Netflix original dystopian comedy Maniac dropped its first season September 21, 2018.

#Maniac season 2 has not been confirmed.

rottentomatoes: 80%

metacritic: 76

imdb: 8.3

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

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Narrator

“It begins like this.  Two billion years ago, an amoeba.  Wait, let’s… let’s back up.  I’ve skipped too many connections.  Out of nothing, in an instant… everything.  An instant cosmic orgy of matter and energy, rubbing, bumping, and grinding together.  There would be no galaxies, no suns, no planets, no life without collisions of heavenly bodies.  Back to our amoeba.  It engulfs a bacterium with unique powers, and… voilá.  Earth’s finest photosynthesis-enabled organism.  Maybe it was chance.  Maybe it was inevitable.  This one changed amoeba becomes the ancestor of every living plant on Earth, which in turn floods the planet with oxygen… paving the way for every other from of life we know…. leading to more souls, more connections, and therefore more new worlds branching outward from the first.  These forces of nature, when they converge, be they astronomical collisions, biological unions, demonstrate the infinite potential of our connections.  This truth also extends to the human heart.  Hypothesis… all souls are on a quest to connect.  Corollary… our minds have no awareness of this quest.  Hypothesis… all the worlds that almost were matter just as much as the world we’re in.  Corollary… these hidden worlds cause us great pain.  Camaraderie, communion, family, friendship, love, what have you.  We’re lost without connection.  It’s quite terrible… to be alone.  Put simply, my goal is to eradicate all… unnecessary and inefficient forms of human pain.  Forever.  We must evolve past our suffering.  My research into this matter is… of course, ongoing.” — Narrator

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Annie Landsberg

Annie Landsberg qualifies for an in-patient clinical medication trial at Neberdine Pharmaceutical Biotech to relieve persisting symptoms of depression, loneliness and psychological trauma.

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“Pack of Stuttons.  I’m gonna use an adBuddy to cover this purchase.  Okay.  Thank you, Friend Proxy.  What are you, a cop?” — Annie Landsberg

“I think you should let me do it again.  Who’s in charge of the red light?  I don’t fucking understand.  I’m supposed to be part of the trial.  This is fucking bullshit.  I have to get into that study.  You have a daughter.  Her name is Usnavy, and she goes to Hunter College.” — Annie Landsberg

“Stop looking at me.  Huh?  No.  Leave me alone.  I’ll kill you.  I have a gun.” — Annie Landsberg

“What the fuck is wrong with you?  Please.  Owen.  Your instructions are to go back to your pod and await my signal.  Yes.  You’re gonna save the world.  But not if you blow our cover.” — Annie Landsberg

“You’re the last one.  And then it is fuck you… forever.  Fuck you.” — Annie Landsberg

“Do I have a choice?  I was joking.  Wait, when you ‘limitless…’ do you mean actually limitless?  Like, if I needed a bus ticket to Salt Lake City and I brought you with me to pay for it?  I mean, not necessarily you, specifically, but one of you… to pay for the hotel and meals, and the bus ticket back, would that be possible?  What?  Yeah.  Uh, my little sister.  I owe her a visit.” — Annie Landsberg

“I’m gonna read you this time… because I am health Annie now, and healthy people read books… and travel, and exercise… and take care of their minds.  Where’s Jackie?  What the fuck?  Did you take my money?  I haven’t had a job in five months.  Can I at least have 20 bucks?” — Annie Landsberg

“Five years ago, my sister and I got in a really bad fight.  Very, very bad.  And I can’t fix it.  So there’s this rock that sits in my stomach, this cold rock.  Like a boulder, and it’s just there… all the time.  And I found this pill… it helps me get through the day.  It’s not hurting anyone.  And it makes me feel good.  It is the only thing that makes me feel good.  I can’t.  Why shouldn’t I be able to take a pill like that whenever I want?” — Annie Landsberg

“Super happy.  Helpful.  Togetherness.  Okay.  Sorry.  Sisters.  Making faces at each other.  Fine.  Did I…?  Did I pass the test?  What was that last question?  I was telling the truth about all those pictures.  Well, what is it about?  I don’t have fucking defense mechanisms.  I think you should let me do it again.  Who’s in charge of the red light?  I… I don’t fucking understand because I am supposed to be part of the trial.  This is fucking bullshit.” — Annie Landsberg

