Dope Thief (Apple TV+) 

By: Rachel Brodeur

Apple TV’s Dope Thief is a fast-paced action series made for those who like to root for the antihero. The two central characters, lifelong friends from Pennsylvania, Ray and Manny, played by Brian Tyree Henry (Atlanta) and Wagner Moura (Narcos), like to see themselves akin to the fabled Robinhood. They are stealing from the rich and giving to the poor, meaning themselves. 

The moral dilemma of the series might rest on one’s ability to justify the commission of a crime. It may not be the proverbial loaf of bread to feed a starving family, but stealing from drug dealers doesn’t seem that wrong. They pull off their heists by posing as DEA agents and taking from those who shouldn’t have the money in the first place. However, like any good action series, worlds of crime are complex and plans to get rich quick are not as simple as they seem, and Ray and Manny’s tolerance for wrongdoing quickly snowballs. 

The buddy relationship between Ray and Manny is fun to watch. Their chemistry on screen creates characters that seem like they have a history, and they bring life and depth to each scene. These are two tough guys, but their emotions are real. Unfortunately for the series, it doesn’t quite capture the flawed protagonists in the way that the gold standard of the genre Breaking Bad did. In that series, audiences rooted for Walter White, because they were able to respect his intelligence. White, seemed worthy of success. Neither Ray nor Manny display such worthiness. Viewers want to root for them, because they seem like good people, but there is a discomfort in watching them make mistake after mistake and act with a palpable lack of foresight. 

Despite its flaws, Dope Thief has plenty to offer. The show is dynamic, enhanced by a compelling soundtrack composed by Dominic Lewis (Man in the High Castle), whose music amplifies the drama and seamlessly accompanies the emotional shifts of its artful flashbacks. The series premiere, directed by the legendary Ridley Scott (Alien, The Martian), establishes a strong tonal foundation that remains consistent throughout, even as different directors take on individual episodes. With a well-cast ensemble and a gripping descent into the criminal underworld, Dope Thief delivers an engaging and entertaining ride.

Rachel’s Rating: 7/10 - Dope Thief (Apple TV+) delivers an entertaining dive into the perils of chasing easy money. Watch it for the camaraderie and strong performances of the leads Brian Tyree Henry and Walter Moura as they play morally gray, but likeable outlaws.