High Maintenance on HBO follows the exploits of a New York City weed deliveryman, simply known as “The Guy.” The show takes viewers on the various adventures of the protagonist and each episode deals with a new set of unique characters, allowing for fresh plot lines to be introduced with each new broadcast.
First premiering on HBO in 2016, High Maintenance has become a hit with fans and critics alike. With three seasons behind it and a fourth currently airing, there are a plethora of episodes to choose from for anyone looking to start the show, or simply get a refresher before jumping into the new season. Each episode has its fans, however, some are better received than others, so to recap, here are the ten worst episodes of High Maintenance, according to IMDb.
Ghost (7.8)
“Ghost,” the eighth episode of the second season, takes viewers on a journey with The Guy as he uses his medicinal magic to assist a high-strung couple. The main issue in their relationship stems from the wife’s need to be constantly wrapped up in their college-aged daughter’s life, going as so far as to relentlessly FaceTime her, as well as doing schoolwork for her. This places a strain on their relationship that leads to issues both in and out of the bedroom. A subplot in the episode revolves around The Guy dealing with a character only known as The Old Man, allowing darker energy to enter the episode.
Blondie (7.7)
Season three, episode three, entitled “Blondie,” introduces the audience to two new characters. First, there’s Raymond, a young boy who only wants to help out his hard-working mother. It’s a short, but sweet segment of the episode, that is a nice representation of a day in the life of a New York child. After this, viewers follow the exploits of Arthur, a nudist, and his new roommate, the conspiracy-laden Barbie. Their scenes showcase a roommate relationship that can only be found deep within The Big Apple.
HBD (7.7)
The aptly titled “HBD” episode deals with the relationship between a client of The Guy and her teenage daughter, celebrating their birthday. The seventh episode of the second season, “HBD” undertakes the difficult task of exploring the complex dynamics that can be found in a mother-daughter relationship. What’s notable about “HBD” is the lack of The Guy found within it, as he only makes brief appearances throughout.
Selfie (7.7)
“Selfie,” a season one episode, deals with the perils of infamy in a business that is still illegal. In it, viewers meet social media devotee, Anja, a writer who wants to publicize an article on The Guy.
After promising a “safe space” and total anonymity, Anja posts a photo of The Guy, along with a large sum of marijuana, to her Instagram, which results in his entire cover threatening to be blown. A side-plot in the episode revolves around “Homeless Heidi,” and a TV show being made about her life on the streets, a living situation she would prefer to remain private.
Payday (7.5)
Another episode from season three, “Payday” explores the relationship between an intergenerational couple, Doc and Ayasha. The two women showcase the dynamics that can occur within a kink-positive relationship, and the ability to be broadcast on HBO allows the production to explore the world these two characters live in honestly, and without the censorship that would come from other networks. The latter half of the episode then follows two teachers that decide to have an affair together and the bittersweet consequences that befall them following their carnal acts.
#goalz (7.5)
The ninth episode of season two, “#goalz,” deals with the ramifications that occur in the interconnected age of the internet. Three characters intersect with The Guy in this episode, the first being Jasper, a computer programmer who makes it his mission to have a single night free from the online world. Next up is Raina, a comedian who, following a politically-charged joke, has her personal information posted to Twitter, and the real-world hazards that come from this invasion of privacy. Finally, viewers follow the story of Gloria, a woman who has the goal of breaking a world record for dancing and how The Guy assists her in recognizing the bleak reality of her self-imposed challenge.
Breathwork (7.4)
Film sets are notoriously stressful, and season three’s fourth episode, “Breathwork,” deals with the effects of these anxiety-riddled environments. It’s revealed that The Guy has been delivering to at least one member of the production team, allowing for an episode that is bountiful in moments of hilarity. Between bee stings, probable-murder, and the simple devastation of forgetting to vote, “Breathwork” is a masterclass in the comedic farce.
Proxy (7.3)
Season three adds another entry to the list with episode three of the season, “Proxy.” The main plot follows Arturo and Adriana, a couple that elects to “adopt” a proxy baby, which is a realistic infant that is made out of silicone.
Again, High Maintenance showcases its ability to teach audiences that there is no true “normal” when it comes to romance. Arturo shows himself to be a supportive husband in a situation where many would emotionally flounder, breaking free from the general conventionalities placed upon relationships.
Voire Dire (7.3)
A recent addition to the High Maintenance canon, this season four episode drills down into the mundane world of jury duty. The Guy, who has just served on a trial, escapes to a karaoke bar with his fellow jurors and as the night winds down, viewers follow the escapades of a select few of his peers. The remainder of “Voire Dire” introduces audiences to Freddie, Eddie, and Violet, three individuals who are uniquely intertwined, and the interpersonal interactions between them that High Maintenance mines for emotional gold.
Meth(od) (7.2)
The lowest-ranked episode is also the series first broadcast on HBO. “Meth(od)” introduces audiences to the world of The Guy, and, ranking aside, succeeds at launching the High Maintenance ship. The bulk of the story follows the dysfunctional dynamics between two roommates and the tension that arises when one of the pair begins to attend “secret gay recovery addict meetings,” featuring a cameo by RuPaul’s Drag Race winner, Bob the Drag Queen. It’s an introduction that is able to hook audiences while simultaneously setting the tone for the rest of the series.
