It wouldn’t take much heavy lifting to improve upon 2005’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith. That outing was burdened with scandal as stars Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie generated headlines with their modern-day Elizabeth Taylor/Eddie Fisher-type love affair. Their reported tryst was an active costar and distraction in the action comedy. But even without all that chatter, the film itself never rose to the occasion, unsure of how to balance the comedy and action.
Prime Video’s Mr. & Mrs. Smith fairs better; however, if you’re looking for a wild, nonstop action adventure, this isn’t that kind of series. It’s purposely “less action,” in fact, instead relying on character dynamics, interpersonal relationships, some absurd humor, some snappy costars, and the dynamic chemistry between its two leads, Donald Glover (Atlanta) and Maya Erskine (Pen15, Blue Eye Samurai). The actors are in fine form here, and it’s doubtful you’ll walk away from this not enjoying this odd coupling on-screen.
It is odd not only because they play two strangers taking an assignment to appear as husband and wife but also because these two fine actors are measurably reserved throughout the entire series. That’s enough to spark some intrigue. What lies beneath the surface of these two emotionally troubled souls? A lot. And maybe that’s part of the fun of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. “John and Jane Smith” keep up appearances. They look adorable in public, but underneath it all, their lives are in free fall. Mainly because they’re now working covert missions for a mysterious source, missions that range from banal to downright quirky, you’ll tune in to keep watching how John and Jane handle those missions—fishes-out-of-water most of the time—and you may even crave more action sequences, all the while appreciating the ones you’re given. Ultimately, it’s how their connection deepens and what they do with that that drives this outing.
Strangers in Danger
3.5 /5
Release Date February 2, 2024
Creator Francesca Sloane, Donald Glover
Seasons 1
Pros
- The chemistry between the leads is enjoyable to watch, with Donald Glover and Maya Erskine in the titular roles.
- Stunning locations offer great eye candy for viewers.
- Each episode ends with a satisfying payoff that will please audiences.
Cons
- A few inconsistencies in the script hold the series back from greatness.
Donald Glover and Maya Erskine are brilliantly talented. Glover was the creator, writer, producer, director, and star of the hit series Atlanta. He’s on board as executive producer and writer here, bringing along the delightful Erskine with him. Erskine created the marvelous Pen15 with Anna Konkle (Dropped) and went on to surf the waves of fandom for the offbeat middle-school comedy. Phoebe Waller-Bridge was originally attached to this project but bowed out a few years back.
The 21st century Mr. & Mrs. Smith gives Glover and Erskine plenty of room to shine individually and as a team. These are two of today’s finest, sharpest actors at the top of their game, and there are moments while watching the eight-episode series that evoke a feeling of wanting to be given more time with these two characters than we have. Heads up: there’s bound to be a season two order with the way things play out here.
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Structurally, nearly every episode, like Poker Face before it, employs a signature creative strategy. In this case, the couple receives their mission orders from an ominous source via laptop. Then off they go, often to exotic locales—the ski slopes, a European village, and the like. Things tend to meander as the couple scout out their new environs—remember, we’re here for how things play out with John and Jane, not so much their missions—then amp up to an episodic climax.
Meanwhile, guest stars filter in. There’s Paul Dano (Dumb Money), who Jane dubs “sexy neighbor.” John Turturro (Severance) offers a wicked spin in the first episode. Sharon Horgan (Sisters), Michaela Coel (Chewing Gum), and Billy Campbell (The Rocketeer) offer fine turns. But it’s Sarah Paulson (American Horror Story), playing a couples therapist, and Parker Posey (Lost in Space, The Staircase) and Wagner Moura (Shining Girls) who truly stand out among the guest spots. Let’s unpack that, shall we?
Things That Work and Things That Don’t
It’s fascinating that Posey and Moura nearly stole the show. Their slightly older couple bonds with John and Jane, but the aftermath of their encounter drops even more seeds of curiosity for the viewer. We want to know about the mysterious boss John and Jane are satisfying. That’s good., but… Posey and Moura’s presence, which hits midway through the series, comes as a jolt. It’s a good one, but a jolt nonetheless that, oddly, makes you realize you’d love to watch a series based on those two characters rather than the one you’re watching. That’s a bit of a red flag for our intrepid Smiths.
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There are a few more, perhaps nitpicky items. Such as telling one character the Smiths are protecting to, “Don’t sit by the window,” because he’s bound to be shot. One scene later, we find the three of them sharing a meal at a table—by a window. One character has asthma, but then you find them sprinting down the street. (Huh?) You’ll also be tasked with a bit of catch-up to track some of the diversions that happen in the latter episodes. That’s not a massive burden for today’s audiences, but something about the exposition makes you wonder how we arrived at a certain point with the characters.
Meanwhile, the good outweighs some of the inconsistencies. Stunning locales—Lake Como, Italy, is divine—offers great eye candy. The final 10 minutes of each episode tend to explode creatively, often offering a satisfying payoff to the 40 minutes that preceded it. Mostly, you won’t want to take your eyes off Glover and Erskine. Together, they’re magic on screen. Some fodder: Glover may be a deeply compelling actor, yet whenever he wanders around buffed and shirtless, it will either make you swoon or want to jump on a Peloton. Let the TikTok posts begin. In the meantime, Erskine is laser-sharp and fierce throughout. You’ll also want to shake her to her senses. But that’s the point. There’s enough to appreciate in these scenes from an offbeat marriage. Catch Mrs. & Mrs. Smith on Prime Video.
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