We’re a few weeks into the new year and the weather across the country has been cool. That might leave you feeling a bit more inclined to relax indoors with a new show. But what of these new shows is worth checking out? With this series, we try to give you all the information you need to make an informed decision. Today, it’s the latest from Apple TV+.
Series: Prime Target
Where to Find It: The first two are now streaming on Apple TV+ with the rest of the eight-episode season dropping Wednesdays.
What’s It About: The latest series comes from writer Steve Thompson, who worked on Doctor Who and Sherlock. It focuses on a British graduate student, Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall), who is a bit of a prickly character but a talented mathematician. At the outset, he’s paired with a new advisor in Professor Robert Mallinder (David Morrissey). They don’t connect at first.
Mallinder is not supportive of the vision for Edward’s work. Later, he invites him to dinner at his house with his partner, Professor Andrea Lavin (Sidse Babett Knudsen), and gets Edward to open up. But when he sees Edward’s research regarding Prime Numbers, he warns him off it and takes the research.
Later, Professor Mallinder disappears after destroying Edward’s work. He begins his quest to figure out what makes his research such a threat and to see how he can get it back before it’s too late. All the while, the students and staff are secretly being monitored by the CIA.
You Should Try It If: You’re a fan of spy thrillers, deep dramas, or the talented cast.
One Man’s Opinion of Prime Target
This is an interesting addition to the Apple TV+ lineup. Some have compared it to a more serious Good Will Hunting, but I don’t think that’s apt. While the central character is a bit of a loner and working on math, the tone here isn’t close to the same. This feels more like a drama that is backing into being a spy tale.
Through the first two episodes, it’s not totally clear where we’re going. There is a deeper mystery and Edward is getting to the bottom of it, but it’s hard to really understand what his work is and what the threat really is. That should get teased out over the rest of the series, but that depends on you hanging in for the whole run.
Woodall is a decent actor, but his icy character isn’t that much of a hook. With a nebulous sort of mystery and no real characters that grab your attention, it’s hard to feel a great connection. This is well produced with some potential, but it’s not instantly going to grab you. It’s more of a slow burn for viewers.