Ep 1. It Begins

Set in Los Angeles, the show Love follows the lives of two characters - Mickey and Gus - who are struggling with their personal and professional lives. In the first episode of the season, It Begins, we are introduced to Mickey - played by Gillian Jacobs - who is grumpy, sarcastic and has a tendency to push people away from her.

Mickey works at a satellite radio station where she is a program manager and has a difficult time managing her work. She is also trying to grapple with addiction and trying to stay away from alcohol and drugs. She is attending an AA meeting where she sees her ex-boyfriend, Dustin, with whom she has a tumultuous and unhealthy relationship.

Gus, played by Paul Rust, is a tutor and aspiring scriptwriter who is dealing with a break-up. He is presented as a nice guy who is hopelessly romantic and still trying to find his feet in Los Angeles. We are given a glimpse into his life when he is asked to tutor a teenage girl named Arya - played by Iceland Wright - who is a precocious and intelligent student.

Gus has a date with a girl named Natalie which he had arranged via a dating app but he is not particularly enthusiastic about it. The date is a disaster as Natalie turns out to be someone who is clearly not interested in Gus but just wants a free drink. The scene is humorous and awkward as it portrays the harsh reality of modern dating and the expectations that come along with it.

Mickey has a date night with Dustin, where they argue and bicker as they did when they were in a relationship. Mickey is not entirely sure if she wants to be with Dustin, but she is lonely and misses her ex-boyfriend. This scene is juxtaposed with Gus returning home from his disastrous date, alone and disappointed.

The episode ends with Mickey trying to get help from a co-worker in the radio station and Gus shedding a tear while watching a romantic movie. The show establishes the basic premise of the characters and how they are struggling to find love and happiness in Los Angeles.

The first episode of Love is engaging and well-written, it is clear who the characters are, and the audience is given a glimpse into their lives. The cinematography and soundtrack are also noteworthy. The show depicts the difficulties of living in a big city such as Los Angeles, with a cast of relatable characters. It is clear from the first episode that Love is not just about romance, but it's also a commentary on the complexities of modern relationships and how we deal with them.