We're five episodes into Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, and the chaos is only getting messier. Apple TV's twisty thriller, anchored by Tatiana Maslany's overwhelmed Paula, keeps viewers guessing with its blend of dark comedy, murder, and blackmail. At the heart of the mayhem are Murray Bartlett and Brandon Flynn, whose characters Dennis and Trevor are far from what they seem. In a recent interview, the duo opened up about their first impressions of the story, the challenge of playing such complicated men, and how they executed that jaw-dropping murder in Episode 5.
Bartlett, who plays the cold and calculating Dennis, admits he was immediately drawn to the script's unpredictability. "I loved that Dennis just kind of shifts on a dime and is all these different things to different people," he says. "That's just a great thing to play." He also found the show's central theme—feeling overwhelmed in a chaotic world—deeply relatable, especially through Maslany's performance. For Flynn, his character Trevor is "the ultimate performer, giving the people what they want." The actor, who studied at the Globe Theatre, notes that Trevor embodies "many truths going on," making him a fascinating role to explore.
To prepare for Dennis's sociopathic tendencies, Bartlett dove into research. "I read this book about a sociopath, and it was super helpful," he reveals. "The woman who wrote the book has a very small spectrum of emotions, so they learn to imitate social cues and become great actors." This insight helped him portray Dennis's ability to switch emotions on and off. "I am a very, very emotional person, so to play someone who isn't that was exciting and challenging." The result is a chilling performance that keeps audiences on edge.
Episode 5 features a particularly ambitious murder scene that left Dennis feeling something unexpected: glee. Bartlett describes the moment as a turning point for his character, bringing a twisted sense of joy to the kill. The scene required precise choreography and emotional layering, with both actors working closely to ensure it landed. "It was a wild day on set," Bartlett recalls, though he doesn't spoil the specifics. For fans of the show, this episode is a must-watch, especially after Jake Johnson's panic attack steals the show in 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' Episode 5 sneak peek.
Flynn, meanwhile, brought his Shakespearean training to Trevor's many performances. "At the Globe, I was always taught, 'Tell the truth,'" he says. "And Trevor has many truths going on, and they were all fun to tell." This approach allowed him to navigate the character's shifting loyalties and hidden agendas, keeping viewers guessing about his true motives. The actor's background in classical theater adds a layer of depth to Trevor's constant acting, making every scene a puzzle.
Both actors also shared their go-to mood boosters when they need a break from the intensity. Bartlett prefers a simple escape: "I live in the woods, so I go and walk on the beach with my dog." Flynn opts for cultural outings, like plays or museums, while both agree that watching movies—even bad ones—can lift their spirits. "Even if it's sad or depressing, you're still in a cinema," Bartlett says. "There are always things to learn from it."
As Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed barrels toward its season finale, the stakes are higher than ever. With Bartlett and Flynn delivering standout performances, the show continues to surprise. For more on the series, check out Tatiana Maslany on the 'Horror' of Episode 4: Paula's World Collapses in 'Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed' and Tatiana Maslany Delivers Maximum Pleasure in Apple TV's Unpredictable Thriller.
