John and Jane Smith (Donald Glover and Maya Erskine) spend much of the first episode feeling each other out. After all,they’ve been set up by an algorithm. Much the same number-crunching probably went into greenlighting this reimagining of Doug Liman’s goofy movie. The sums made sense,but with creative control in the hands of Glover and other key participants from the acclaimedAtlanta,this limited series actually excels. It’s a small miracle that such a craven concept is so skilfully executed.
As a spy thriller,thisMr.&Mrs. Smith is knowingly bemused. John and Jane get their missions via DM and go from one Bond scenario to another,albeit with comical hiccups such as a mountain resort assignment threatened by John not being able to ski. The expertly staged set-pieces erupt with genuine risk and momentum,but the story never falters in detailing how the dynamic between the co-workers goes from professional to personal to problematic.
Glover and Erksine,who was previously best known for capturing adolescent angst inPen15,have terrific chemistry,whether as budding lovers or exasperated colleagues. The set-up means that neither really knows the other,so what each of them does and doesn’t reveal – or just lies about – adds to the subterfuge. As a romantic drama,complete with Sarah Paulson as their therapist,there’s a twisted logic to the melancholic story. Their divergent parenting attitudes are revealed when they guard a petulant adult being chased by assassins.
Mr.&Mrs. Smith does so many things so well,whether it’s the staging of a car chase through the winding roads of an Italian village or putting Glover in an all-cream outfit. Even the movie’s greatest hits get remixed amid the emotional intricacies. The show has a different set of existential stakes thanAtlanta,but as that boundary-shifting series did,it can tip the narrative over from the everyday into the unhinged without warning. Doya might not be as catchy a portmanteau as Brangelina,but Glover and Erskine deserve all the plaudits.
Loudermilk ★★★½
Netflix
A new calendar year means new rights placements. One of the best gets I’ve found is Netflix acquiring all three seasons of this salty comedy about a grumpy substance abuse counsellor. As played by Ron Livingston (Band of Brothers,Sex and the City),Sam Loudermilk is a former music critic,recovering alcoholic and a blossoming misanthrope. “Asshole” is the default description people have for him,while his professional standards have an unprofessional edge.