Mr & Mrs Smith: Glover and Erskine Shine in a Fresh Spin on Spy Thrills
The new iteration of Mr. & Mrs. Smith brings an unexpected but welcome twist to the familiar spy thriller genre. Casting Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as the titular characters might have raised a few eyebrows, but their dynamic together proves to be one of the show’s strongest aspects. Far from a simple rehash of the original, this version feels more grounded, character-driven, and often hilariously unpredictable. Donald Glover, known for his sharp wit and versatile acting, fits seamlessly into the role of Mr. Smith. He brings his unique blend of humor, intellect, and charm to the character, making him feel more like an everyman caught up in extraordinary circumstances than the typical suave secret agent. Maya Erskine, whose comedic chops are undeniable, complements Glover perfectly. Her portrayal of Mrs. Smith adds a layer of warmth and strength that keeps the show’s tone from slipping into pure action fare. Together, they balance the tension of their secret lives with moments of true romantic and comedic chemistry. The writing in Mr. & Mrs. Smith is one of the series' standout features. The plot is peppered with moments of levity that allow the characters to breathe in between action-packed sequences. The script cleverly blends the spy thriller genre with lighthearted moments, creating a unique blend of humor, action, and suspense. Watching Glover and Erskine navigate their increasingly complicated relationship while simultaneously handling dangerous assignments adds a refreshing layer to the series. One of the most enjoyable aspects of the series is the supporting cast, which includes memorable cameos from Wagner Moura and Parker Posey. Their appearances inject the story with additional depth and humor, and their roles serve to highlight the show’s ability to balance action and character development effectively. While the action may not always be as intense as some might expect from a spy thriller, it is always entertaining, and the cleverness of the writing makes up for it. While the show occasionally meanders and could benefit from tighter pacing in some episodes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith stands out by keeping its focus on the personal dynamic between its leads. This is a spy series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to deliver intrigue, tension, and laughs in equal measure. Glover and Erskine’s performances elevate the show, making it a refreshing take on a familiar premise.
TV SHOW REVIEW
RATING: 8/10
2/10/20241 min read
The new iteration of Mr. & Mrs. Smith brings an unexpected but welcome twist to the familiar spy thriller genre. Casting Donald Glover and Maya Erskine as the titular characters might have raised a few eyebrows, but their dynamic together proves to be one of the show’s strongest aspects. Far from a simple rehash of the original, this version feels more grounded, character-driven, and often hilariously unpredictable.
Donald Glover, known for his sharp wit and versatile acting, fits seamlessly into the role of Mr. Smith. He brings his unique blend of humor, intellect, and charm to the character, making him feel more like an everyman caught up in extraordinary circumstances than the typical suave secret agent. Maya Erskine, whose comedic chops are undeniable, complements Glover perfectly. Her portrayal of Mrs. Smith adds a layer of warmth and strength that keeps the show’s tone from slipping into pure action fare. Together, they balance the tension of their secret lives with moments of true romantic and comedic chemistry.
The writing in Mr. & Mrs. Smith is one of the series' standout features. The plot is peppered with moments of levity that allow the characters to breathe in between action-packed sequences. The script cleverly blends the spy thriller genre with lighthearted moments, creating a unique blend of humor, action, and suspense. Watching Glover and Erskine navigate their increasingly complicated relationship while simultaneously handling dangerous assignments adds a refreshing layer to the series.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of the series is the supporting cast, which includes memorable cameos from Wagner Moura and Parker Posey. Their appearances inject the story with additional depth and humor, and their roles serve to highlight the show’s ability to balance action and character development effectively. While the action may not always be as intense as some might expect from a spy thriller, it is always entertaining, and the cleverness of the writing makes up for it.
While the show occasionally meanders and could benefit from tighter pacing in some episodes, Mr. & Mrs. Smith stands out by keeping its focus on the personal dynamic between its leads. This is a spy series that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to deliver intrigue, tension, and laughs in equal measure. Glover and Erskine’s performances elevate the show, making it a refreshing take on a familiar premise.