Candy Montgomery's Deadly Affair Becomes a Gripping Miniseries

Love & Death explores the twisted true story of a 1970s Texas housewife's deadly actions.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Based on the true story of Candy Montgomery, a housewife in Wylie, Texas, the miniseries Love & Death portrays her seemingly mundane life in the 1970s that takes a dark turn after an affair with her neighbor becomes deadly. The show's stellar casting, suspenseful atmosphere, and well-written lines are highlighted, with Elizabeth Olsen's outstanding performance as Candy breathing humanity into the twisted character and making it impossible to turn away as her life unravels.

Why it matters

Love & Death succeeds in its portrayal of the gruesome Candy Montgomery case and the ensuing media circus, offering a fresh take on the legacy of violence in 1970s America. The show's exploration of themes like class privilege, deception, and the fragility of trust make it a compelling psychological thriller miniseries.

The details

The miniseries is based on the true story of Candy Montgomery, a housewife in Wylie, Texas, whose seemingly mundane life in the 1970s takes a dark turn after an affair with her neighbor becomes deadly. The show depicts Candy's (played by Elizabeth Olsen) experiences as a housewife and the shocking events that unfold after her affair, leading to a brutal murder.

  • The miniseries is set in the 1970s in Wylie, Texas.
  • Love & Death premiered on Max in 2023.

The players

Candy Montgomery

The main character, a housewife in Wylie, Texas, whose affair leads to a deadly outcome.

Elizabeth Olsen

The actress who portrays Candy Montgomery and delivers an outstanding performance that brings humanity to the twisted character.

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What they’re saying

“Elizabeth Olsen's outstanding performance in Love & Death makes it truly incredible. She somehow breathes humanity into the twisted character, making it impossible to turn away as Candy's life begins to unravel.”

— Maddie P (Collider)

What’s next

The miniseries has already premiered, so there are no clear future newsworthy moments related to the story.

The takeaway

Love & Death succeeds in its portrayal of the gruesome Candy Montgomery case, offering a fresh take on the legacy of violence in 1970s America. The show's exploration of themes like class privilege, deception, and the fragility of trust make it a compelling psychological thriller miniseries.