New 7 parter crime drama based on fact
The series tells the story of Candy Montgomery, a Texas housewife who had an affair with a fellow church member, and who was later accused of murder.
Love & Death is based on the true story of Candy Montgomery, a housewife from Texas who in 1980 became the prime suspect in a murder investigation.
Candy Montgomery is a woman who, in the 1970s when living as a housewife in Texas (www.esquire.com/entertainment/tv/a43722025/love-and-death-true-story-candy-montgomery/), became close with fellow housewife Betty Gore after meeting her at a church service.
As the pair bonded and their families spent more time with each other, Candy also became close with Betty's husband Allan, who she allegedly started having an affair with.
It has been reported that Allan ended the affair in 1979 after it had gone on for a number of months – he reportedly attended a church marriage enrichment programme (www.elle.com/culture/movies-tv/a43680876/where-is-candy-montgomery-now-true-story/) with Betty, as they were having another baby together.
It all came to a head on 13th June 1980, when Candy reportedly offered to take Betty's daughter Alisa to a swimming lesson after the girl had stayed the night at her house. Candy visited Betty's house to collect Alisa's swimsuit, and while there it is claimed that Betty confronted her about the affair.
Betty was later found dead, having been struck with an axe 41 times (www.today.com/popculture/tv/love-and-death-true-story-candy-montgomery-rcna82439)
.
Candy immediately became the investigation's prime suspect, as she was understood to be the last person who saw Betty alive.
When Allan confessed his affair with Candy to the police, she was arrested and charged with Betty's murder.
The series, which first debuted on HBO Max (now renamed Max) earlier this year, stars Elizabeth Olsen as Candy, while Jesse Plemons plays the central role of Allan Gore.
Other major roles are played in the series by Lily Rabe, Patrick Fugit and Krysten Ritter. Plemons is currently nominated in the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the Emmys (www.radiotimes.com/tv/drama/emmy-awards-2023-nominations-full-list/)
for his role in the series.