entertainment
You'll thank me later
By Karelle McKay
Published Apr 5, 2024
•
12:00pm
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Apple TV+
As an Entertainment Editor, my job is to report on the current news in Hollywood and recommend shows/movies that are an absolute must-watch. And take it from me: Apple TV+’s newest crime drama, Sugar (starring award-winning actor Colin Farrell), is one of those shows.
The first two episodes of the series are available to watch on Apple TV+ right now. So, what is the show about? Throughout eight episodes, Sugar follows a private detective named John Sugar (Farrell), who is hired to find the missing granddaughter of famous Hollywood producer Jonathan Siegel (James Cromwell).
From its gripping storyline to its unique incorporation of the Old Hollywood aesthetic, Sugar is a show that deserves the top spot on your watch list. But, if you don’t believeme yet, here are two reasons why Sugar should be the next show in your queue.
1. Sugar Is Like a Love Letter to Old Hollywood
The first episode opens with a scene shown entirely in black and white. This particularscene is immediately reminiscent offilm noir crime dramas (like The Big Heat starring Glenn Ford) made in America during the 1940s and’50s. Inthe opening, viewers are first introduced to John Sugar, who finds a missing Japanese childwhowas abducted and held for ransom.After the child reunites with his father, Detective Sugar leaves and walks back to his hotel. As he strolls through the lobby, the entire scene changes from gray to color. Believe me when I tell you I had excitement goosebumps at this point already.
Sugar puts a unique spin on the Neo-noir genre, from its use of the dramatic zoom effect (i.e. to draw the viewer’s attention to a certain object) to the suspenseful music. The show also offers a modern take on the classic “drinking scene” often depicted in Old Hollywood crime dramas. When Sugar sets out to find Jonathan Siegel’s granddaughter, Olivia, he meets a woman named Melanie (played by The Office alum Amy Ryan) in a bar. They get to know each other over a whiskeyneat and cigarettes. Thiswasobviouslya classic trope used in films likeThe Unsuspected(1947) andThe Asphalt Jungle(1950).
Apple TV+
2. John Sugar Is a Very Interesting Character
While yes, the show centers around the “great big mystery” surrounding Olivia’s disappearance, John Sugar is a rather mysterious character himself. After watching the first episode, I pretty much know nothing about this man—well, except for the fact that he’s suffering from an unknown illness that causes blurry vision, dizziness and hallucinations. (You’ll have to watch episode one to know whatI’mtalking about.) Aside from that, Sugar lives a nomad lifestyle, which can get quite lonely. But what made him want to get into this line of business? Did he have a family before becoming a detective? What is his backstory? I have so many questions…
But there wouldn’t be any John Sugar without Colin Farrell. The Irish-born actor, who has starred in movies like The Batman and Pride and Glory, truly brings the character to life with his charisma and strong on-screen presence. Farrell perfectly embodies the self-proclaimed “nice guy” who will stop at nothing to find his missing person. The Hollywood vet really is the star of the show, with the rest of the ensemble cast giving solid performances as well.
Apple TV+
PureWow Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Crime show lovers and movie buffs alike will enjoy watching Apple TV+’s Sugar. It’s a thrilling watch that will keep you glued to your screen from beginning to end. And if the rest of the series is anything like the first episode, then we’re all in for a treat. From its unique storytelling to the heart-pounding action scenes, Sugar is just one of those shows that you won’t regret watching because yeah, it’s that good.
The first two episodes are streaming now on Apple TV+. The rest of the episodes will air weekly until the season finale drops May 17.
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Karelle McKay
Assistant Editor, News And Entertainment
- Covers all things news and entertainment
- Has over 5+ years of reporting on celebrity news and pop culture
- Studied Journalism at Brooklyn College
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