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If George Pelecanos has Baltimore and Dennis Lehane has Boston, Tafoya is probably the best spotlight for Philadelphia's crime fiction considering the similarities, which is a shame considering he lacks the volume of work the other two have. Nonetheless, Peter Craig does a good job adapting the novel as a series.

Brian Tyree Henry is Ray Driscoll, an intelligent self-taught crook who makes his money as sticking up drug dealers in Philadelphia alongside his best friend, immature dopehead Manny Carvalho. Deciding to go bigger, they recruit ex-convict Rick to act as a third man while robbing a meth lab. The problem? Rick is killed in a gun battle with the cooks and wounds a third woman, who turns out to be an undercover DEA agent. The bigger problem? The meth lab belongs to an outlaw biker gang pushing into Philly's drug trade, and they know both Ray and Manny stole their product.

The cast is good, with Kate Mulgrew standing out as Theresa, the girlfriend of Ray's father and a loving mother figure to Ray, who calls "Ma" without hesitation. However, the DEA side of the series doesn't really mesh well. Marin Ireland is fine but doesn't really feel noteworthy as Mina. She's not emotive as a character except for a few scenes.

People complained about the dialogue, but I like it well enough. It adds to the influence of both The Wire and Lehane's own body of work. Manny cries and freaks out a little too much for me, but nothing seems out of place in spite of that.

Dope Thief's premise is good. A pair of small-time grifters pretend to be DEA agents in order to steal from drug houses and accidentally hit the wrong house, riling up dangerous and powerful people.

The actors are good too, especially Brian Tyree Henry and Kate Mugrew. But the writing just isn't up to par.

It starts well with a good balance of character development and action, and even some dark humor, which vanishes later in the season.

But there are plot twists that seem absurd, dialogue that sounds gratingly screen-written and not natural, and it's a problem that the two protagonists are largely buffeted around by forces beyond their control.

In a more dynamic story, they'd find a way to fight back more than they do. Stories where the protagonists are just trying to survive but are never in control of the narrative tend to wear out their welcome faster. That's okay for a two-hour disaster flick but not a multi-episode series. Wagner Moura's character in particular was a problem. All he seemed to do is cry.

The final episode is a convoluted mess as the writers attempt to tie up the plot threads in a hurried fashion. By the end, it seems like a different and worse series than the beginning.

Note that this isn't an ongoing series but a story that wraps up in one season so there isn't a huge investment to make. I suppose it could continue but it doesn't seem likely. By the time I started to get really fed up with it, the show was over.

Dope Thief is a well produced show, it looks and feels like a movie and has a decent fast pace to keep you interested. But I found myself struggling to stay immersed in its world. The criticisms I've read about bad dialogue are something I don't agree with, it's fine as those are the characters. The problem is more the contrivances to manipulate your buy-in, in terms of how it wants the audience to root for the anti-heroes. They're essentially thieves, putting people at huge risk, yet they of course have to be likeable, big fuzzy well-meaning bears, with Ray looking after his stepmom, a dog and such like. It just seems a bit much. Then of course the implausibility of allowing this newly-released moronic redneck to tag along on a house siege, even giving him a gun, because of course our anti-heroes can't be the ones to actually kill anyone and ruin their 'innocent' status. That was some contrived writing right there.

It feels like it's trying to be a bit Breaking Bad, a bit 90s Tarantino, the gritty gray tones of The Wire - all of which makes it feel slightly dated. But there's also a strange comfort and familiarity in all that, the lack of gimmicks etc makes it an easy, chill watch. So despite its implausibilities it's still definitely worth a watch.

Dope Thief follows a pair of childhood friends who decide that ripping off drug dealers is their golden ticket to easy money. Because, you know, that always ends well. Their plan? Pretend to be DEA agents, steal the stash, and walk away like criminal masterminds. The reality? Well, let's just say things spiral faster than a TikTok conspiracy theory.

I've only watched the first two episodes so far, but I'm already hooked. The story is developing in a fascinating direction, and while I was skeptical about watching it at first, I'm really glad I gave it a shot.

The heart of Dope Thief lies in the dynamic between its two leads, Wagner Moura and Brian Tyree Henry, who deliver outstanding performances. They carry both the dramatic weight and the tension of the series, portraying two deeply flawed but compelling characters. Their chemistry is undeniable, making the emotional core of the story just as gripping as the crime itself.

Visually, Dope Thief maintains the high production value expected from Apple TV. The cinematography is sharp, the pacing is deliberate, and every scene builds tension in a way that keeps you on edge. The show isn't just about crime-it also quietly explores themes of loyalty, survival, and the blurred lines between right and wrong. And, in true Apple TV fashion, it looks incredible while doing it.

Ultimately, Dope Thief is a crime drama that knows exactly what it's doing. It's smartly written, well-acted, and undeniably addictive. If you're into stylish, character-driven crime stories, I think this one is worth your time. This is my take after two episodes, and I'm definitely sticking around to see where it goes.

Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura deliver an amazing performance in Dope Thief. They are like virtuoso violinists, transitioning from one scene to another with remarkable skill. The story is engaging; however, the TV series incorporates too many elements simultaneously, making it feel overly chaotic. Yes, it belongs to the crime genre, but it feels like a well-crafted dessert overwhelmed by excessive sauce.

Character development focuses almost entirely on Ray (Brian Tyree Henry), while the other characters could have been explored more deeply. Supporting roles are relegated mostly to the background, which feels like a missed opportunity. I find it frustrating when a series fails to surpass the standard despite having all the ingredients for success.

Although I've criticized the series on these points, I still recommend watching it. It's a good TV series-but it had the potential to be even better.

Dope Thief is even better than I expected it to be and I expected it to be really good. Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura are great in just about everything they've ever been in and Dope Thief is no different. In fact, it might be their best work for the both of them. The only negative about Apple shows are they release them one every week and a show this good you're going to want to watch the next episode the second you're done with the one you're watching. Dope Thief reminds me of The Wire on how it shows how crime impacts every socioeconomic level. I'm not saying this is as good as The Wire, not much is, but it's still very good in its own right. I definitely recommend you give this a try...I promise you won't be disappointed.

The episodes have been keeping our attention. It's full of action and a few funny moments as well. The dialogues between the two main actors are well-crafted. Wagner Moura's performance is a standout, reinforcing his reputation as a versatile and talented actor. His ability to convey emotion, whether through subtle facial expressions, elevates the entire production. It's even more impressive considering that he is performing in languages that are not his mother tongue, yet he delivers with remarkable authenticity.

This adds an extra layer of admiration for his craft, proving once again that talent transcends language barriers.

This is a series that delivers on multiple levels-action, humor, and amazing performances. It's definitely worth watching.

This just gets going right away. The scenes are all high octane fun, but the plot just gets way too crazy. So many loose ends and just completely far fetched possibilities from all angles. It's worth watching if you can turn your brain off, and just enjoy the action. These new shows have just so much endless crime and killing it makes no sense that there are even parts with actual police doing police work. I enjoy most of the characters and will watch it till the end, but I already have a good idea where it will end up. I don't want to put any spoilers so I will just say it's a wild ride so far.

I seem to say this about all of Apple TV+ series that come out but Dope Thief was terrific. Apple TV just continues to pump out hit after hit and this is no different. Dope Thief follows two lifelong friends (Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura) as they pose as DEA agents to rob drug houses. That is until they hit the wrong people that have life and death consequences. They accidentally hit the biggest narcotics corridor on the Eastern Seaboard. I can't say enough about the performances that Henry and Moura put in here, especially Henry, I'd be shocked if he or both aren't nominated for awards come award season. This show will keep you on the edge of your seat and you're going to want to binge it as quickly as possible.

Another Apple polished turd. This is yet another Apple TV show that looks great, sounds great, has great acting, but is completely ruined by idiotic writing. The first few episodes are good but you can start to spot a couple foolish scenes. By episode 4 it's completely off the rails with a senseless and naive "action" scene with some sort of insane clown posse group. The characters start acting completely erratic and become very annoying. It's unfortunate because it has a great premise and I like these kinds of drug shows. By something about most Apple TV shows just seems so stereotypical and formulaic.

It a crime series that feels like rich people are writing about how it's like to be poor.

Wagner Moura is such a bad actor in this!! I've seen him in other movies and I really liked him. Especially his Brazilian films. But in this series, He is on the list of why this interesting concept got drowned by probably people having no go reason making this show. It a crime series that feels like rich people are writing about how it's like to be poor. I had to write that sentence me more time. The action in this is ridiculous. Crime dramas need to have a sense of organic reality to them. Either that or bonkers hyper unrealistic that is highly stylistic.

But this is either. It's trying to be a realistic crime drama without the grit and lack on any humor. The two main characters are horribly cast. Parts of the story that goes nowhere, bad editing that skips parts and doesn't flow well.

I'm only 3 episodes in and this is definitely a season I want to finish but the characters are annoying. Big time annoying! It is intense in the way I like for sure. The acting is solid. Love Brian Tyree Henry. My biggest issue with this series is Ray and Manny make the dumbest moves which is kind of realistic cause men with this kind of life trauma and substance abuse problems can definitely have diminished executive functioning and attachment issues that influence sound decision making... which is the only way to explain their stupidity during this series. It's just annoying to go on this journey with them.

A good mix of tense expletive filled crime scenes with some comedic moments and dialogue.

People giving really low ratings just don't get the show. It's meant to be grubby, gritty, downmarket and low end crime, and comedy coming from the mistakes the leading duo make. Call it a dark comedy in some ways.

