If you’ve found yourself on the fence about checking out the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith series from Amazon, we’re here to let you know that it’s easily worth your precious binge-watching time. Because, for starters, the series feels like a wildly compelling take on a familiar tale of espionage and complex marital dynamics. And considering that it does come from a blockbuster film that’s often recognized as an early ‘00s A-Lister classic, there’s really no denying that the stakes with this streamer adaptation were exceptionally high.

Fortunately for fans of the original film or even the spy-thriller genre in general, the new series has proven its remarkable ability to facilitate a fresh and modern approach, capable of captivating audiences with engaging storylines and charismatic performances.

Palpable Chemistry Between Donald Glover and Maya Erskine

Throughout the first season, the ever-changing, layered chemistry between the two leads (Donald Glover and Maya Erskine) is undeniably strong, drawing viewers into a world of interpersonal, tense-to-comedic secret missions and consistent adventure. As we first meet the duo, there’s a pretty clear line in the sand where there doesn’t appear to be any intention to connect with each other (well, for Jane anyway). However, as you would expect given its ill-fated romantic backdrop, things quickly take a turn and the two develop a desire to assimilate as an actual couple. Or the closest form of partnership you can get as a deadly spy, thus changing the game entirely.

Whether found through a twinge of Glover’s wit or Erskine’s softening stoicism, there’s an admirable effort to bring these two starkly different characters together without ever feeling too forced. And as the duo is written to get more comfortable with one another, the pair plays the transition seamlessly. So regardless of their relationship status, such as their darkest of moments to the duo’s more vulnerable scenes, you can’t help but want to see what’s to come for John and Jane.

Well-Rounded Performances

The seamless blend of action and humor between the newly formed couple (another unique angle that deviates from the film) keeps the series’ magnetic dynamic, ensuring that it never loses momentum. In addition to that crucial element at play, the series introduces viewers to a very contained, but gifted cast of supporting characters, each fleshed out with their own well-curated motivations and conflicts, adding an immersive notion of depth and complexity to the narrative.

In fact, because of that exact attention to character development (including the indescribable charm of Parker Posey), it organically allows for more meaningful connections with the audience than the film offered. Even when you know the rug will be pulled out from under you in a serious tone or conversely, something unexpectedly jovial.

Attention to Detail

Visually, the series hits another homerun, with outstanding cinematography and generally well-executed action sequences that keep viewers teetering between feelings of anxiety and off-kilter, well-paced humor, while regularly establishing noteworthy camera framing, stuntwork technicality, and even set design to fortify the production process as a whole. Something that is imperative to its success given the duo’s new assignments, backdrops, and more.

As a result of that specific, detail-heavy focus on world-building and efficient creative choices, we’re also compelled to admit that it’s one of the streamer’s best (and most underrated) productions so far.

Score: 8/10

Overall, Amazon’s Mr. and Mrs. Smith series certainly subverts expectations with its creative team’s balance of romance, humor, and espionage making it a must-watch for anyone seeking an alluring and entertaining escape. Because, whether you're a fan of the original film or new to the franchise, this one is sure to leave a lasting impression.