Duster: 70s Crime Thriller—Are We Waiting For It?

HBO

Alright folks, another show just snuck up on us, and you bet your bottom dollar I’m gonna watch it, even if the apocalypse hits tomorrow. Premiering on Max—mark your calendars for May 15th. Duster is a project that already smells like that sweet mix of muscle car chases, backroom deals, and tense showdowns in dusty Southwest towns. And get this—it’s got Josh Holloway. Yep, that’s right, Sawyer from Lost, except now he’s not waxing philosophical on the beach, he’s hot-wiring rides and, it seems, probably gonna outsmart everyone again.

So, what’s the deal with the show anyway?

It’s 1972. Think deserts, cowboy hats, gas at 50 cents a gallon, and crime syndicates popping up like weeds after a rain. Right in the thick of it is Jim (Holloway), a getaway driver with lightning-fast reflexes and, judging by the trailer, an equally quick wit. And still rocking that long hair (sorry, can’t shake that Lost association just yet). He’s working for the mob until he bumps into Nina (Rachel Hilson)—the first Black female FBI agent who decides, "Hey, why not use this cocky dude for my own ends?"

And just like that, they’re in the same boat, or rather, the same stolen Dodge, with a whole bunch of folks out for their blood. Classic? Sure. But if it’s done with some soul, who’s complaining?

Why am I hyped for this show?

— J.J. Abrams + LaToya Morgan = weird, but intriguing.
Abrams is the mastermind who had us scratching our heads for ten years about what the heck was going on on that island. LaToya Morgan wrote for The Walking Dead and Shameless, so when it comes to sharp dialogue and unexpected twists, I’m hoping there’ll be plenty to sink our teeth into, Coral!

— The ’70s vibe.
Filmed in New Mexico, dusty roads, cars with those massive hoods, and, of course, the music. If there isn’t at least one Creedence Clearwater Revival track on the soundtrack, I’m gonna be seriously bummed.

— That cat-and-mouse dynamic.
An FBI agent and a criminal—a partnership that’s either gonna blow up by episode three or turn into something surprisingly heartwarming. Either way, something interesting is guaranteed.

What’s got me a little worried?

— Pacing issues.
Both showrunners know how to tell long stories (shoutout to Lost and TWD). The main thing is they don’t start rambling by the fifth episode.

— Clichés.
The criminal with a heart of gold, cartoonish villains… But honestly, I don’t even care—if the acting’s solid and there are a couple of memorable scenes, I’ll forgive a lot.

The verdict: Is it worth the wait?

My answer is a resounding yes. If you dig crime dramas with a retro feel, if you miss Holloway playing a smooth-talking rogue, and if you like shows that don’t try to be smarter than they need to be—Duster is definitely your jam.

Just a reminder, the premiere is May 15th on Max. I’ve already marked it on my calendar. Okay, not really, but my memory’s pretty good with this stuff. Now, all that’s left is to grab some popcorn and make sure the wheels on my couch haven’t gone flat.