Surely the title gives this away. "Dope Thief".

Think Cocaine Bear type of title and the premise that gives to the movie.

The tension across the first 3 episodes is great, and a lot of the dialogue very quick and quick witted. Also a dark look at the poorer end of life in the suburbs of a large US city, with people doing what they have to do to get by, much of it very illegal.

Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura were all I needed to press play. Their past work had earned my trust. Add Ving Rhames - the legendary Marsellus Wallace himself - and this felt like a sure thing. Episode one delivered: a mystery wound tight, the pace relentless, the action precise. It pulled me in and refused to let go.

But somewhere around the third episode, the wheels started to wobble. The story lost its focus, drifting from thread to thread, unsure where it was heading. The sharp edges dulled. The bite vanished. Momentum collapsed into a slow, heavy crawl.

By the time the final episode arrived, whatever tension the series had built was long gone. Answers were tossed out carelessly, long after anyone cared to ask the questions. A promising start crumbled into a tedious, disappointing finish.

This came on after I was watching Severance otherwise I would never have watched it. And it's not too bad. There's a lot of going on in the first two episodes. It's action and shootout heavy. But the characters are likeable. So far.

The scenery, lighting, camera work, locations are great IF you like that sort of grainy, grungy look for the most part. I do, so for me I loved that aspect. I'll be going back to see more of the sets for sure.

Hard to tell where it's going. Hopefully the pace slows a little: less gun fights, more character driven storyline. Time will tell. It's worth the first two episodes.

**TV Review: A Show with Potential, Marred by Unnecessary Noise**

This show had the potential to be a solid 8 or 9. Unfortunately, the writers decided to replace meaningful dialogue between the main characters with incessant and awful screaming in nearly every scene. It's almost unbearable and detracts from what could have been compelling interactions. Additionally, there are unnecessary antics and silly exchanges between the mom and son that feel out of place and forced.

That said, the backstory is genuinely interesting. As the series progresses and the noise between the main characters (hopefully) subsides, viewers might finally be able to focus on the actions and the unfolding plot. If the show can tone down the screaming and refine its character interactions, it could still redeem itself and become the engaging series it has the potential to be.

This series was unexpectedly outstanding! I had to take breaks in between episodes b/c of how heavy it was at times - but for me to be that affected by something I'm watching on a screen says A LOT about the quality of the series. I HATED the ending; the story deserved something more thought out. But the cast for this show were amazing! Many were new to me, but not new in the entertainment industry; I'm excited to watch more of their work! (And as an aside: those in LE hate the 'quippy' interrogation scenes. We don't talk like that. At least we don't on the west coast. Maybe it's an east coast thing....? But it was cringy at times. So cheesy.....)

Messy is a perfect Word to describe the start of this tv-show... Extremely rushed first episode... rushed plot, rushed character introductions and cringey dialogue... Im also not a big fan of the depressingly dark and gray color-grading to say the least...

Nonetheless, its not all bad... some decent acting and Even though its a rushed first episode it is a decent setup to what at least could be an entertaining crime-drama.

If you are looking for something with depth however, this is probably not for you. I would recommend any of the HBO/Max crime-dramas or tv-shows like Severance, Black Bird and Silo if you are a new subscriber to Apple tv+

6.5/10 (could change after more episodes come out)

Wow! The first two episodes are out now and I'm really impressed: Finally a good crime series again!

The camerawork is superb, the colors realistic and matte, not prettified, but just as dreary and run-down as reality sometimes is. The sound is very well done and plays a major role. The story develops rapidly, at least in the first two episodes, and gives you a desire for more. And so far, the main actors are also absolutely convincing. In short: everything fits here. The mood is a little dark, but there is simply too much going on here to become depressing. We get to see two actually quite likeable petty criminals who are drawn into a story that seems a little too big for them ...

First of all, I have to say that as a Brazilian, I watched this series because of Wagner Moura. And I can say that I enjoyed it, especially the first episode, which showed us that the series had strong potential for the following episodes. However, after watching it until the end, I can say that unfortunately, it started to have some problems in its development, especially from the middle to the end, and the series seemed to change a lot in many aspects.

Talking about the cast, I have to say that Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, as the main characters, were excellent. I really enjoyed their performances, and it was amazing to see the two of them together doing such a great job. They truly made us feel the pain of their characters and how difficult the situations were that their characters got themselves into, and mainly how was strong their relationship.

As I mentioned, this series had great potential. It had exciting action scenes, moments that were both funny and scary at times - it was really good. But by the end, you can clearly see how much it changed and lost some of its quality. You notice that when a character who was being hunted by the police suddenly starts helping them, and in the way Wagner Moura's character's fate was written - which I felt was not well developed.

Still, it can be a good option to watch, as long as you're aware that the series has some issues with the screenplay and its development, and that it loses some of its magic over time.