On Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed Season 1 Episode 1, “Magnets,” newly divorced Paula is pulled into a deep conspiracy after a camboy is attacked during their session.
“Magnets” does so much in its opening moments that many series take whole seasons to establish. In the cold open alone, we have a clear vision of Paula and Trevor’s dynamic as well as a strong visual conveyance of the themes we’re about to explore.
The entire thesis of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed is that nothing is ever what it seems to be on the surface. Things appear one way, but when you dig deeper, you’ll find people’s private lives are thorny and complicated.
Entering Paula’s world in the middle of a conversation via the window as opposed to her front door puts the audience in a voyeuristic mindset. We’re not meant to see this side of Paula. She openly and honestly complains about her frustrations and fears with her life and family.
Tatiana Maslany and Brandon Flynn boast an incredible chemistry that transcends the screen between them. Initially, it feels like these two have known each other for years, and you fully buy into their relationship before the rug is pulled out from under you. But the chemistry doesn’t dissipate with the reveal of Trevor’s profession; their sparks increase and, although this is transaction, it’s clear what this pleasure means for Paula in the immediate sense and in the grand scheme of her life.
Of course, the truth of their reality is further subverted when Paula winds up on the receiving end of a scam. Yes, Trevor is merely providing a service for her, but Maslany is so brilliant with her performance, Paula’s betrayal shines through.
As Paula’s situation unfolds, the general dismissiveness around it immerses us in her frustrated and helpless headspace. The audience effectively feels her isolation and desperation in trying to get a handle on this before it gets too big. We also understand why she takes matters into her own hands despite the risk involved.
The show once again shifts gears when Paula stumbles in on Trevor’s dead body. It evolves from a standard thriller into something more complicated and much darker.
On Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed Season 1 Episode 2, “YABA,” the plot thickens with the introduction of Dennis, played to menacing perfection by Murray Bartlett. The decision to make him Trevor’s boyfriend is jarring but deliciously effective, making his murder much more devastating.
We don’t get to know Trevor very well, so the flashback necessarily rounds him out. He becomes more than just a corpse to build a murder mystery around. He was a person with aspirations that felt suffocated by an economic system that wasn’t working in his favor.
Flynn’s innate charm pulls you onto Trevor’s side. Despite his very limited screen time, you’re sad when he’s cut down brutally.
Dennis’ hunt for Paula adds a level of tangible danger that wasn’t present when this was a simple camboy scam. There’s not a clear picture of what exactly Dennis is up to or what Trevor got caught up in, but the stakes are elevated. We know this man is unafraid to go to extremes.
In the chaos of establishing the intricate plot, though, some of the outlying characters like Rudy, Geri, and Detective Gonzalez just feel like flat stand-ins at the moment. We don’t quite know their purpose yet, just that they offer some fun quips and are hurdles for Paula. Hopefully, as the plot deepens, so do their characters.
“YABA” continues to play with expectations and highlights the way the show is able to twist and turn without becoming overly convoluted. It’s also a testament to its patient nature. There’s an excellent balance of giving plenty for people to latch onto while asking them to remain patient.
New episodes of Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed streams Wednesday on Apple TV.
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Adam Patla
Adam grew up less than 3 minutes away from a movie theater so he was always destined to love all things entertainment. He studied Broadcast & Cinematic Arts at Central Michigan University before working as a talent agent in the Chicago area until 2020. During lockdown he began discussing film and television on TikTok where he cultivated a platform of over 50,000 followers. He is currently a member of Chicago Indie Critics.