Modern Love is an anthology series that can be viewed on Amazon Prime Video, it is based on the weekly column published by The New York Times. It premiered on Oct. 18th and as of Oct 24, it was announced that it will be renewed for a second season. The series has a very star-studded cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Tina Fey, Andy García, Dev Patel and even Ed Sheeran makes a small cameo. The show itself explores the different forms of love, and touches on the subject of human connection and relationship.
While everyone is allowed to have an opinion on shows, I thought I’d share my own review of each episode so if you don’t want to read any spoilers please continue to read (but you have been warned.)
- “When the Doorman is Your Main Man”
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Honestly this was my favourite episode of the whole series, it actually brought me to tears but happy tears. It deals with the form of love in a family sense. A girl befriends her doorman and, after getting dealt a bad hand with an unexpected pregnancy, she starts to lean on him for support because her actually family is unavailable. If you are someone who lives far from your family you will definitely be able to resonate with this episode. Family love doesn’t have to be from those with the same blood as you and that is shown here.
- “When Cupid Is a Prying Journalist”
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This episode is one that will make you believe in love at first sight. A creator of a dating app tells the tale of his true love to a journalist who later tells her own version of an epic love story. The episode deals with the topic of “what if”, a question that I believe most people can relate to when it comes to their romantic timeline. While the app creator ends up reuniting with his love at a park no less ( I mean who doesn’t think that a park with animals is a ideal spot for romance) the journalist, played by Catherine Keener, reconnects with her lost love. They both realized that, while what they had was great, it isn’t worth reconnecting again (which is good because they are both married to other people.)
- “Take Me As I am, Whoever I Am”
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Self-love is the overall topic for this episode and it is shown through a woman dealing with bipolar disorder. My favourite aspect of this, is the portrait of the actual illness that she is facing. While they may add some flair to the highs, such as having a musical number in the parking lot, I wouldn’t go as far as to say that they have made the illness too Hollywood. By that I mean taking away the seriousness of it all. She describes her highs and lows and her journey of loving herself and her diagnosis but also the experience of finally allowing people into her life and letting them know about what she faces everyday.
- “Rallying to Keep the Game Alive”
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As someone who hasn’t been in a long term relationship, this episode was somewhat hard to connect with. Not only does it deal with a partnership that has been going on for a while but it also comes from a celebrity status. The couple is going through therapy during the episode. We as viewers are watching them rebuild their relationship and struggle with communication.
- “At the Hospital, An Interlude of Clarity”
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After having a seriously bad second date a new couple ends up in the hospital where they end up becoming emotionally intimate. They spend the night together and they share personal information about themselves, the loss of family, anxiety and insecurities. In this episode we are shown serenity in silence and the ability to find in just being together. If you are a fan of medical romances then this episode will feel very familiar to you. I mean Grey’s Anatomy has proven that a hospital makes a great romantic setting.
- “So He Looked Like Dad, It Was Just Dinner, Right?”
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By far the most uncomfortable episode to watch. I would suggest skipping it all together but it is reflecting off a coming of age sort of love. This episode takes “ daddy issues” to another level. The main character just wants a father figure due to actual father having died when she was very young. She found what she is looking for in an older work colleague and after spending time together she feels like the role of a father is being fulfilled. He interprets it as something else, leading to a very confusing and uncomfortable episode to watch. I honestly can’t count the number of times I cringed during this episode.
- “Hers Was a World of One”
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Sadly this is the only LGTBQ+ episode of the season. Iit is the tale of a very modern family. A couple trying to grow and adopt a baby. When the agency finds an expecting mother for them, it is not what they expected at all. We are shown how different people from different ways of living can come together and experiences growth and love together as one unit.
- “The Race Grows Sweeter Near Its Final Lap”
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Another tear jerker here! This episode demonstrates that love has no age restrictions and put the theory of soulmates to the test. Her speech at her second husband’s funeral on the topic of old love is different. It not only makes you reach for the tissues but also makes you somewhat of a romantic. The last episode also shows how all the characters are connected in New York City, somewhat like the movies New Years Eve and Valentine’s Day.
While this isn’t the most thought provoking series or filled with a bunch of action. If you are in the mood for something that makes you feel a range of emotions, I would recommend getting comfy with some yummy snacks and clicking play.