Thomas Storai 
“Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a pleasant surprise, it’s a thrilling and fun remake that does its own thing. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine have an amazing on-screen chemistry!”
Mr. & Mrs. Smith is Donald Glover’s latest series. It’s based on the 2005 hit film of the same name. The 8-episode series is streaming now on Prime Video.
THE PREMISE
Two strangers are hired by a mysterious spy agency who gives them new identities and an arranged marriage. John Smith (Donald Glover) and Jane Smith (Maya Erskine) now live in a luxurious house in New York. They have to adjust to their new life while working on high-risk missions every week.
STORY
Mr. & Mrs. Smith is quite different from the film it is based on. It’s not a remake that tries to tell the same story again. Instead, it does its own thing. And that is something we should see more often with remakes. There is absolutely no point in doing the same thing again with a new cast. However, when you take something existing and from there create something new, now that’s interesting and worth watching.
Having the two characters working together from the start as spies for the same agency and being married while not knowing each other is an exciting story for a series. With 8 episodes, it takes its time to develop the relationship between John and Jane. As they start to catch real feelings for each other, this also influences their work. In fact, both their work and relationship are intertwined. Their work is a mission per episode, this follows a standard series format. But, it doesn’t feel formulaic. Indeed, the missions are so different from one another that each time, it’s an unexpected adventure. From spying on a couple in the snowy mountains to protecting someone in Lake Como, it comes with plenty of thrills. Each episode has its own self-contained story while also moving forward the overall storyline between John and Jane.
Donald Glover who created the series with Francesca Sloane has a comedic style that you can feel throughout the series. The sharp and witty dialogue and the often awkward situations are a nice counterbalance to the more dramatic elements. It knows when to be serious and when to have a fun time. This series has a good mix of romance, comedy, drama, and action. Moreover, these two characters are not your usual spies, there is a human dimension to them which makes you feel closer to them than James Bond who is all classy. It adds to the charm of this series. Undoubtedly, it is a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know what to expect but it left me extremely satisfied.
CAST
Originally, Phoebe Waller-Bridge had the role of Jane and I can’t stop wondering what the series would have been with her. The banter she had with Donald Glover in Solo: A Star Wars Story was super fun. However, Maya Erskine took over the role. And it’s not a bad thing, far from it. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine have an amazing on-screen chemistry. They just go so well together. The way they look at each other and the way they interact make their characters a natural couple. Sometimes, they can communicate with just a look, it says everything.
On top of that, the series features a delightful guest star cast that includes Sarah Paulson, John Turturro, Paul Dano, Ron Perlman, Alexander Skarsgård, and Michaela Coel. Out of these, John Turturro delivers the wildest performance. However, Sarah Paulson is quite funny as a couple’s therapist too. Her line delivery and some of her facial reactions are priceless. It’s maybe Michaela Coal who disappointed me or should I say the role that she was given. She is a comedy genius, so there was a lot of potential in having her with Glover and Erskine. Unfortunately, the role she plays doesn’t allow her to explore that potential.
The most surprising performance among the guest stars is Ron Perlman. He plays a grumpy character who is probably not a good guy and yet he manages to make you care for him. It wouldn’t surprise me if some of the guest stars earned an Emmy nomination because this would be well-deserved.
VISUALS & SOUNDTRACK
Furthermore, Mr. & Mrs. Smith showcases the beauty of the mundane life in New York. But it also goes way beyond this wonderful city. One episode sends the characters to the snowy Italian Dolomites which is a great setting for a spy mission. While another transports us to Lake Como (Star Wars fans will recognize this one). It is a breathtaking place in Italy that makes for a captivating car chase and pursuit sequence. The series makes full use of its great environments capturing the best of these places. Finally, David Fleming has composed a good music score. There is a mysterious vibe to it that fits the spy aspect of the series and Glover’s humorous style.
VERDICT
Mr. & Mrs. Smith is a pleasant surprise, it’s a thrilling and fun remake that does its own thing. Donald Glover and Maya Erskine have an amazing on-screen chemistry! The series also features a delightful guest star cast.
All episodes of Mr. & Mrs. Smith are streaming now on Prime Video.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
