‘Love & Death’ Episode 4 Review - The Lurking Madness

Warning: Major Spoilers for HBO Max Love & Death Episode 4

Disappointment. That's what I felt after watching the first three episodes of Love & Death. But after three episodes of slow-burning tension, "Do No Evil" brings the explosive confrontation we've all been waiting for. The fourth episode picks up right where the last one left off, with Betty Gore wielding an axe and confronting Candy about her affair with Allan.

The opening scene sets the tone for the episode - intense, emotional, and unforgiving. Betty is pregnant and doesn't want Candy to see Allan again. But as the situation escalates, Betty shoves Candy and attacks her with the axe, seemingly chopping off part of her foot.

The next time we see Candy, she emerges from the house, damp and bloodstained. You are left to wonder how a seemingly meek and timid woman could defend herself so viciously. Elizabeth Olsen's performance is mesmerizing, conveying the emotional turmoil that Candy is going through with just her facial expressions.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Candy is struggling to keep her composure. Allan senses that something is wrong and rounds up the neighbors to check on Betty, who hasn't answered her phone or the door. They find the baby screaming in the crib, and in the adjoining room, lays Betty's lifeless body.

The investigation into Betty's death quickly becomes a media circus, with rumors spreading about the possibility of a cult murder. The police rule out premeditation, but the footprints in the utility room are too small to be a man's. Nobody suspects Candy of anything so heinous, but as the evidence mounts against her, she becomes increasingly unhinged.
The most haunting moment of the episode comes when Allan calls the Sheriff at night and confesses that he had an affair with Candy. The secret is out now, and even Allan suspects that Candy might have had a hand in Betty's death. It's a gut-wrenching moment that leaves the audience reeling.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, leaving us wondering how the authorities will uncover the truth about Betty's murder. "Do No Evil" is a stunning hour of television that showcases the emotional depth and complexity of this true crime story. The performances are top-notch, and the direction is masterful, building tension and suspense with each passing moment.

One of the most impressive aspects of the episode is the way it explores the psychology of a killer. Candy's transformation from a timid housewife to a cold-blooded murderer is gradual, but it's clear that her affair with Allan has triggered something inside her. The scene where she has sex with Pat while Betty's daughter sleeps in the next room is chilling, a reminder that the line between love and death is often thin.

Overall, "Do No Evil" is a gripping, emotional, and expertly crafted episode of Love & Death. It's the turning point of the series, where the simmering tension finally boils over into violence. The episode is a testament to the power of storytelling, and a reminder of the tragic consequences that can arise from the most seemingly innocent of desires. If you haven't started watching this series yet, now is the time to tune in.

Final Score - [8.5/10]