In Apple TV+’s new spy thriller “Prime Target,” created by Steve Thompson, Cambridge University PhD candidate Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall) is on the cusp of discovering a new way to look at prime numbers. However, as he gets closer to developing his prime number finder, which could decode every digital key on Earth, the Luddite is hunted by a host of interested parties. While some people don’t want to see Ed’s life’s work realized, others covet it for themselves — and still more people want him dead. Seeing what Ed is up against, Taylah Sanders (Quintessa Swindell), a National Security Agency (NSA) agent who has been monitoring and surveilling mathematicians around the world, takes it upon herself to keep him safe. Despite its engaging themes, “Prime Target” is a dense show, and as it progresses, increasingly boring. It never really gains momentum, fizzling out before it gets started.
The eight-episode series begins on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq. A young mother and her daughter are walking through the market towards an ice cream shop. Stopping briefly at the ATM, the woman is startled when an explosion is heard, leaving chaos, death and destruction in its wake. On the other side of the world, Ed, an aloof mathematician, is unimpressed with his new advisor, Professor Robert Mallinder (David Morrissey). His former advisor, Professor Raymond Osborne (Joseph Mydell), has retired due to having Alzheimer's, making Ed uncomfortable about forming a bond with Mallinder. That all changes when, during an eye-opening dinner with Mallinder and his wife, Professor Andrea Lavin (Sidse Babett Knudsen), he convinces Ed to show them his research.
Creator: Steve Thompson
Stars: Leo Woodall, Quintessa Swindell, Sidse Babett Knudsen
Ed’s discoveries send Mallidner into a frenzied spiral and lead Andrea, an archaeologist, to the streets of Baghdad, where the recent gas explosion has unearthed the remains of The House of Wisdom, an 8th-century library that gave birth to modern science. This sequence of events puts Ed on Taylah’s radar, connecting the pair despite their deep distrust of each other and their inability to agree on how to proceed with Ed’s formula. The duo’s race between the UK and France to evade interested parties and complete Ed’s thesis should prove fascinating. Unfortunately, their ineptitude and inexperience with covert operations result in countless disputes. Ed’s stubbornness and a series of chaotic, ill-conceived plans dampen the series’ excitement.
In addition to Ed and Taylah’s search, “Prime Target” has several other glaring problems. The show tries to differentiate itself from previous spy thrillers, but it leans too heavily on math and varied timelines and not enough on the humanity of Ed and Taylah. Movies like “Good Will Hunting” and “The Bourne Identity” franchise resonate for their engaging lead characters, emotionally rich narratives, and hard-hitting action. “Prime Target” lacks all of that. While it’s clear that Ed is a recluse and has neurodivergent tendencies, he’s almost completely stripped of much-needed emotional connection and personal development. Furthermore, Taylah is so focused on expunging her personal guilt that she’s reckless and boring in her attempts to keep Ed safe.
“Prime Target” has elements that make dramatic thrillers so engaging. However, the plot fails to build excitement and anticipation as it trips over itself in highly predictable characters, locations, and subplots. It’s pretty clear what’s at stake for the world if Ed completes his main quest. Unfortunately, because the audience is pulled in a million different directions (many of them unnecessary), viewers are unable to cultivate a genuine connection with him or Taylah. Although the penultimate episode, “Prime Finder,” attempts to regain the momentum lost in the previous episodes, the final scene is so baffling and ridiculous that there is little reason to seek out a conclusion.
“Prime Target” feels like several different TV shows mashed together, and sadly, the main story isn’t even the most interesting. Instead, audiences are left wondering about secondary characters and unanswered questions. Woodall and Swindell do their best to navigate the stories and dialogue in front of them, but to no avail. Math equations, near-death experiences, and terrifying run-ins with government agencies conclude with a lackluster thud. Cracking the code of global digital security should seem like a monumental task, but if the consequences seem so inconsequential, it’s not worth the effort.
The first two episodes of “Prime Target” premiere January 22 on Apple TV+, with new episodes released weekly on Wednesdays.
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