Hold onto your seats, because Apple TV+'s latest crime drama, "Lucky," starring everybody's favorite chameleon, Anya Taylor-Joy, is about to give you a serious cardio workout. This show is launching on Wednesday, and if the first three episodes are any indication, we're in for an "all gas, no brakes" ride. Think white-knuckle chases, sleek style, and enough adrenaline to power a small city, all with Taylor-Joy leading the charge as a tough-as-nails but surprisingly vulnerable protagonist.
We first meet Lucky knee-deep in a Vegas celebration with her husband, Cary (Drew Starkey), fresh off a sweet $10 million heist. But the party quickly screeches to a halt when Cary vanishes with the loot, leaving Lucky holding the very literal (and very hot) bag. Now, she's got the FBI and the furious criminals they ripped off breathing down her neck. Good thing Lucky is practically a human Houdini. It's genuinely thrilling to watch her duck, weave, and narrowly escape every single pursuit, constantly underestimated by her would-be captors (one henchman actually asks, "How can someone so small cause so much trouble?").
A Hybrid of Your Favorite Thrillers
If you're getting "The Fugitive" vibes, you're not wrong. Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor steps into the Tommy Lee Jones role as the no-nonsense FBI Agent Rand, hot on Lucky's trail. But there's also a definite "Run Lola Run" energy, particularly in the relentless pacing and punk-rock attitude – maybe it's Lucky's hair, maybe it's the sheer kinetic force of it all. And for those who miss the desert grit and dark humor of "Breaking Bad," you'll find echoes here, too. (Shout-out to Jonathan Tropper from "Your Friends & Neighbors," who's the creator and co-showrunner.) But let's be real, the action sequences are where "Lucky" truly shines. Get ready for jaw-dropping stunts and escapes so daring – like a ridiculously dangerous tussle in a speeding car – that you'll be gasping right alongside Lucky.
Sure, when Lucky finally gets a second to breathe, the show's pace eases up a touch. But even the non-action-packed scenes pack a punch. The dialogue is sharp, hard-boiled, and oozes with bravado and sarcasm. Every conversation feels like a verbal arm-wrestling match. Annette Bening is clearly having a ball as Priscilla, the ruthless crime boss who runs her empire with quiet luxury, complete with guiding her horse back to the stable while, you know, someone's being tortured nearby. And here's the best part: these characters are smart. They don't make dumb decisions just to keep the plot churning, which is a common pitfall for shows in this genre.
Taylor-Joy and Olyphant Bring the Heat
Anya Taylor-Joy, with her striking features and regal vibe, isn't exactly built for blending in (even a hoodie can't hide her supermodel status). Yet, Lucky somehow manages to slip through the cracks, charming and conning her way into people's lives. Taylor-Joy truly delivers here, making us feel every nerve-wracking moment of the chase and every fleeting wave of relief when Lucky finds temporary safety. And let's not forget Timothy Olyphant, who gets some standout moments as Lucky's imprisoned dad, Jack. Turns out, he's the one who schooled her in the art of thievery, dropping pearls of wisdom like, "Trust no one."
The show's episodic structure actually works surprisingly well. Each week, Lucky encounters a new stranger, transforming herself like a chameleon to fit her surroundings, all while we slowly piece together the past mistakes she's desperately trying to outrun. A seven-episode limited series feels just right for this story. Honestly, our hearts probably couldn't handle much more!
The Sippin' After Hours Hot Take: Apple TV+'s "Lucky" is a high-octane thrill ride, supercharged by an absolutely killer performance from Anya Taylor-Joy. Get ready to sweat!
