The “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” series is a refreshing adaptation of a movie from Hollywood. In this reworked show, the creators have entirely changed the basic premises of the original film.
The official synopsis of the original “Mr. & Mrs. Smith” (2005) movie states: “A bored married couple (Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie) is surprised to learn that they are both assassins hired by competing agencies to kill each other.” So, both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are a couple turned arch-enemy in the said Hollywood blockbuster.
Trailer of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Series
Synopsis of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Series
Two strangers land jobs with a spy agency that offers them a life of espionage, wealth, and travel. The catch: new identities in an arranged marriage. So, Mr John Smith (Donald Glover) and Jane Smith (Maya Erskine) are a pair of random individuals. They have forsaken their former lives and personas to unite as companions – not only in the world of undercover operations but also in matrimony.
Rating of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Series
| FM Rating | 3.75/5 |
| FM Short Comments | It is difficult to adapt a popular film into a show, but its creators have done a fairly decent job. Not only, did they turn its central theme upside down, but they also got good actors to play the lead roles. We loved the onscreen chemistry of Donald Glover (Mr. Smith) and Maya Erskine (Mrs. Smith) in this entertaining series. Now, we hope to see more of these two talented actors. |
Spoiler Free Review of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Series
The introduction
In the adaptation of the original Hollywood film, the creator of the new series of the same title has changed the storyline. Therefore, the “Mr. and Mrs. Smith” show is not about a couple but about a professional partner. In fact in the series, both Mr. John Smith and Mrs. Jane Smith are working for a mysterious spy agency. They are posing and living as a couple to maintain their cover. Besides, they are not an enemy instead, they work as a team to undertake and try to complete their dangerous secretive missions successfully.
When Jane and John first meet their first words to each other are "Hi" and "Hi" respectively. They call their supervisor "Hihi" after each initial interview where the computer greets them with "Hihi" instead of a standard greeting. {IMDb}
The storyline
Two unrelated individuals are hired by a secretive spy organization, promising them a luxurious lifestyle filled with espionage, riches, global adventures, and a beautiful brownstone in Manhattan. The twist: they must assume new identities as a married couple named Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
John Smith's mother is played by Donald Glover's actual mother, Beverly Glover. {IMDb}
| John Smith | 6’0” (actually 5’11”). He moved around a lot growing up. Has been told he is emotionally unintelligent. Competitive — too competitive. Self-proclaimed “mama’s boy.” Loves pasta and good Korean BBQ. |
| Jane Smith | 5’4”. Nothing tying her down. She has been told she is numb and manipulative. Secretive to a fault. Hates vacation friends. Loves pasta and good Korean BBQ. |
As they embark on dangerous missions together every week, John Smith and Jane Smith must also navigate the challenges of their fake marriage. Their elaborate facade becomes even more intricate when they develop genuine feelings for each other. Which poses a greater risk, espionage or marriage?
Its tale has more layers and places to cover
There are quite a few twists and turns in this suspense thriller, as we get to meet the “Other John” played by Wagner Moura (Narcos show) and the “Other Jane” played by Parker Posey.
Spoiler Alert – The Other John (Smith)
Brings whiskey that’s rare, proper, and not for the faint of heart. Believes that if you can control your breathing, you can control anything. Great at most things, but misses the details. Likes Eminem. Sneezes in threes.
Spoiler Alert – The Other Jane (Smith)
Good with cats. Believes you shouldn’t get in the way of your own happiness. Detail oriented. Loves art. Never loses in arm wrestling.
We do not wish to share any more spoilers about this series, so no more plot details.
However, what we can state is that it exudes the allure of a traditional spy film, featuring a range of thrilling international filming locations, unlike the original film. Although its primary story is set in New York (USA), their (spy) missions take them to quite a few exotic places like Calofosch, Lake Como, and Veneto in Italy.
As a viewer, we enjoyed the various twists, turns and exotic locales in the show.
The series was described by the British-American filmmaker Simon Kinberg as a "Married with Children" with guns. {IMDb}
The conclusion
To be honest, with only eight episodes in the first season, we did indulge in the marathon-watch this weekend, of this thrilling series. The shocking ending left us (check spoilers shared below) scratching our heads. No wonder, we are clueless, as to what was the fate of Mr John Smith and Mrs Jane Smith in the end.
We enjoyed this action-comedy show, where the lead actors seemed comfortable and natural as a couple. No doubt, they were odd yet a very cute couple in it. The use of humour and action in this show was good too. Now, it is time to bid our opening salutation “Hi, Hi” to Mr Smith and Mrs Smith for their wonderful entertainment this weekend. As we say goodbye to them, we hope that we will see more of these two in the future seasons, soon.
