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'Duster': A Muscle Car Crime Drama with an Identity Crisis | Remarkably Bright Creatures: A heartwarming tale of connection | Dana White Calls Out Diddy as 'Rudest' Celebrity | Colbert's 'Kids Pitch' Creates 'Evening Island' Late-Night Show | Erin Murphy Reveals Details About Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York's Relationship After 'Bewitched' | Kevin McEnroe Forgives Tatum O'Neal in 'Dear Tatum' Essay | Eric Church: Nashville Roots, Super Bowl Unity, and Brother's Impact | 'R.J. Decker' Starring Scott Speedman Renewed for Season 2 by ABC | Johnny Depp's Transformation as Scrooge: A Holiday Comeback | 'Duster': A Muscle Car Crime Drama with an Identity Crisis | Remarkably Bright Creatures: A heartwarming tale of connection | Dana White Calls Out Diddy as 'Rudest' Celebrity | Colbert's 'Kids Pitch' Creates 'Evening Island' Late-Night Show | Erin Murphy Reveals Details About Elizabeth Montgomery and Dick York's Relationship After 'Bewitched' | Kevin McEnroe Forgives Tatum O'Neal in 'Dear Tatum' Essay | Eric Church: Nashville Roots, Super Bowl Unity, and Brother's Impact | 'R.J. Decker' Starring Scott Speedman Renewed for Season 2 by ABC | Johnny Depp's Transformation as Scrooge: A Holiday Comeback

Entertainment / TV

'Duster': A Muscle Car Crime Drama with an Identity Crisis

HBO's new series, 'Duster,' attempts to blend muscle car action with a serious crime drama set in 1970s Arizona. While it has potential, the show struggles to find its identity, resulting in a tonally inconsistent experience.

A zippy episode of Duster steps on Elvis' blue suede shoes
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'Duster': A Muscle Car Crime Drama with an Identity Crisis Image via AV Club

Key Insights

  • 'Duster' is set in 1972 Phoenix, Arizona, and follows getaway driver Jim Ellis (Josh Holloway) and rookie FBI agent Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson) as they try to take down crime boss Ezra Saxton (Keith David).
  • The series struggles to decide if it's a lighthearted muscle car caper or a serious drama addressing racism within the FBI.
  • The character of Nina Hayes is criticized for relying on the 'Strong Female Black Woman' trope, with her experiences of racism feeling superficial and easily overcome.
  • Jim Ellis, while well-acted, lacks the grit and recklessness expected of a criminal character.

In-Depth Analysis

'Duster' presents an interesting premise with its 1970s setting, cool cars, and crime drama elements. However, the show's inconsistent tone and shallow character development prevent it from reaching its full potential.

The car chases and action sequences, like the bowling alley fight and the heist at Elvis Presley's house, provide moments of entertainment. Yet, these are often overshadowed by awkward preachiness and a lack of stylistic flair.

Nina Hayes' character, intended to address racism within the FBI, falls flat. Her encounters with racism seem cartoonish, and her ability to overcome them effortlessly undermines the intended message.

Jim Ellis also suffers from a lack of depth. Despite Holloway's solid performance, the character lacks the necessary edge and complexity to be a convincing criminal. The show needed to commit to one direction, either a dark, serious drama or a zany, escapist fantasy, but it tries to be both and fails to fully realize either.

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FAQ

What is 'Duster' about?

'Duster' is an HBO series set in 1972 Arizona, following a getaway driver and an FBI agent as they try to take down a crime boss.

What are the main criticisms of 'Duster'?

The show suffers from tonal inconsistency, shallow character development, and a superficial portrayal of racism.

Takeaways

  • 'Duster' has potential with its 1970s setting and crime drama elements, but it struggles to find its identity.
  • The show's inconsistent tone and shallow character development prevent it from reaching its full potential.
  • While there are entertaining moments, the series fails to deliver a cohesive and impactful narrative.

Discussion

What do you think of 'Duster'? Share your thoughts on the show's strengths and weaknesses! Share this article with others who might be interested in the series!

Sources

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