‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Review: Decent But Forgettable Experience

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‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ is a highly anticipated American spy comedy TV series launching on February 2, 2024, on Amazon Prime Video. Created by Francesca Sloane and Donald Glover, the show is based on the 2005 film and features Glover and Maya Erskine in leading roles. This television version follows two new spies – played by Glover and Erskine – who are pretending to be married as John and Jane Smith. As the series unfolds, viewers are likely to compare it to the original movie, and differences in how the two are made become apparent. It’s a fresh take on a familiar story, but with its own unique style.

Okay, so the show really centers around John and Jane Smith – they’re basically spies working for some super-secret group, and the catch is they have to pretend to be married while doing it. As things unfold, they start to realize their assignment isn’t as simple as it looks. Honestly though, even taking into account that they’re supposed to be relatively new to the spy game, the series doesn’t quite nail the realistic, gripping feel you’d expect from an espionage thriller. It feels a little…flat, you know? I was hoping for more intrigue, but it just didn’t quite deliver. You can find more details about the show here, if you’re curious.

The action scenes, typically a strong point in spy shows, are unfortunately weak and don’t deliver many exciting or memorable moments. However, the series does offer a fresh perspective by challenging some common spy story conventions, which is a welcome addition.

I have to say, I was a little disappointed by the character interactions in this show. The dynamic between Glover and Erskine just didn’t quite click for me – their chemistry felt really underdeveloped, almost non-existent, and honestly, I often found their characters, John and Jane, a bit unlikable. While both actors gave strong performances individually, the way their relationship unfolded on screen felt so rushed and unrealistic that it ultimately hurt my enjoyment of the show. It’s a shame, because they’re both talented, but the connection just wasn’t there.

I found the story really captivating, and the mysteries were well-thought-out. I surprisingly enjoyed the scenes focused on their missions even more than watching their romantic relationship develop. While the show’s humor is a little understated, the supporting characters are still quite entertaining.

If you’re anticipating that ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ will simply recreate the 2005 film as a TV series, you’ll be surprised. The show has a very different feel and only borrows the basic idea. It’s not as visually exciting, fast-paced, or suspenseful as the original movie, but it presents a more believable look at what that kind of mission might actually be like. If you’re hoping for a show focused on espionage, you’ll likely be let down, and if you’re expecting a romantic comedy, you might also find it lacking. Glover and Erskine don’t quite capture the same on-screen chemistry or the back-and-forth dynamic that Pitt and Jolie had. If you enjoy light, easily digestible spy stories, this is a show you can definitely binge-watch, but don’t go in expecting anything particularly profound.

Score: 5/10

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2025-10-02 09:46