Descriptions of the Apple TV+ series “Dope Thief” as a “drug ring drama” are not exactly accurate. Yes, it revolves around small-time crooks and friends Ray and Manny posing as DEA agents to rob equally small-time drug dealers. But it’s Manny and Ray’s relationship that matters most, especially when a simple job turns deadly, and an anonymous drug kingpin determined to recoup his loss puts a bounty on their heads. Becoming targets for the DEA doesn’t help either.
Adapted from crime author Dennis Tafoya’s 2009 debut novel by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Peter Craig (“The Batman,” “Top Gun: Maverick”), who also serves as executive producer along with the iconic Ridley Scott, character drives the Philly-set “Dope Thief.” Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Golden Globe nominee Wagner Moura, better known for their roles as Paper Boi in “Atlanta” and Pablo Escobar in “Narcos,” respectively, infuse so much emotion and easy chemistry into their roles as inseparable best friends who’ve been trauma bonded since juvie. Neither hails from a stable home background, but Ray, whose own mother is long dead, does have a mother figure in his incarcerated father’s loyal girlfriend Theresa whom he calls Ma despite her being white and him being Black and him hating his father. Manny’s soft-landing is Sherry, the love of his life.
Ray is the big brother and ringleader while Moura, who struggles with drug addiction, is both fragile and kind-hearted. When it comes to Sherry (“Blink Twice” newcomer Liz Caribel Sierra), Manny wears his heart on his sleeve. But his fierce loyalty to Ray is a source of great tension for them. On the flip side, Ray is very guarded. Deeply scarred emotionally by his father handled more than ably by Ving Rhames, Ray can’t forget his father physically abusing his birth mother, or look past his refusal to take accountability for his many wrongs.
Because Ray sees through his father’s BS, he is completely unnerved by how smitten Ma, portrayed effectively by “Orange Is the New Black” star Kate Mulgrew, still is with Bart and how determined she is to bring him home. In her portrayal, Mulgrew stretches Ma beyond the trope of the blindly devoted white woman who loves the troubled Black man through all his many unforgivable faults. Closer to the end, Bart does seem to reward her faith by showing glimpses of remorse for deeply damaging his son, while momentarily stepping up as the protector Ray always needed him to be.
There are other notable performances as well. Tony nominee Marin Ireland, perhaps better known as “Sneaky Pete” star Julia Bowman, is an intense presence as undercover DEA agent Mina whose commitment to justice and, most important, truth, drives the law and justice element of “Dope Thief” and also helps tie up all the loose ends. Veteran actor Dustin Nguyen (“21 Jump Street,” “VIP” and “Warrior”) is equally commendable as Son Pham, the wiser criminal on whom Ray often leans on, who has also built a cozy life as a family man despite his dangerous occupation. “Kemba” and “See” star Nesta Cooper’s Michelle, the lawyer Ma hired to spring his father, not only becomes useful to Ray as he begins to navigate his own legal challenges, but also reignites the romantic sparks he lost when his first love Marietta (Kaci Walfall), who haunts him in flashbacks, passed away.
Although “Dope Thief” is very tense and suspenseful with great acting to spare and a natural inclusiveness with his Black, Latin, Asian and white characters, it does have its issues. The music, including the reggae-tinged theme song, seems out of step with Philly. It’s very heavy NYC hip-hop when Philadelphia has a great musical lineage. Plus, it doesn’t reflect Ray’s eclectic musical taste which includes rock and pop. The story isn’t always clear in early episodes, with flashbacks adding more confusion than clarity. Ray’s choice not to leave town in the face of such grave danger also doesn’t make sense, especially as the violence intensifies. While the plot gets quite interesting towards the end, the series would have been better served by weaving in some of those elements earlier instead of trying to cram it all in so late.
Ultimately, Ray and Manny’s chemistry is what keeps viewers invested in this wild rollercoaster of a story that manages to be quirky and intense, as well as heartbreaking with an unexpected, yet conclusive outcome.
“Dope Thief” premieres March 14 on Apple TV+.
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