I HAVE ALWAYS enjoyed watching Colin Farrell act. Favorite movies of his come to mind such as In Bruges, Minority Report, and Banshees of Inisherin.

Apple created an original  noir detective series called “Sugar,” after the main character: John Sugar, private investigator and played by Farrell. It is set in present-day LA and after four episodes, I am dazzled. There are other mysteries beyond the driving theme: the missing granddaughter to an ultra-famous movie producer.  He’s part of a larger service, but it’s not clear how that works (at least not to me, yet). He’s also got some personal psychological/physical symptoms that are starting to get more attention as the series progresses; all which build the tension and make it more compelling.

The style, with occasional voiceover by the character, is reminiscent of the oldie/goodie detective films that built the noir appeal (caveat that the recent attempt at noir, a Marlowe film with Liam Neeson was a flop–mostly because Neeson was a total bore).  Quality production so far: Farrell takes a familiar role as a flawed but driven protagonist with a couple more strong showings by Amy Ryan and James Cromwell.

You have to make exceptions from time to time. This time Sugar is good for you.

WRH