“Let’s go back out there and pretend nothing fucked up happened.” — Annie Landsberg

“Uh, my reality… is that I am depressed.  And I have been for a very long time.” — Annie Landsberg

“She– I think people lie because they’re afraid, and she was afraid and she didn’t want anyone to see that.” — Annie Landsberg

“Arlie is like my mother.  She could charm anyone, she would make deals with people.  she would say things to me like, ‘This is just between you and me, Annie.  You’re the only one who understands.’  That’s how she would get you.’  And then she knew that you gave a shit, and so your guard was down and she would gut you.  Okay.  How’s that?” — Annie Landsberg

“Ours was a pact.  I took care of her when we were little.  She took care of me when we grew up.” — Annie Landsberg

“Stop it.  Don’t make me feel crazy.  That is not a nice thing to do to a person.  You know I have a good brain.” — Annie Landsberg

“I need to tell you something.  I need to tell you that it’s not okay for me… out here… all by myself.  It was before, but it’s not anymore.  Yes, you married a woman… who was sick.  And she couldn’t handle having a family, and she left us.  And it broke your heart.  And then your daughter died.  And it was the wrong one.  It was the easier one… who was good at life.    Who made you laugh.  Who didn’t cause problems, who always called you.  Who didn’t remind you of her mother.  And it’s okay that you had to go in there, but I don’t accept it anymore.  I need you out here.  We are the only ones left.  I need you out here with me, dad.  I’m lonely.” — Annie Landsberg

“Owen, look.  I was so focused on my own shit.  I should have said I care about you, and that after everything we’ve been through, I can’t not have you in my life.  Because it’s really hard… to actually just connect with somebody.  And… when you do… you don’t… you can’t just run away.” — Annie Landsberg

“No one’s does.” — Annie Landsberg

“Because I’m your friend.” — Annie Landsberg

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Owen Milgrim

“He’s, um… he’s my brother.  No.  No.  No.  Really?  That’s how they’re gonna start?  Dad, come on.  Yes, ten years ago.  I was hospitalized… and medicated… and… that was the last episode I had.  Not exactly.  One hundred percent.  I’m compos mentis.” — Owen Milgrim

“You’re not supposed to be here.  I don’t want this.  I don’t want it.  I don’t want this.” — Owen Milgrim

“I just moved into my own place.  I actually live in Roosevelt Island.” — Owen Milgrim

“And I’d have to cover relocation costs?  That doesn’t make sense.  To what?  Your ad is misleading, ’cause you refer to it as a volunteer opportunity, but in the end I’d have to pay.  Yeah.  I have to go.  When?  Um, so this furlough, how long does it last?  Right.  So… when am I back?  It’s… yeah, it’s okay.  I’ll just… I’ll just dip into my savings.  Bye.” — Owen Milgrim

“Yes.  Yes.  Okay.  Yes.  Yes.  Yes.  To see the deeper truth.  Yes.  Yes.” — Owen Milgrim

“Hello, Mrs. Finkelstein.  It’s uh… Owen.  Owen Milgrim… never mind.” — Owen Milgrim

“Yes.  Yeah.  Maybe.  Yes.  There is no pattern.  I’m vulnerable, but I’m not stupid.  I will seek out the people in my life who care about me.  I am not the chosen one.  The voices aren’t real.  The voices are just noise.  I’m just a guy with a vivid imagination.  Hello?  What?  Hello?  How did you… what does that mean?  What does a hero candidate do?  ‘Popcorn problems?’  Oh, I thought you…” — Owen Milgrim

“Thank you.  Where does she sleep when she stays over?  Yeah, she’s your sister, right?  Or is she a secret agent?  Because I have super-secret sources at a super-secret agency.  Don’t tell anyone.  Okay, mom.  Maybe you shouldn’t curse so much in front of the children.  Nine.  Um, I rescued it from the park.  I found it with a broken wing and brought it to my room and fed it.  Two or three months, until it was strong enough to go into Jed’s room and eat his gerbil, I guess.” — Owen Milgrim

