‘Lucky’ Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2 Review: Anya Taylor-Joy’s Thrilling Chase
The premiere of ‘Lucky’ aims to leave viewers breathless right from the start, launching into action before the theme song even concludes. Anya Taylor-Joy stars as the titular character, a skilled con artist who wakes up after a ten-million-dollar heist to discover both her husband and the money have vanished. The first two hours unfold as a frantic pursuit through Las Vegas casinos, desert highways, and even a stranger’s kitchen, with two distinct hunters closing in from opposite ends.
Apple’s latest limited series arrives with high expectations, thanks to Jonathan Tropper’s creation, Reese Witherspoon’s production, and Taylor-Joy’s recent role as an action lead in ‘Furiosa’. Adapted from Marissa Stapley’s novel, the show quickly establishes that Lucky is on the run from both an FBI agent named Billie Rand and a crime family eager to reclaim its stolen fortune.
What truly elevates these episodes is the contrasting approach to the two chases. The premiere is packed with adrenaline, featuring costume changes and casino escapades, showcasing a woman who is always thinking several steps ahead. The second episode takes a breather, allowing Lucky to hide out with a typical family in a remote area, revealing that the show has deeper themes beyond just a frantic race.
Taylor-Joy effectively portrays a character who can charm strangers in one moment and grapple with personal guilt in the next. The supporting cast enriches the narrative, adding depth rather than merely serving as obstacles. Timothy Olyphant plays Lucky’s imprisoned father, imparting a warmth that becomes unsettling when you recall his teachings. Annette Bening’s crime boss exudes a chilling elegance, while early glimpses of William Fichtner hint at an even more menacing threat.
However, the opening episodes do experience some wobbling in the expected areas of a show centered on evading capture. Occasionally, the plot requires characters to make convenient leaps of logic to maintain the chase, and some of Lucky’s escapes rely more on momentum than plausibility. This is a minor drawback, but the fast pace often prevents viewers from dwelling on these plot holes before the next crisis unfolds.
Visually, ‘Lucky’ showcases impressive resources, with widescreen cinematography that captures the Nevada desert’s beauty and hostility. The moody Fiona Apple title track sets the tone even before the dialogue begins. The structure, featuring one stranger and one new hideout per episode, provides a satisfying rhythm while maintaining the overarching mystery of Cary and the missing money.
After two episodes, ‘Lucky’ has established a gripping foundation from a premise that could have felt flimsy, anchored by a lead performance that makes every con feel like a high-stakes act. While it occasionally stumbles in plausibility, the momentum, strong cast, and emotional depth surrounding a woman confronting her father’s legacy are more than enough to keep viewers engaged for the next five weeks. I’m giving it 8 out of 10 for this opener, with ample opportunity for the latter half to improve.
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