. Love makes the effort to point out that this time period is the alleged “sweet spot” in a relationship, but it also implies that it’s about to be make or break time. With everything going seemingly well for Gus and Mickey, the series then poses the question of, “What do you do when everything is okay?” This naturally also touches on deeper issues, like if Gus only liked Mickey because she was flawed (and vice versa). What this analysis leaves Mickey and Gus with is the honest fact that all that people can do is get through each day and try not to screw up. There’s something beautiful and refreshing about that simple realization. On that note, through all of this bliss, the cracks in Gus and Mickey’s perfect union begin to show and it’s just gutting whenever it happens. You desperately want this show to end with these two together and at their happiest, rather than some realization that they’re better off apart. Every time that Mickey or Gus does do something stupid, you just want to scream at the screen. A lot of what makes Love work is its brilliant cast and their effortless performances. Everyone here is still incredible and has amazing chemistry with one another. All of the emotion and honesty still hit like a ton of bricks. Love is still very much a show that involves watching people hang out while different character types interact and co-exist. After all, isn’t that what life and love are really all about? Love expertly depicts relatable, human situations with incredibly precise clarity. The stakes might not be the highest in this series, but it’s just so easy to watch and “spend time” with these characters. To add to that, the show’s arguments are also some of the most real and authentic fights that you’ll find on TV. This final season makes the smart decision to not bury its main cast under new characters or last-minute additions, but it does allow Mike Mitchell’s Randy and Chris Witaske’s Chris to get some well-deserved promotions. Even Brett Gelman’s Dr. Greg gets a welcome arc and the opportunity to grow this year, too. His success runs in complete opposition to Mickey’s and it makes for an interesting conflict. Outside of the relationship fodder, Gus tries to push his screenwriting career further and makes several big moves in that department, as he attempts to branch out as an actual filmmaker and not just a writer. Gus is optimistic and ready to change his life and finally take control, even if it does seem like the universe is testing him at times. Mickey, on the other hand, receives inspiration and positive momentum when her hard work at her radio job finally begins to pay off. She faces nourishment while Gus is put through the wringer, but they both have similar dreams. Love’s swan song amounts to a leisurely final lap that may not be as powerful and eye-opening as its first two seasons, but it’s a season that feels like the natural progression of everything that’s come before. The season gets a little messy towards the end—much like relationships themselves—but it has a real sweet conclusion that more or less feels right for the show. Some people will inevitably feel like this conclusion is rushed, or that it isn’t the right decision for these characters. Even though this is certainly not the end of these characters’ stories, it still feels like the right time to leave them, and it’s easy to imagine what will happen next in their lives. Love’s third and final season premieres March 9 on Netflix. This review is based on all twelve half-hour episodes of Love’s third season.