“They’re gonna paint me in.  The artist just took a six-month sabbatical to Nepal, to study the light.  I lost my job.  It’s okay, I’ll find a new one.  I’m actually thinking about becoming a temporary volunteer husband.  Get rid of my lease, bounce from widow to widow.  It’s a good fantasy.  Think about it.  Seriously… as a hypothetical.  Say you and I left, right?  Tonight.  I got us passports, new identities.  You steal all the money from Jed’s bank account.  We just… do that.  We get a house in the middle of nowhere.  Start again.  Different people.  We don’t… we can be, you know… we don’t have to be.  We could be brother, or sister, or… friends.  Yeah.  I’m serious.  Let’s do it.  I got you.  You believed me.  This week’s gonna be a living hell for me.  He’ll totally win.  He’s not guilty.  No chance of conviction.  It’s all just so humiliating.  I mean, it’s been going on for fucking ages, all just for one day in court.  Because he didn’t do it, so… yes.  No, dad.  No, I-I have to go. I have something… no, I don’t.  I have a fundamental problem with Balderdash.  Oh, no, I didn’t.  So, um… I’ve been considering… no… I’m not moving closer.  I-I have to go.  Goodbye.  No, I can’t.  Bye.  No, I don’t fucking love Balderdash!  Balderdash is bullshit.” — Owen Milgrim

“No.  No.  I already agreed, okay?  You don’t need to buy me off.  I will lie for Jed… next week in court.  I get the expectation.  How’s that, dad?  Just so you know, I got a new job.  Business… marketing.  It involves travel, so I’ll be gone a couple days next week, but I’ll be back in time for the trial.  And… don’t worry if you can’t reach me.  Someone invented a new kind of ham.” — Owen Milgrim

“It says, uh, U.L.P.  What do the bombs mean?  That doesn’t bother you?  Unnecessary.  Uh… calm.  Justice.  Is this personalized somehow?  Suffocated.  Are you gonna ask it?  Does that disqualify me?” — Owen Milgrim

“Did… did you… did you lose your husband recently?  Did you lose your husband recently?  But I just saw… do you play gold in Hilton Head?” — Owen Milgrim

“Sorry.  You’re not supposed to be here.  What are my instructions.  The pattern is the pattern.  You’re my contact.  What are my instructions?  Please turn off the pattern.  Please turn off… I’m going to save the world.  Okay, I understand.” — Owen Milgrim

“Everyone thought I was crazy, but they were all wrong.” — Owen Milgrim

“Doctors called it a BLIP.  Brief and limited psychosis.” — Owen Milgrim

“I was so sure I was right.  Have you ever just felt unbelievably sure that you were right and everyone else was wrong?” — Owen Milgrim

“That’s different.  My mind, it… it doesn’t work right.” — Owen Milgrim

“Annie, why are you here?” — Owen Milgrim

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Dr. James K. Mantleray

“The human brain is vast as the cosmos, and equally unexplored.  We here at Neberdine Pharmaceutical Biotech are pioneering a revolutionary procedure that will unlock the secret mysteries of the mind, and replace old-fashioned talk therapy… forever.  Sorry, Sigmund.  Hello.  I’m Dr. James K. Mantleray.  Welcome to Phase III of the ULP testing.  You are not only participants in a pharmaceutical drug trial, you are pioneers at the forefront of a new world.  You may notice you’re here with 11 other subjects.  But don’t worry, your experiences here, likely very powerful, will be private and discreet, and entirely your own.  And the multiple fantasy cells hiding inside there.  Now you’re probably wondering, ‘how does it work?’  And it’s simple.  Three pills taken in three steps… A B C …analyzed by the most sophisticated mega-computer ever developed: the GRTA.  After ingesting the pills, the GRTA’s cutting-edge artificial intelligence will identify, map, and confront the learned programming of your brain.  At the end of this trial, don’t be surprised if you experience pure, unaffected joy.  Now, let’s take a closer look.  Pill A: The diagnostic stage.  Pill A seeks out your core traumas and pulls them to the surface.  We call it Agonia.  We observe, using powerful microwave technology, the known and unknown anchors of pain in your personal history in order to create an arborization map that the GRTA will use as a guide for pills B and C.  Pill B: Behavorial.  Blind spots!  Unfortunately, the brain is remarkably skilled at protecting itself.  With the second pill, you can identify self-defense mechanisms, blind spots, and the mazes and walls that your mind creates to hind yourself… from you.  Pill C: Confrexia.  This is what has eluded psychoanalysts since the discovery of the unconscious.  The end… of the rainbow.  Confrontation and acceptance.  Once we’ve identified your core traumas and mapped your bio-psycho-social symptoms, the GRTA mega-computer remaps a more efficient system, custom-tailored to you, forging healthier pathways with powerful, non-surgical microwave technologies.  Welcome to the start of your new life.  You will never be the same again.” — Dr. James K. Mantleray

