IMDb Love And Death What Critics Often Overlook
What Is "Love & Death" on IMDb?
Love & Death is a 2023 HBO Max limited series on IMDb with a 7.5/10 rating that dramatizes the true story of Candy Montgomery, a Texas housewife who killed her friend Betty Gore with an axe 41 times on June 13, 1980. The seven-episode crime drama stars Elizabeth Olsen as Candy Montgomery and Jesse Plemons as Allan Gore, created by David E. Kelley and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter.
Core Facts About the Series
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| IMDb Title ID | tt14586350 |
| Release Date | April 27, 2023 (HBO Max) |
| Episodes | 7 episodes, 54-58 minutes each |
| IMDb Rating | 7.5/10 from over 45,000 voters |
| Genre | Biography, Crime, Drama |
| TV Rating | TV-MA |
| Current Streaming | Netflix (since December 1, 2023) |
True Story Behind the Narrative
The series is inspired by real events in Wylie, Texas, where Candy Montgomery (born Candace Wheeler, November 15, 1949) murdered her best friend Betty Gore after an affair with Betty's husband Allan. Candy and Betty sang together in the Methodist church choir, their daughters were best friends, and both husbands worked technology jobs in North Dallas suburbs known as "Silicon Prairie".
On June 13, 1980 at 10:00 AM, Betty Gore was found dead in her utility room, struck 41 times with a wood-splitting axe. Betty's infant daughter was discovered alive in a crib when neighbors entered after Allan (away on a work trip) couldn't reach his wife. Candy admitted killing Betty but claimed self-defense during a violent struggle after Betty confronted her about the affair.
Key Cast and Characters
- Elizabeth Olsen as Candy Montgomery - the accused axe murderer
- Jesse Plemons as Allan Gore - Candy's affair partner and Betty's husband
- Lily Rabe as Betty Gore - the victim and Candy's friend
- Patrick Fugit as Pat Montgomery - Candy's husband
- Krysten Ritter as Margaret - a key supporting character
- Olivia Grace Applegate as Carol Crowder - added to cast in 2025
The Trial and Acquittal
After an eight-day trial, a jury of nine women and three men deliberated for just over three hours and returned a not guilty verdict on October 30, 1980. Outside the courthouse, angry crowds jeered as Candy left under police protection, while the acquittal cemented one of Texas's most debated legal outcomes: a confessed killer found to have acted in self-defense.
- June 13, 1980: Betty Gore murdered with 41 axe strikes
- Police focus on Candy after she admits killing Betty
- Candy pleads not guilty by self-defense
- Eight-day trial with psychological evidence presented
- October 30, 1980: Jury acquits Candy after 3-hour deliberation
- Candy leaves Texas, later works as counselor in Georgia
How "Love & Death" Differs from Similar Miniseries
Hulu released "Candy" (internationally "Candy: A Death in Texas") in May 2022, starring Jessica Biel as Candy Montgomery and Melanie Lynskey as Betty Gore. David E. Kelley's "Love & Death" began filming two months before learning about Hulu's competing series, but would have pursued the project regardless.
| Feature | "Love & Death" (HBO Max) | "Candy" (Hulu) |
|---|---|---|
| Release Date | April 27, 2023 | May 9-13, 2022 |
| Creator | David E. Kelley | Nick Antosca, Robin Veith |
| Lead Actress | Elizabeth Olsen | Jessica Biel |
| Episodes | 7 weekly episodes | 5 consecutive nights |
| Source Material | "Evidence of Love" (1984 book) | Same true story |
| Current Platform | Netflix (since Dec 2023) | Hulu |
Deeper Context Behind the Narrative
The series examines suburban repression and how a close-knit, trusting Texas community full of carefree families and faithful churchgoers became the perfect cover for dangerous secrets and vicious jealousy left unchecked. Creator David E. Kelley drew heavily from John Bloom and Jim Atkinson's 1984 book "Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs" plus Texas Monthly articles.
Elizabeth Olsen noted that playing characters who make questionable decisions is something she enjoys, bringing command and intensity to the role of Montgomery. The narrative traces the affair, the shocking killing, and the sensational trial that followed, showing Candy's shift from a bright, devout Christian housewife to an accused axe murderer.
Everything you need to know about Imdb Love And Death What Critics Often Overlook
Where Is Candy Montgomery Now?
Candy Montgomery (now 76 as of 2026) stayed out of the public eye after the trial and moved to Georgia, where she reportedly works as a certified family counselor and mental health worker under her maiden name. There is no active criminal proceeding today linked to the 1980 acquittal.
Is "Love & Death" Based on a True Story?
Yes. The series is based on the real-life 1980 killing of Betty Gore at the hands of her friend Candy Montgomery in Wylie, Texas. Candy was acquitted of murder after claiming self-defense.
Where Can I Stream "Love & Death"?
Stream it on Netflix now (added December 1, 2023). It originally premiered on HBO Max on April 27, 2023.
How Many Episodes Are in "Love & Death"?
The limited series has 7 episodes, each 54-58 minutes long, with the first 3 episodes released on April 27, 2023 and subsequent episodes premiering weekly.
What Was the Verdict in the Real Candy Montgomery Trial?
Candy Montgomery was found not guilty of murder on October 30, 1980 after a jury deliberated for just over three hours. The jury accepted her self-defense claim despite her admission to killing Betty Gore.