Key Details about the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Series
| Genre | Action, Comedy, Drama, Suspense, Thriller |
| Original language | English (USA) |
| Released | February 2, 2024 |
| Season | First (1st) Season |
| Episodes | Eight (8) Episodes |
| Creators | Donald Glover & Francesca Sloane |
| Cast | Donald Glover (John Smith), Maya Erskine (Jane Smith), Wagner Moura (Other John), Parker Posey (Other Jane), Paul Dano (Hot Neighbor), etc. |
| Network | Amazon Prime Video |
Poster of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Series
Spoilers Alert – Episodes Summary of the 2024 Action Comedy Drama
Summary [official] of the Eight (8) Episodes of the First (1st) Season
First Date (S1, E1) – Episode One | 58 minutes
Meet the Smiths, John and Jane! Strangers who have given up their identities to be paired off by a secretive organization, both in espionage and in marriage. Two peas stuck in one pod. Come along as they run, jump, and adventure, making friends and making memories. But watch out, there’s something amiss for this very first mission. It’s John and Jane’s: FIRST DATE! Good luck, John and Jane!
Second Date (S1, E2) – Episode Two | 45 minutes
John and Jane are all dressed up with somewhere to go: a sinister black-tie event. But first, the Smiths need ground rules at home: NO S-E-X. But when their wily target Eric Shane turns things topsy turvy, will they they be able to set things right? It’s John and Jane’s: SECOND DATE! Bark bark.
First Vacation (S1, E3) – Episode Three | 46 minutes
In their New York townhouse, in the bedroom, on the snowy slopes: John and Jane always have fun. And today, they’re off to the Italian Dolomites. Will John discover a new hobby? Will Jane make a new friend? Are the two of them starting to care about each other? John and Jane, it’s time for your FIRST VACATION! Remember, another failure will make the boss very unhappy.
Double Date (S1, E4) – Episode Four | 45 minutes
John and Jane aren’t the only Smiths having fun. This time, meet Other John and Other Jane, another pair of Smiths, only they’re SUPER high risk. But will the whole gang together be too much of a good thing? Double the laughs and double the hijinx! It’s John and Jane’s: DOUBLE DATE!
Do You Want Kids? (S1, E5) – Episode Five | 48 minutes
It’s summertime, and John and Jane can’t wait to spend more time together. Join them in glamorous Lake Como as they drive cars, dodge bad guys, and chase after slippery Toby, whose naughty criminal ways have put them all in danger. But as they’re taking care of this baby man, the two of them can’t help but wonder, John and Jane, DO YOU WANT KIDS? Mamma Mia, Toby!
Couples Therapy (Naked & Afraid) (S1, E6) – Episode Six | 44 minutes
Oh, John. Oh, Jane. Our pair have been oh so bad at sharing and caring. Time to call in help — John and Jane, get ready for COUPLES THERAPY, what a gas!
Infidelity (S1, E7) – Episode Seven | 42 minutes
Hihi told John and Jane to take some space. John has been spending lots of time with his new friend, Bev. But what about Jane? Will John forget about all the fun they had together? Poor Jane! Bad, bad, John! How will John and Jane bounce back from INFIDELITY!?
A Breakup (S1, E8) – Episode Eight | 1 hour 3 minutes
John and Jane are taking a time-out. Will they be able to say they’re sorry or will this be the end of their adventures? Grab some tissues, John and Jane, it’s A BREAKUP. Only this time, it’s life and death. Don’t be so dramatic!
Ending explained – of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Show
Season Finale
In the concluding episode titled “A Breakup,” Jane Smith and John Smith find themselves at odds with each other, convinced that the other is plotting against them. However, contrary to their beliefs, this is not the reality. Unbeknownst to them, their (HiHi) boss has orchestrated a scheme to manipulate them into eliminating each other, following John’s departure in the previous episode’s conclusion.
Cliffhanger Ending Explained Below
In the end, as John Smith lay on the floor, nearing death, the duo (John Smith and Jane Smith) engaged in a heartfelt conversation about their deep affection for each other and the life they envisioned if they managed to overcome their dire situation. They devised a plan and survival strategy for themselves.
Their plan was supposed to go like this: “Jane Smith would open the door, eliminate the (High-Risk) Other Jane, and then they (Jane & John) would flee together.”
So, in the final moments, Jane executed her plan, but the scene abruptly shifted to the exterior of the building.
In the end, we only heard three gunshots, yet it remained uncertain whether it was the super (High-Risk) Other Jane or our Jane who pulled the trigger.
Thus, the fate of Jane and John’s survival remains shrouded in ambiguity.
The Poster, Featured and Other Images of the Mr. & Mrs. Smith (S1/2024) Show are courtesy of the Prime Video.
