iZombie Review: Max Wager (Season 2 Episode 6)

This episode of iZombie, titled “Max Wager,” gives a glimpse into what a Major/Liv romance could look like and allows us to sympathize with Blaine. (Who would’ve thought that could happen?)

It’s a refreshing pull away from the Max Rager madness and angst of the season so far. Let’s talk about it!

Liv and Major: Activate Couple Mode

They want intimacy, but care for each other enough to wait until Ravi finishes his research. So they take a different route that I’ve never seen TV explore, cybersex. Instead of being raunchy, it’s fun, sexy, and a way to level up their relationship without endangering each other. But they won’t be able to hold off for long. They’re young and abstaining from sex for a lifetime is an unrealistic goal unless they commit themselves completely. They’ve jumped into things with each other way too fast. A future of roadblocks and stumbling is in their future for sure.

Blaine: Daddy Problems

It’s strange to see Blaine back down. He’s always been the one to make a stand and let everyone know he’s the big kahuna of Seattle. But now his father has come around and has the high card. There’s nothing he can do but sit back and watch. Right?

Wrong!

Blaine got all his sass and intellect from Angus! He’ll make sure that his father pays for his taking his business and leaving his grandfather in a nursing home. He’s not going to stop (turning human didn’t stop him, did it?) Instead, he’s going to make sure his father thinks he’s won before destroying the man bit by bit. First step is killing his grandfather. Angus wouldn’t expect Blaine to do something like that. He’s taking away his father’s upper hand.

Too bad it doesn’t matter since Major killed him. Or so he thinks.

Ravi the Great

Just because his role is small in this episode doesn’t mean it loses any of its importance. He’s selfless and the greatest of friends to both Liv and Major. No matter how ridiculous things get, Ravi always jumps in with both feet. Spending his day checking dozens of condom brands isn’t something you see everyday.

Major the Sneak

Just when everything seems hopeless with his employment at Max Rager, Major pulls a stunt like this. He’s not killing anyone. His reunion with Liv has lit a fire underneath him. He’s still not at a point where he can reveal the truth to her but he’s on his way. Since he’s fallen so far he’s taking baby steps. The hope is that by next week’s episode he’ll be at a point where he can tell Liv. If she finds out by accident it will lead to the collapse of the trust, love, and ground they’ve gained.

Other Observations:

1. When did Major have a career where g-strings were essential?!
2. Gilda and the Max Rager weirdos were not missed.
3. I love the small scenes with Peyton and the case that she’s working on, but we need more of it. The snippets that we’re being given now aren’t enough to keep us engaged in her story.
4. We see what you did with that title. Max Wager? Max Rager?

Closing Thoughts

While it’s nice to take a break and see how our characters have grown, the reprieve isn’t going to last long. Max Rager is waiting. They will find out that Major isn’t killing anyone and retaliate by going after Liv and those she loves. Please don’t let it be our tall dark and handsome doctor.

We’d love to hear what you thought of this episode in the comments section below!

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iZombie airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.