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Dr. Azumi Fujita

“Robert.  Robert.  Robert, wake up.  The odds are here.  Let us complete this trial with none of the old problems, sir.” — Dr. Ajumi Fujita

“I truly believe if we get your vision of the ULP to market, the lives of billions could change.  The people of this world are suffering.  If we make it through this iteration, you’ll be a hero.” — Dr. Ajumi Fujita

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Dr. Marumoto

“Okay.  Yes, Dr. Fujita.  None of the old problems.” — Dr. Marumoto

“Welcome, subjects.  You made the right choice.  It’s time to start your lives again.  You don’t fuck this up… I won’t fuck this up.  Just kidding.” — Dr. Marumoto

“And I’m Dr. Robert Muramoto.  No one sees into your heads… …but us.  Through your memories, we’ll see the worst moments of your life.  But don’t worry… it’s safe.  Time to show your… finally, it’s time for… confrontation.  Welcome to the start of your new life.” — Dr. Marumoto

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Intake Technician

“Try to answer with an emotion, rather than a description.  No.  Focus on your answers.  Good.  Now, Mr. Milgrim… please turn your attention to me as I ask your final question.  Your defense mechanisms are fungible.  You’ve been accepted.” — Intake Technician

“You don’t have to rush.  It’s supposed to be an emotion.  What you feel.  Now, please turn your attention to me… as I ask you this final question.  The test is complete.  Please go back to the reception area and wait.  This test is not about the truth.  Defense mechanisms.  I’m sorry.” — Intake Technician

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Carl

“As you enter the common room, you will notice there are numbers on the pods.  The pod numbers correspond with the numbers on your lanyards.  Please go to your pod.  That will be your home for the duration of your stay here with us.  Leaving your pod at any unauthorized moment will result in the termination of your stay here at this trial, as well as bringing shame and humiliation upon you.  Once you reach your pod, an orderly will approach and begin to inspect your bag.  Once the orderly has inspected your bag, you will put your bag in your locker.  Once you have done that, make your way to this gentleman.  He will give you your uniform, as well as your patented Neberdine shoes, which you cannot take with you at the end of the trial.  Once you have your uniforms and your shoes, you will make your way back to your pods, then you will get in your pods and change clothes in your pods.  There will be no changing in the commons.  Condoms are contraband.  That’s a red flag right there.  Intimacy in this facility is off-limits.  There will be no cohabitation inside the pods.  Once the curfew starts, lights go out. ..tight schedule.  We will tell you when there is mealtime. …two Etch A Sketches and one Lite-Brite.  Please don’t fight over them.  We will tell you when there’s recreation time.  We will also tell you when… and we will tell you when to sleep. ..expecting.  Thank you.  Is that working for you?  If you’re having trouble getting into your pod, there is also a ladder underneath that will help you get into your pod.  Also note, from here on in, you will be referred to as the number on your lanyard.  You are the Odds.  Attention.  Please give your attention to Dr. Muramoto and Dr. Fujita.  They will be supervising your trials.” — Carl

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Belle Milgrim

“This one?  How did you know?  Okay.  But what happened to the hawk?  Oh.  Okay.” — Belle Milgrim

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Holly Milgrim

“Uh, how did you have a hawk?  Oh, masticate– no, no, no.  Premasticate.  How’d you know?” — Holly Milgrim

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Angelica Milgrim

“Supper’s ready.  Language, Phil.  Language, Jed.  this is not a farmyard, boys.  Oh, poor Colby.  So traumatizing.  Pudding’s upstairs by the fireplace, everyone.  Come on, boys, it’s time.  Owen, you’re staying to play.  You love Balderdash.  You used to love Balderash.  Considering leaving Roosevelt Island?  Oh, thank God.  So, have Hal help you find something closer.”

