When you caught wind of the news that Amazon Prime was making a Mr. & Mrs. Smith series, your first thought was probably, why? In the age of remakes, sequels, reboots, and a general lack of willingness for studios to take a risk on a new idea, there are a ton of bad ones being recycled. At the same time, if you’re a fan of Donald Glover’s work on the hit show Atlanta, you were probably far more willing to give him the benefit of the doubt. For better or worse, the focus of the series created by Glover and Francesca Sloane is significantly different from the action-forward, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie-led film.
After a well-constructed and surprising opening, we are introduced to our John (Donald Glover, Guava Island) and Jane Smith (Maya Erskine, PEN15), answering interview questions to a computer, aiming to join a mysterious spy agency. After being accepted and paired together, they marvel at their unbelievable home in Manhattan, newfound wealth, and jet-setting lifestyle, but as they develop real feelings for each other, they discover that the only thing more perilous than their assignments, is their arranged marriage.
Each of the eight episodes features a new mission and is cleverly named for a phase of their relationship together. As you watch the series unfold, it’s not a stretch to say that they aren’t very good at their jobs. While both are highly skilled and capable, they break the rules often, and as their marriage becomes more complicated, they let things slip. With their only communication coming via email and text from an account named HiHi – which keeps tabs on everything – there is a lot they don’t know, though it is made clear they are only permitted to fail three assignments.
The series does contain what you would expect: explosive action sequences, exotic locations, fancy cars and weaponry, etc.; but while that stuff isn’t entirely phoned in, it’s clear very early on that the show isn’t interested in letting action set pieces take precedence over the story of these two people meeting, falling in love, and then working through the real and raw emotions that bubble up in a whirlwind relationship. The differences of opinion, fears, and insecurities that John and Jane face head on, are far more realistic than the impossible circumstances they often find their way out of during missions. There is no convenient escape from the painfully awkward conversations and hurtful things they can say to each other in the heat of the moment, and when you’re both lying to everyone around you, how do you trust what’s real?
The authenticity of the difficult moments is there, but so is the comedy. Both characters are sharp and witty, talking themselves both in and out of trouble. Glover and Erskine may not be traditional action stars, but they excel in the juxtaposition of fantastical action with raw and vulnerable reality, and their supporting cast helps them along the way. Purposely, their assignments are frequently left unresolved, reinforcing that it’s not what’s important, but we do get treated to some great scene stealing performances by the likes of Ron Pearlman and John Turturro, among others. It’s often in the Smiths’ interactions with these side characters that the more comedic tones shine through. One episode brings us Sarah Paulson as a marriage counselor, and another pairs Parker Posey and Wagner Moura as more seasoned HiHi assassins. Toss in Paul Dano as a neighbor who seems to have his eye on Jane, and there is a full stable of talented actors committed to leaning into their eccentric characters.
The pacing can feel a bit rushed at times as the time jumps often during the series, but with a show like this, it’s far preferred to the alternative of slowly dragging things out just for the sake of an extra few episodes. That said, it does rob the audience a bit from investing in the Smiths’ connection, even if you believe in it. Everything is happening so fast, but that’s also the product of marrying someone the day you meet them, and immediately being thrust into the highest stakes possible.
The biggest compliment that can be given to the series is that every time something starts to feel like a rehash of something that was done in the film, it takes that moment to subvert expectations and take things in an entirely different direction. That’s a major credit to its creators, for recognizing it needed to differentiate itself. Glover and Sloane shine at writing dialogue that weaves its way through uncomfortable situations, and Erskine stands toe to toe with Glover in delivering it earnestly. It’s a show that’s going to surprise people in a lot of ways, all the way up to its captivating final moments.
