In a landscape crowded with espionage dramas like The Day of the Jackal, Black Doves, and Slow Horses, one series quietly became the best spy thriller of the last decade. Prime Video's Mr. & Mrs. Smith, starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, is a fresh, funny, and gripping take on the genre that deserves your immediate attention.
A Fresh Take on a Classic Concept
Forget the 2005 film with Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. This 2024 series reimagines the story entirely. Glover and Erskine play John and Jane Smith, two strangers who are paired together as a fake married couple for a mysterious espionage agency. They know nothing about each other, which creates a delicious tension and mystery that drives the entire season.
What makes this show so unique is that John and Jane are not suave, seasoned spies. They're often improvising, making mistakes, and barely scraping by. This vulnerability makes them incredibly relatable and their missions all the more thrilling. The series wastes no time, with each of the eight episodes focusing on a different assignment, all delivered via anonymous text messages from an unknown handler.
Hilarious and Heart-Pounding
The show masterfully balances action and comedy. John and Jane's incompetence leads to messy, hilarious situations, but the stakes are always real. As their missions grow more dangerous, we can't help but root for them. The chemistry between Glover and Erskine is electric, and their performances are a major reason the series works so well. Glover, who also co-created the show, brings his signature wit, while Erskine proves she can handle both awkward humor and intense action, a departure from her role in Pen15.
The series is packed with twists, cliffhangers, and a finale that will leave you gasping. It's a smart, sexy thriller that keeps you guessing. Critics agree, giving it a 90% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Both Glover and Erskine earned Emmy nominations for their roles.
Star-Studded Guest Appearances
Beyond the leads, Mr. & Mrs. Smith features a parade of fantastic guest stars in every episode, adding to the excitement. The show also benefits from a sharp, darkly quirky tone that sets it apart from the original film. It leaves you with many unanswered questions, but you'll be desperate for more.
If you're looking for a spy thriller that's as funny as it is thrilling, this is it. Catch up on Prime Video before the inevitable second season. And while you're at it, check out other underrated gems like Prime Video's 'Forsaken' or prepare for 'The Terminal List' Season 2.