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Patricia Lugo

“I got bosses around.”

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Mrs. Finkelstein

“Fuck off, Donovan.  Fuck off, Donovan.”

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adBuddy Agent

“Okay, Owen.  Do you know what I want to do?  Are you sure you know what I want to do?  The way this deprogramming works, it’s not an overnight fix.  You have to listen to it like a mantra.  If you start feeling paranoid, you play this tape right away, okay?  Now, stop me when I say something that’s not true.  The world sends you messages.  Words are often code words, or pass phrases for important secrets.  You’re visited by a brother no one else in your family is aware of.  A facsimile of your brother Jed.  He sends you messages.  Instructions for important mission you must accomplish.  He tells you you’re meant to do something big, something that matters to the world, and that you’re not meant to do it alone.  All you need is a partner.  You sense danger all around you, but you stay disciplined.  A fight’s coming.  Something even bigger than this world.  Possibly extending to multiple galaxies.”

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Andy

“Rozo did the anonymous hammerhead from the top down and came back with a 12-bullet short-termer.  Well, they randomized the pattern.  We’ve sent out 30 memos on it since this morning.  It’s temporary.  Oh, I don’t know.  I was kidding.  It’s probably permanent.  I was using your kind of humor, when you say something you don’t mean and nobody laughs.”

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Jed Milgrim

“How’d the trial prep go for a naughty brother?  Did you tell them about me?  Good.  You’re still using the code words, even though I am technically invisible.  Owen, this week must be a doozy for you, huh?  You thought you were rid of me, but I have new information.  This time I know.  You’ve been chosen to save the world.  You’re gonna be a hero.  The details of the mission will be delivered to you by an agent, a woman.  You’ll know her when you see her, trust me.  Just make contact with her.  The pattern is the pattern.  She’ll reach you for further instructions!  Don’t fuck this up!” — hallucination?

“I was completely baffled.  You know, I left for school.  Ernie was fine, and then, you know, the food was in the bowl.  the water was there, cage was locked up, and I get back from basketball practice, and he’s just gone, absolutely… no, that’s correct.  He wasn’t exactly fucking gone like that.  Where’d he go, O?  So, um, I ask everyone, right?  Everyone’s looking around the whole house, everyone frantic, and finally Owen, you know, eventually comes up and brings me to his room… how old were you then, Owen?  Like, eight or somethin’?  Eight or nine, whatever.  And he says– he says, ‘uh, I have to tell you somethin’.  My– my hawk ate Ernie.’  ‘What?’  And he points over there, and there’s this big fuckin’ red-tailed hawk sitting on his desk starting at me. Yeah, I forgot.  You’d feed him.  That was the craziest part.  He would feed it, like a mother bird, you know… yeah, premastication!  We set it free.”

“What does that even mean?  ‘Make that move?’  Who wants ice cream?  Who wants ice cream?  Oh, you do?  Of course.  But whoever’s the quietest gets ice cream, I promise.  Mom.  Oh, are we playing Balderdash, or what?  Wait, you’re not playing Balderdash?  Oh, Owen, come on, you love Balderdash.  Don’t worry about Uncle Owen.  He’s a spaz.  We’re gonna get ice cream now.”

“It’s Jed.  No, it’s Grimsson.  Mustache.  No, don’t say anything.  Just be cool.  The pattern is the pattern.  The pattern got you here.  Keep trusting the pattern.  She’s your handler now.  She has a certain je ne sais quoi.  She’s no Olivia, though.  Make contact with her.  Use the code phrase.  The pattern is the pattern.  I know it doesn’t make sense.  It doesn’t make sense to me either right now, but it will.  Keep going forward.  Just reach out… and make contact.” — hallucination?

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Adelaide

“Jed was a chronic masticater.  He’d go blind doing that.  How long did you take care of the bird for, Owen?  I told Jed I wouldn’t marry him until they painted you in.  Maybe that’s why we haven’t set a date yet.  I’m sorry, Owen.  You’re not serious.  Mm-mm.  Do you ever notice that your plans always involve starting over… often with an entirely new identity?  Just to get through the post-dinner conversation.  Are we a married couple?  So… tonight, then, after dessert?  You’re fucking with me.  You’re positive?  Right?  You were actually with him?  Come on, stay, it will be fun.”

