Mr and Mrs Smith, the spy series starring Donald Glover and Maya Erskine, dropped its entire first season today, February 2nd, on Prime Video.
The show is a modern twist on the 2005 hit movie that featured Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie as a spy duo who were also wedded to each other. Glover and Francesca Sloane are the co-creators and executive producers of the show.
The series revolves around John and Jane Smith, two isolated individuals who join a secretive spy organization that gives them a splendid life of adventure, riches, globe-trotting, and a perfect townhouse in New York.
However, there’s a twist. The two have to assume new identities and pretend to be married as Mr and Mrs Smith. The eight episode series will follow the couple as they navigate their relationship along with high-risk missions every week. Things are expected to get more complicated when the two catch real feelings for each other.
The original Mr & Mrs Smith was a box office hit, grossing over $478 million worldwide, but received mixed reviews from critics. The film was praised for its action sequences and the chemistry of its leads, but criticized for its thin plot and lack of character development.
The movie also sparked a media frenzy, as Pitt and Jolie reportedly fell in love on set, leading to the end of Pitt’s marriage to Jennifer Aniston.
The new series, however, has received rave reviews from critics, who say it surpasses the original movie in every way. It even has a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 29 reviews.
Critics have praised Glover and Erskine for their performances, saying they shine both together and individually. Glover, who is also known for his roles in Community and Atlanta, brings his trademark wit and charisma to the role of John Smith, a smooth-talking spy who is also a closeted nerd. Erskine, who is best known for her role in PEN15, plays Jane Smith, a quirky and fearless spy who is also a closeted romantic. The two have an effortless, effervescent chemistry that makes their scenes together a delight to watch.
The Mr and Mrs Smith series is more diverse and inclusive than the movie. It is also not afraid to poke fun at itself and the spy genre, with references to pop culture and meta jokes.
You can watch the trailer below:
