Apple TV+ has quietly become a powerhouse for science fiction, with hits like Silo and For All Mankind pushing the boundaries of epic storytelling. But one of its most inventive offerings flies under the radar: 'Sugar', a noir-infused mystery that sneaks in a jaw-dropping sci-fi twist. As we await season 2, now is the perfect time to binge this eight-part gem.
A Detective Story with a Difference
Colin Farrell stars as John Sugar, a private investigator who arrives in Los Angeles after a tense encounter with the yakuza in Tokyo. Hired by legendary film producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell) to find his missing granddaughter Olivia (Sydney Chandler), Sugar dives into a case that seems straightforward—until it isn't. The show's brilliance lies in its dual focus: the hunt for Olivia and the slow unraveling of Sugar's own mysterious past.
What sets Sugar apart is its love letter to classic hardboiled detective tales. Sugar himself is a cinephile, narrating his journey with the kind of voiceover that would make Philip Marlowe proud. The series, directed by Oscar nominee Fernando Meirelles, blends lush, old-Hollywood visuals with a gritty modern edge. But don't mistake it for mere nostalgia—the show cleverly critiques how media shapes our perception of reality, often blinding Sugar to the truth.
The Twist That Changes Everything
For the first five episodes, Sugar plays like a stylish detective drama. Then comes episode six, 'Go Home,' which delivers a revelation that redefines the entire series. Without spoiling the surprise, it's a twist that explains why Sugar seems so detached from human emotions and why he relies on movies to understand people. It's a bold move that could have backfired, but the show earns it by planting subtle clues from the start.
This sci-fi element elevates Sugar beyond a simple whodunit. It becomes a meditation on identity, obsession, and the stories we tell ourselves. The half-hour episodes keep the pacing tight, making it an ideal binge—each chapter uncovers a new clue without overwhelming the viewer. For fans of underrated mysteries, this is a must-watch, much like 'How to Get Away with Murder'.
Colin Farrell's Career-Best Performance
Farrell delivers a nuanced, vulnerable performance that anchors the show. His Sugar is both enigmatic and relatable, a man learning what it means to be human through the lens of cinema. The supporting cast, especially Amy Ryan as Melanie Matthews, provides an emotional anchor for the audience. Melanie, Olivia's former stepmother, becomes our surrogate as she navigates the case's complexities.
The show's potential for future seasons is enormous. Each new investigation could introduce fresh characters while deepening the overarching mystery of Sugar's origins. In an era of cynical storytelling, Sugar stands out for its sincerity and unpredictability. It's a rare series that genuinely surprises, and that's worth celebrating.
If you're looking for a binge that blends classic noir with mind-bending sci-fi, Sugar is your answer. And with season 2 on the horizon, there's no better time to catch up. For more underrated sci-fi, check out our list of forgotten sci-fi gems that deserve a second look.