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Mike Milgrim

“The great gerbil escape artist.  Oh, you moving closer?”

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Phil

“But he wasn’t exactly fucking gone.  Ah, come on.  Tell the rest.  What eight-year-old has a fucking hawk?  Is he off his meds?  Aggressive.”

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Frank

“The witness has already been sworn in.  Mr. Milgrim, can you state for the court your relationship with the defendant, Mr. Jed Milgrim?  Thank you.  Have you ever been arrested?  Are you married?  Children?  And can you tell us about the psychotic break that you experienced roughly ten years ago?  I’m just asking.  Have you ever been hospitalized for mental illness?  Please explain what happened.  Wasn’t the nature of this psychosis delusional?  That you sometimes thought you saw your brother when he wasn’t there?  Just say no.  Then what was the nature of the psychosis?  Owen, don’t you think that your mental illness should disqualify you from testifying as a witness on your brother’s behalf?”

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Porter Milgrim

“It doesn’t necessarily mean that it’ll be like that in the trial, Owen, but, uh, sometimes prosecutors, they… they try atypical inroads… to crack you.  That’s why we… we have to prep for the unexpected.  Can you resume, please?  Look, there’s only one question here that really matters.  Owen, do you know what is real?”

“That reminds me.  Remember when Colby fell in the Gowanus Canal?  Remember that day?  I threw the stick, he didn’t go for it– hey, Owen, you’re not trying to sneak off, are you?  I need a second of your time before you leave.  I gotta say, what a delicious meal that was.  Jesus, Owen.  I’ll walk you to the station.”

“Is it a money crisis?  I know it’s an expensive apartment to rent, but… have you… have you thought about a… a roommate. I don’t know why you won’t let us buy you a place.  That way you’d have more security.  Or you… you could come and work for the company.  All your brothers do.  Uh… I don’t… I don’t follow you.  What– it’s not an expectation, Owen, it’s a gift.  You are giving your brother the gift of an alibi.  This woman is an opportunist.  She sees an in.  You’re protecting him.  You’re protecting the family.  I know, I know, it sounds muddled, but that is the way reality works, Owen.  With… with adjustments.  Oh?  What… What job?  Oh.  That’s… that’s wonderful, Owen.  That’s– that’s– that’s great.  Milgrim men, we always come out on top.  Anyway… all right.  Hey, Colby, it’s a Tristan 500.  No kicking and licking.”

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5

“Psst, buddy.  Which one are you here for?  It should be on the form right there.  Me too.  That’s a good one.  It’s the big time.  Get ready to make a lot of fuckin’ money.  High-risk.  That’s where the dollars come from.  Apparently, they’re havin’ some kind of problem with this new drug.  Strong stuff.  Very trippy shit.  No.  No risk, no reward.”

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Sokolov

“No offense, but how are you gonna pay for these?  Those assholes record client conversations.  National Database of Desires.  The businessmen, ever hear of it?  They know you better than you know you.  It’s not a conspiracy, just a conspiracy theory.  Oh.  Did you know that most quarters have been swallowed and defecated by a human?”

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JC

“…no wallet, no shoes.  No idea how I even really got to Poland in the first place.  Bro, I’m telling you, this was seriously such a crazy situation.  Th… from Poland… I was in… I had no idea… I had no idea how I got there.”

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adBuddy agent

“Okay, Mr. Milgrim, I’m gonna need your attention.  ‘When tragedy strikes others, it’s sometimes hard to know what to do until now…’ Owen.  ‘Daddy’s Home.  Consider becoming a temporary volunteer mail-order husband and changing the lives of a heartbroken family in your region.’  Okay, well, up next, we got something called Neberdine Pharmaceuticals.  ‘Good afternoon, Owen.  Did you know that your rent comprises 87.2 percent of your annual income?’  Is that actually true?  Manhattan these days…  I’m over in an underground warehouse unit.  Hoboken.  Okay, well…. uh, let’s see.  Oh-ho-ho.  ‘A catastrophic interruption in your professional life, like a furlough, could ruin you.  Ever thought about supplementing your income with pharmaceutical testing?’  Friend Proxy.  ‘Tired of spending your time and energy making friends?'”

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Ellie Landsberg

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Dr. Greta Mantleray

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