Apple TV’s 'Lucky': Anya Taylor-Joy Shines in Entertaining But Flawed Thriller Series

Anya Taylor-Joy's latest endeavor, 'Lucky,' is a thrilling series that showcases her acting prowess. This crime drama, based on Marissa Stapley's bestselling novel of the same name, follows the story of Luciana 'Lucky' Armstrong, a con artist trained by her father. With a talented cast, including Drew Starkey and Annette Bening, 'Lucky' promises an engaging ride, but like any ride, it has its ups and downs.

At its core, 'Lucky' is a series about the complexities of family relationships, particularly the father-daughter bond. Lucky's dad, John Armstrong, resides in prison, but his influence still lingers over his daughter. Through a series of flashbacks, we see John sharing his expertise on how to relieve people of their money or property with a younger Lucky. This teaches her valuable skills, but also sets her on a path of hustling and running. In the present, Lucky finds herself in a precarious situation, having just stolen $10 million with her husband, Cary. When the money goes missing, Lucky is left to navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, all while trying to protect herself from the law and the underworld.

As an executive producer and star of the series, Anya Taylor-Joy brings her signature spark to the role of Lucky. Her electric performance is the highlight of the series, making her character relatable and likable, even when she's committing questionable acts. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with standout performances from Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor and Clifton Collins Jr. However, the run-of-the-mill plot and dialogue sometimes allow the viewer's attention to wander. When the series slows down, the excitement of the high-stakes drama is lost, leaving viewers checking their watches.

The series, created by Jonathan Tropper, starts strong, with the first episode, 'No Shortcuts,' debuting alongside the second episode, 'Make 'Em Dance.' The introduction of Lucky as she's running between semitrailers is a thrilling way to kick off the series. We then cut to black, leaving the audience eager to find out what happens next. Unfortunately, the momentum gained in the first episode falters as the series approaches its conclusion. The high-stakes climax, while suspenseful, has some characters making decisions that are hard to swallow.

Despite its flaws, 'Lucky' remains an engaging and entertaining watch, especially thanks to its talented cast. Anya Taylor-Joy's portrayal of Lucky is electric, and her character's likability makes it easy to root for her, even when she's making questionable choices. As the series winds down, viewers are left wondering what will happen next, and the anticipation is palpable. With its fascinating premise and star-studded cast, 'Lucky' is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and Anya Taylor-Joy.

In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Jonathan Tropper discussed the inspiration behind 'Lucky,' stating, 'I was interested in exploring the complexities of family relationships and how they shape us.' He also talked about the importance of creating a likable lead character, saying, 'I think it's essential to make your protagonist relatable and likable, even when they're doing questionable things.' These sentiments are reflected in the series, which masterfully weaves together the intricate web of Lucky's relationships and her journey as a con artist.

With 'Lucky,' Jonathan Tropper solidifies his standing as a talented writer and showrunner. His ability to craft a compelling narrative and create relatable characters is evident throughout the series. As the show comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of satisfaction, if not a few unanswered questions. The excitement generated by the thriller series is undeniable, and its conclusion leaves us looking forward to what's next from Tropper and his team.