Sugar

Since episode 1 I've been intrigued by the mix of different styles and the wonky tone sitting within what on the surface appears to be a modern noir. What's with the mysterious bag of drugs Sugar carries around, why the utter lack of fear and the calmness throughout, the anti-violence and difficulty sleeping, there just seemed to be something else going on. What about the clandestine gathering of 'spies' and the feeling that there was something either supernatural or psychological at play. To think that it is a simple detective show would be to underestimate Colin Farrell and his willingness to take chances. I'm sure it's going to divide people, good. I for one am loving the combination of old school story with a plot twist unlike anything you may have seen before. It's great, it could go in so many directions from here, I'm hooked!

I admit I have a soft spot for private detective drama's whatever the time frame and this looks to be a good one. The genre relies on a strong male lead with some kind of vulnerability and Colin Farrell as Sugar completely embodies the requirement. All the cool you expect from the genre is on display, the car, the suits, the neon, every box ticked. The plot conforms to all the requirements, wealthy man hires private eye to find granddaughter, money is no object, all is not as it seems, dark secrets, etc. The directorial style and cinematography really lift this piece and the referencing to classic noir enhances the look. We're only two episodes in so it could go badly off the rails but as I say, if the reviewer at The Guardian hates it then it is going to be good.

Colin Farrell is simply perfect in this role. Vulnerable yet strong, serious yet fun, and mysterious yet open. Really stellar supporting cast with beautiful scenery of LA. A real trip back in time to the old style self-narrated private directive genre. Apple hasn't disappointed and continues its excellent record of releasing excellent limited series like this one. The only negative is in a world of instant gratification, waiting for a whole week for a new episode is torturous! But this is most certainly work the wait. Finally, I also love the embedded black and white clips from old detective movies throughout. It adds to the intrigue for me.

Interesting to see Colin Farrell so slimmed down. He looks and acts like a 1940s private eye. He really portrays the character like he was born for this role. His accent is perfect, even when speaking Arabic, French Spanish, Japanese or Swahili.

The story is good right from the start and never gets predictable. I like the black and white scenes, the spliced in scenes from old movies, the realistic characters, the quirky story line that keeps you on your toes. The photography is interesting for a TV show. Adam Arkin does a great job directing. Only three episodes in and I'm hooked. One of the best shows on TV today.

Sugar is a new LA noir private detective show that works both as a hommage to the genre and a self serious meta parody with all the cliches imaginable. After 2 episodes it's difficult to tell where it will go but I like it for the moment.

Colin Farrell is great as usual and succeeds in giving gravitas to a character that for the moment is paper thin. We feel he has a past and relationships and traumas and an inner life.

I reserve the right to revise my note according to the evolution of the next episodes. Many shows started great and collapsed very fast (the Apple TV+ Godzilla show for example). Let's wait and see.