Duster is a new TV show that premieres on Max this Thursday, May 15, with one new episode premiering every week until its season finale on July 3. The show stars Josh Holloway, Rachel Hilson, Keith David, Sydney Elisabeth, Greg Grunberg, Camille Guaty, Asivak Koostachin, Adriana Aluna Martinez, and Benjamin Charles Watson. Jim (Holloway), a getaway driver for a 1970s crime syndicate, finds his life changed dramatically when Nina (Hilson), a tenacious FBI agent, arrives in town determined to bring down the syndicate.

This show has been on my radar since I first heard it coming from co-creator J.J. Abrams & starring Josh Holloway in the lead role. Bringing these two together sounded like something I needed to see since I saw Lost. Warner Brothers was kind enough with granting me all 8 episodes of the first season of Duster. If I had it my way, I do prefer to watch TV shows all in one sitting to experience it was one cohesive story. Even though this show will only be releasing one episode per week, this is absolutely the kind of TV that demands to be seen.

To this day, I still don’t quite understand what happened to Holloway. It felt like after Lost, he found his way into supporting roles on big tentpole movies like Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol & Sabotage. At this point, I can’t find any reasoning to why he hasn’t done much, but I am not going to overthink it. His presence is so welcoming here. It’s great to have him back! 20 years later, I am impressed by how much his demeanor has stayed the same without feeling overdone. His persona is what makes him likable in anything he does. If and when this does get a second season, I truly believe this show will showcase why he is such a strong actor.

To my surprise, Holloway isn’t quite the lead actor as much as you may think. The show starts with Rachel Hilson as Nina, the first Black FBI woman agent. She steals the show here. Her and Holloway share supporting lead responsibilities that helps us get more involved with the story. While I enjoy the syndicate storyline a tad bit more, Hilson’s presence helps keep the FBI storyline afloat. Her characterization helps build an emotional presence that keeps the story engaging.

Viewers like myself may be thrown off by the show’s tone given that J.J. Abrams is the co-creator – emphasis on the co. This honestly doesn’t feel like anything Abrams would ever do. If anything, this feels more like LaToya Morgan’s show. She has helped write numerous AMC projects like The Walking Dead, Into the Badlands, and Turn: Washington’s Spies. This is more grounded and more straightforward than I have ever seen Abrams do. While the show has layered storytelling & characters, the show never once leans into sci-fi territory, but it does have some mystery that Abrams is known for.

There is a sense of familiarity in the show. It certainly wears its influences on its sleeve. The first episode isn’t anything groundbreaking, but it’s still entertaining nonetheless. It sets the tone for what’s to come. Typically, Max will release 2-3 episodes as a season premiere. They are not doing that with this show, which I found to be surprising, because it’s a show that manages to raise the stakes & intensity in every episode. There are some truly shocking & violent moments that I think the show could help capture more viewers had it plan on releasing the first 3 episodes this Thursday.

What may keep viewers coming back week after week is its authenticity to its time. The show often feels like Starsky & Hutch meets Dark Winds. There is a genuine approach to its 70’s style that feels safe & familiar for fans of the genre. I can’t say it’s a genre that is for everyone, especially for fans of Abrams hoping for something more sci-fi or futuristic. Given this is Abrams first project with Max, I think his influence on the show better suits him as a consultant that will allow him the opportunity to help co-create more shows.

The show also has one of the most unique intros I have ever seen. In an age where TV show might rely on just having the title come up on screen for a few seconds, this one cuts to an animated sequence with an exciting 70’s style song that makes you excited for what’s to come. Over time throughout the series, there are some slight changes to the intro that helps fit the plot of the episode.

Overall, Duster is great & captivating television. Having Josh Holloway into a large capacity feels like something entertainment has been missing. Where Sundays feel fitting for prestige HBO shows, I love how Thursdays are feeling like prestige TV for Max shows. I can’t wait to see what viewers think of it. I hope it will gain enough traction for a second 2 renewal.

VERDICT: 4/5 (Great)