Dope Thief

It can sometimes be hard to watch, because of the violence and the hopelessness. But everything about it is just so good. Real characters in a real environment. And great acting.

Two episodes into Dope Thief, you can't not feel fully invested. It's the perfect mix of tomfoolery and action, with significant stakes attached and a decent human backstory that doesn't inspire dread intermittently flashing in the background (and even in the foreground). Just imagine if they put Omar Little and co. in the Justified universe.

Brian Tyree Henry & Wagner Moura play best friends who pose as DEA agents to rob low-level drug dealers. When one raid goes wrong, they end up in deep and on the run from a dangerous cartel. Thru it all, their friendship forms the core of the story. There are other subplots that complicate matters, like the police and gangsters in pursuit. Although both are strong, Henry, who was a standout of “Atlanta,” anchors the film with his quietly forceful and occasionally humorous character. As his father, Ving Rhames is a powerful presence, while Kate Mulgrew adds a spiky stepmother. The primary writer/director is Peter Craig (“Top Gun: Maverick,” “The Batman”), although Ridley Scott helmed the first episode. There are a few moments of action, but this much more about the complications and characters. As with many series, this one could benefit from fewer and tighter episodes. According to those who’ve seen more, there are some upcoming surprises, but that’s expected in most shows now. Henry’s performance is the pivotal force and the primary reason to watch this otherwise average drug-related series. (Review based on 4 out of 8 one-hour episodes)

Kate Mulgrew was very good, such a wonderful actor. The first episodes are good but then it's super annoying and go nowhere, bad writing. :/

Really bad drama overall, with a few redundant episodes, poor writing, some plot holes, farfetched stories and nonsensical action shots. The first episode is watchable, after that do not waste your time watching this series. I watched the 7th episode last night and it was as bad as the 6th was! Utter waste of time. On a positive note: Great performances from Brian Tyree Henry, Dustin Nguyen, Amir Arison and Marin Ireland. (they carry the series and hold it together).