‘Duster’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.
Landing on Max with its first episode on May 13th (followed by one weekly through July 3rd), ‘Duster’ represents two returns to TV for veterans of classic mystery box drama ‘Lost’ –– co-creator J.J. Abrams and leading ensemble member Josh Holloway.
oSoTz4BxMZxGBdNqggRb17Yet while their new series does come with a couple of mysteries driving the plot, this is really more about the easygoing, rugged charm of its main man, and an appealingly laidback (when not kicking into higher, more violent gear for semi-regular confrontations).
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Initial Thoughts
With Abrams here working alongside LaToya Morgan (a veteran of series such as ‘The Walking Dead,’ ‘Into the Badlands’ and ‘Parenthood,’ ‘Duster’ gives off the vibe of a 1970s crime series, and not just because of its sunbaked seventies setting.
It’s not exactly aiming to be high art, it just wants to entertain, and for the most part is successful in that endeavor, beyond some caveats we’ll explore below.
Script and Direction
Abrams and Morgan kick the season off with the first two episodes and are mostly occupied setting things up in the early going, introducing us to Holloway’s Jim Ellis, and content to sometimes coast on the actor’s considerable charm and rugged (if this days a little more weather-beaten and lined) good looks.
Still, the creators don’t just have that on their minds; there is more to this new show. Ellis lives in the shadow of his late brother, a fellow charisma factory who died mysteriously when the van he was driving for a crime syndicate exploded.
These days, Jim mostly occupies himself –– when he isn’t bedding attractive women –– with running errands in his cherry red 1970 Plymouth Duster for Ezra (Keith David), head of the criminal outfit who is struggling to maintain his grip on territory as others encroach, and worried about his family, especially ailing Royce (Benjamin Charles Watson), whose health factors into the first episode’s speedy set piece.
On the other side of the law (not that Jim’s portrayed as a total criminal, just working for one) we have fresh-faced FBI agent Nina (Rachel Hilson), who has an agenda of her own and an axe to grind against Ezra.
Nina also faces the reality of 1970s society –– she’s a black woman who must put up with both racism and sexism even despite making it through Quantico and with serious smarts and gusto to back up her badge.
If there are problems with the series on the scripting side it’s that too many episodes fall back on an annoying in media res format (we’d caution you not to start a drinking game based on how many feature an “hours ago” chyron lest you damage vital organs) and the main mystery, part of what Nina is assigned to, doesn’t always work as well as the rest. But it’s still more satisfying than some of Abrams’ past work.
Visually, the show (set mostly in Phoenix, but shot in New Mexico) is sumptuous, and directors Steph Green and Darren Grant keep the pace and tone on track, pulling off some effectively entertaining vehicular stunts and bone-crunching clashes.
It’s interesting to note that the ever-busy Abrams didn’t choose to direct any episodes, yet does contribute beyond his producer duties by getting back to one his old trademarks and crafting the period-appropriate and hard-charging theme for the show, which plays over a fun animated model car sequence that is like Hot Wheels for grown-ups.
Cast and Performances
Holloway might not have been away from TV work as long as Abrams –– he’s been in a few shows here and there in the days since ‘Lost,’ but this feels like the highest-profile project built around him to happen along in a good while.
And he’s certainly up to the task, making Jim an easy character to like, but also giving him some deeper, darker layers as he digs into what happened to his brother. His chemistry with Hilson (non-romantic, which is a nice change) and David in particular is palpable.
For her part, Hilson should hopefully break out for this role, as she brings real energy to Nina, a woman caught between her ambitions and the reality of the world she lives in. She’s excellent in the part, just as comfortable taking down racist idiots as she is working with Navajo FBI partner Awan (Asivak Koostachin).
Keith David can play this sort of crime lord part in his sleep, but here he’s fully engaged as Ezra, who has a connection to Jim’s past and a stranglehold on local trading routes. David is always impressive on screen, and here he commands our attention.
Around the leads is a compelling group including the aforementioned Awan, Jim’s dad Wade (played superbly by Corbin Bernsen) and because no Abrams project would be complete without him, Greg Grunberg, who gets a solid supporting role as Nina’s immediate superior, the officious and occasionally smug agent Abbott. Donal Logue, meanwhile is at first almost unrecognizable as shady Sergeant Groomes, who gives Jim some early hassle.
Final Thoughts
‘Duster’ won’t rev itself into the TV hall of fame any time soon, but it’s diverting enough, full of fast cast, fun crimes and Holloway on full leading man mode, all drawl and lead foot on the gas.
The central mysteries work to keep the plot idling along, but it’s the people you’ll want to keep spending time with.
What’s the plot of ‘Duster’?
‘Duster’ is set in the 1970s Southwest and explores the life of a gutsy getaway driver for a growing crime syndicate that goes from dangerous to wildly, stupidly dangerous when a tenacious young agent comes into town hellbent on taking his crime family down.
Who stars in ‘Duster’?
- Josh Holloway
- Rachel Hilson
- Keith David
- Sydney Elisabeth
- Greg Grunberg
- Donal Logue
- Camille Guaty
- Asivak Koostachin
- Adriana Aluna Martinez
- Benjamin Charles Watson
List of Movies and TV shows from J.J. Abrams:
- ‘Forever Young’ (1992)
- ‘Gone Fishin” (1997)
- ‘Armageddon’ (1998)
- ‘Felicity’ (1998)
- ‘Joy Ride’ (2001)
- ‘Alias’ (2001)
- ‘Lost’ (2004)
- ‘Mission: Impossible III’ (2006)
- ‘Fringe’ (2008)
- ‘Star Trek’ (2009)
- ‘Undercovers’ (2010)
- ‘Super 8’ (2011)
- ‘Person of Interest’ (2011)
- ‘Alcatraz’ (2012)
- ‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ (2013)
- ‘Almost Human’ (2013)
- ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ (2015)
- ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’ (2019)
