Loot Season 3 Episode 8 Review: Mr. Maro Gold

On Loot Season 3 Episode 8, “Mr. Maro Gold,” a magnetic stranger washes up at Molly’s door. Meanwhile, Howard and Destiny seek to take their relationship to the next level with a business pitch for Sofia. 

“Mr. Maro Gold” drags out Molly and Arthur’s relationship a little longer before the inevitable. The writing has been on the wall for a few weeks now, but it’s almost as if Loot wanted them to last one more full episode before breaking them up just to fill time.

They’re having “honest” conversations but dancing around their actual problems while also pushing back on major pieces of the others’ life. Neither is attempting to budge and find middle ground, especially when the crux of Molly’s mission hinges on occupying these spaces that Arthur hates. 

It’s frustrating to watch two characters who’ve made so much progress apart not apply the things they’ve walked away with over the course of the series to this conflict. 

The introduction of Maro Gold as threat to Molly and Arthur’s relationship is predictable.

Zane Phillips luckily possesses the charm and comedic chops to sell this character, but Molly potentially pursuing a wealthy airhead is a blatant regression. Maro is far kinder than Molly’s ex, but haven’t we already explored the idea that wealth doesn’t create a fulfilling relationship?

Molly and Arthur’s tension feels natural; they come from two very different worlds, so of course that would breed conflict. However, the way it’s being dissected, particularly here, feels reductive and repetitive. Hopefully, Mr. Gold is utilized well in the remainder of the season to take this thread somewhere more interesting.

“Mr. Maro Gold” does cleverly use Molly and Arthur’s plot to play with audience expectations when it comes to Howard and Destiny’s relationship.

Similarly, they are presented with an uncomfortable, mature conversation in order to move forward with their relationship. It lulls us into a sense of security seeing how honest conversations help a relationship thrive. 

The emotional devastation of discovering Destiny hasn’t changed after all lands so effectively because of this. Between Howard and Sofia, Loot clearly builds toward a path for Destiny to redeem herself. The choice to subvert expectations is a bold one for Loot that pays off in dividends.

Howard is someone who lives his life with his heart a little too open, while Sofia could stand to open up a little more. These two balance each other out nicely, especially in their final scene on this episode.

It would be easy to have Sofia shut off to the world again and play the “I Told You So” card for the remainder of the series, but Howard is a firm reminder about the magic of keeping your heart open. It’s an affirmation for Sofia and that people do change, just not always when and how we expect.

Howard and Destiny’s arc ends on a sour note, but it is also honest and real. Loot opting to not tie it up in a nice, neat bow is a commendable decision.

With only two episodes left to go this season, Loot has a lot of balls still in the air, many of which were just introduced on this episode. Loot definitely feels under served by its limited episode count with major plot points hitting this late in the game; however, it will hopefully bring things to a satisfying conclusion. 

Stray Thoughts

• Where are the evil billionaires? They’ve been awfully quiet, and, after making their secret organization such a major thing last season, it’s odd they don’t feel like a more major presence. 
• Where is Luciana? On Loot Season 3 Episode 4, “Buona Sera,” her beef with Molly was only just beginning.
• The focus on advancing the characters is much appreciated, but the Wells Foundation’s mission is taking a backseat.

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Loot airs Wednesdays on AppleTV+.

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