Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s movie came out in 2005. It is an action thriller with two of the biggest movie stars, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The film was based on two spies/assassins who got married, but neither knew what they were doing for work. Eventually, they are assigned to kill each other but can’t do it. Then, a kill order is placed on both of them. It’s your classic box office movie. So when the Mr. and Mrs. Smith show was announced late last year, starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine. You ask yourself the question. How in the world are the two most unlikely actors going to pull off a story made for action movie stars? But they did it, and this show might be one of this year’s best television dramas.
The Story
Mr. and Mrs. Smith show is an entirely different take on the IP. Instead of the couple not knowing they are both spies, they are put together by an anonymous international spy agency. These spies aren’t perfect either; they are novices at best. But the show is more oriented around them being more sleuths and actual spies than action heroes. Also, in this adaption there is much more world building happening. This spy agency is not pure of heart. It makes them do terrible things, and they are in an unbreakable contract with the agency and each other. Till death do you part, you can say. You don’t see who is behind the agency or even know who it is, you just know the name “hihi”. But with God like surveillance and only giving them three chances to succeed or face the consequences. That dynamic and the world building they are developing around this spy agency is going to be interesting to see develop.
this show might be one of this year’s best television dramas.
Where this show excels
The show excels at being authentic. Donald Glover is great at bringing chemistry and authenticity to small moments in his shows, which just sets it apart. Unlike the movie, which they parody in the opening of the show. This is a much more realistic take on being a spy. It takes you through the stages of a relatable relationship. But in the context of being a spy. And also how two different types of psychopaths can come together. But this love story is based around moments of a spy thriller. It mixed with a rom-com as well. But It’s ability to keep its love story at the heart of the show, while balancing all these things makes this show endearing.
Where it could have been better
Is this show perfect? No, like I said, these actors aren’t action stars. In some of the action scenes, you can tell for these actors this isn’t their strong suit. Which is okay, and the show is self-aware of that. For example, Donald Glover’s character has an ashma attack in chase scenes. The ending of the show will be another point of contention for fans. Because it felt like they weren’t sure they would get a second season of this show. Also, the show format is much more dialog-based, and nothing happens until the end of the episodes. It can drag along a bit, leaving the audience waiting for something to happen.
Overall Thoughts
Donald Glover and his team excel at bringing authenticity to the screen. All his shows are always well shot, have great music and comedy, and have a mysterious element. Like most people, I looked at this show and wondered how they would pull this off. Through a love story and chemistry on screen that you want to see more of. A mysterious international spy agency that you want to find out more about. And missions that leave you not knowing what is coming next. This show will get a second season, even though it has not been officially announced yet. And this might be the best show Donald Glover has ever created.
