Apple’s streaming platform, TV Plus, just premiered an exciting crime show, ‘Dope Thief.’ This gripping series has generally met and in some cases, exceeded anticipated standards. Although it doesn’t topple the top-rated programs of the year, such as ‘Paradise’ and ‘The Pitt,’ the show has definitely found its place in my top series list. These high expectations were not without foundation.
‘Dope Thief’ enjoys remarkable pedigree, with Scott Free Productions as its producer and Peter Craig, the writer of ‘The Town,’ penning the scripts. Once this information is disclosed, the resemblance between ‘Dope Thief’ and ‘The Town’ becomes apparent. Central to both plots are failing heists while the city serves as a dominant backdrop. Therefore, it’s fair to say that the series has made a resounding splash in the entertainment world.
As an ex-resident of North Philly, the show immediately resonated with me once the characters began speaking in the region’s distinct accent, using unique vocabulary such as ‘jawn’ and ‘youse.’ The series successfully captures the vibe of the city, which adds an extra layer of authenticity to its crime thriller genre.
‘Dope Thief’ features Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura as primary leads, playing the roles of Ray and Manny, respectively. They’re compelling as two Philadelphia residents who con low-level narcotics transactions under the pretense of being DEA agents. Their captivating actions drive the narrative, providing a thrilling ride that gains momentum with each episode.
Despite the narrative’s slight propensity for disjointedness due to numerous flashbacks and a secondary plot focused on liberating Ray’s father from jail, these aspects do not distract from the overall plot. Instead, these side stories add depth to the narrative and characters, enriching the viewers’ engagement.
The genuine portrayal of Philly’s linguistic quirks and idioms certainly contributes to the series’ charm, but it’s Brian Tyree Henry’s compelling performance that plays a pivotal role in drawing the audience. While the show initially gives the impression that it equally centers on both Ray and Manny, after watching the first two episodes, one realizes that it’s predominantly about Ray.
Throughout the series, everything gravitates towards Ray’s character, making him the focal point of the narrative. There’s a tricky balancing act that Henry must manage as he navigates between Ray’s constant need to lighten intense situations with humor and his dramatic performance as the protagonist.
In the inaugural episode, Ray bolsters his character’s complexity by effortlessly switching between cracking jokes whilst robbing drug dealers at gunpoint and dissolving into tears in a lawyer’s office by the end of the episode two — a striking display of emotional range and fluidity.
‘Dope Thief’ is unafraid to pile up the body count rapidly, with one of many cold-blooded scenes detailed as a character getting crushed between a box truck and a dumpster before being run over by the same truck.
Although the show exhibits exceptional elements, it’s not without its imperfections. The gripping moments of intense action are occasionally interrupted by flashbacks into Ray’s history, which may occasionally disrupt the narrative flow.
Furthermore, the ultimate success of the repeated flashbacks as a narrative device remains to be seen. Despite these minor setbacks, ‘Dope Thief’ delivers a raw and realistic glimpse into the underworld and is a must-watch for any enthusiast of gritty crime dramas.
For those in search of a captivating, street-tinged crime narrative, ‘Dope Thief’ deserves a robust recommendation. The initial two episodes have already been launched on AppleTV plus, with future episodes set to release on a weekly basis every Friday until the 25th of April.