Apple TV+'s 'Dope Thief' Delivers Gritty Philly Crime Drama with Mixed Results
The series, starring Brian Tyree Henry and Wagner Moura, explores the lives of two con men posing as DEA agents but struggles with pacing and overused tropes.
- Based on Dennis Tafoya's 2009 novel, 'Dope Thief' follows two lifelong friends who impersonate DEA agents to rob drug dealers in Philadelphia, only to become targets themselves.
- Brian Tyree Henry shines in a rare leading role as Ray, bringing depth and complexity to a character navigating a collapsing life of crime.
- The series highlights Philadelphia's unique character and setting, with the city playing a vital role in shaping the story's tone and atmosphere.
- Critics praise the chemistry between Henry and Wagner Moura as the emotional core of the show, though some plot elements feel repetitive and implausible.
- While the performances and setting stand out, the show faces criticism for its reliance on flashbacks, excessive violence, and pacing issues across its eight episodes.
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