Richie Rich

Spy film genre action, requisite full sprint running through city scapes, and hand to hand combat be damned: Donald Glover shines unparalleled in this unexpected twist on the spy/couples flick? His on screen presence is amazing but the film direction, storytelling, and humanization of his characters in this series is what brings home the bacon - turkey if you’re Jewish, Muslim, or Adventist. The awkward, yet endearing interactions between Maya Erskine and Glover really make this one of the funniest, pulse-pounding, and gut wrenching remakes in decades. Instead of just slapping together traditional heartthrobs, vixens, and action stars, the producers put forth unassuming, yet powerful characters that tell the story in unorthodox, but effective terms. Unorganized, self-deprecating Black guy must navigate the controlling impulses of his cute, but cutthroat spouse and make it home in time to feed their cat. Socially awkward, yet keenly intellectual Asian woman takes on Manchild to defend their marriage and their lives. It’s a beautiful casserole of spy thriller, sitcom humor, couples breakup flick, and simultaneously a really good commentary on the social and interpersonal complexity of work and domestic relationships. It never forces you to hate or take sides with either character rather highlights their flaws and strengths and lets you build your own opinion of them. Erskine is the Alpha and Glover is her handler. It features the signature awkward, improvised banter of any Glover-written/directed piece which adds flavor that’s missing in so much of today’s television. Instead of playing to a tv trope it tells its own story masterfully with enough punch to leave you wanting more. The all star cast filled with unexpected cameos is the crème-fraiche on this dessert of a film. 11/10 - highly recommended.

Engaging. Captivating. Well-paced. Excellent acting and banter especially between Jackson and Mendelsohn. 3 episodes in, and I’ve yet to be disappointed other than having to wait an entire week for the next episode. This one still packs marvel’s wit and dry humor without corny superhero tropes and Spider-Man-esque one-liners. It’s a spy drama with enough British representation to fill a Pub in Edinburgh. The diehard comics fans will have much to be disappointed about, but casual fans, and even normie film watchers will appreciate the dialogue, content, and stakes of what’s at-hand. While it’s hard to see how Marvel with weave this into its Eponymous Cinematic Universe-at-large, there’s no shortage of critics and fanboys that will help us tie in the threads and boil all the Easter eggs for weeks to come. To date, this is Marvel’s greatest TV miniseries. Without. Question.

Deep, provocative, confusing, but never boring. Edge of your seat suspense and plot twists. Can’t wait for Season 2.