When you think of the book Made For Love by Alissa Nutting, the character of Byron isn’t someone you fall in love with. The Elon Musk-esque mogul is controlling and implants a chip in his wife’s brain, and so you wouldn’t exactly call him a hero.
But there’s something about watching Billy Magnussen bring Byron Gogol to life in season 2 of HBO’s series adaptation that makes you care about him in a way we probably shouldn’t, which is definitely because of how absolutely charming Magnussen is in real life. When he’s talking, you want to listen to everything he says, and that bleeds into his portrayal of Byron, especially in season 2, when we’re met with a Byron who is fighting to win back Hazel’s (Cristin Milioti) trust and love.
“Oh you’re giving him a little redemption?” Magnussen teased as I asked about the change in Byron from season 1 to season 2, but he went on to talk a bit about his approach to the mogul character. “I don’t think that anyone is a villain in their life, they don’t think they’re the villain and they’re trying to do the best they can. I think this guy really cares for Hazel and is trying to fix it and make it better and make their relationship work out. And I hope it does, honestly. Who doesn’t love love? I’m a happy go-lucky guy so it’s just coming out naturally, I think,” he said, and it is true.
One of the only reasons I don’t instantly hate everything about Byron is because it’s Billy Magnussen playing him. This season is fascinating because it’s Byron basically begging for Hazel back. Anything she wants from him, he’s willing to do. He isn’t afraid to listen to her finally, and she is using that power to her advantage against him.
Which is working for Hazel but does make you feel for Byron in a way that you may have thought impossible after season 1. Don’t get me wrong. Byron still is the worst parts of the “mogul” mentality, and he’s still hiding behind that handsome façade, but there’s also a new understanding of what makes Byron tick in season 2.
Billy Magnussen vs. Byron
It’s clear, talking to Magnussen, that part of why people care about Byron in a story where we definitely shouldn’t is because of how charming he is in real life. You can see it in our full interview below!
Personally, I hope that Billy Magnussen has watched the documentary Spring Awakening: Those You’ve Known since it’s been released, because he seemed just as excited about a documentary on Spring Awakening as I was. Also yes, I did miss him singing “Move On” at me from Sunday in The Park With George at the moment, and yes, I am now deceased.
Made For Love season 2 is airing on HBO Max now, and it’s a wonderful addition to the first season that continues to shock and surprise as fans. And who doesn’t want to watch Magnussen in his fun sunglasses and tight polo shirts?
(image: HBO)
