Source :  the age

Duster ★★ ★★

The first eight days of the first episode’s opening credits make it absolutely clear: Duster is an exercise in memories, highlighted by a lot of fun.

The stop-motion name sequence incorporates a Hot Wheels loop-the-loop shot, uses toy cars, and incorporates many plot-related Easter eggs over the course of the weekend’s eight episodes. In other words, it is a fairly accurate small rendition of the whole production.

The vehicle that gives Duster its title, Josh Holloway. Credit: Max

The Duster of the title is a hot-button Plymouth Valiant, a muscle car that was produced in two-door coupe form between 1970 and 1976 ( it was related to, but distinct from, Chrysler Australia’s Charger ). The particular vehicle in this series from J. J. Abrams ( Lost ) and LaToya Morgan is a cherry red vehicle driven by Jim Ellis ( Josh Holloway ), the driver of an Ezra Saxton ( Keith David ) crime syndicate in Phoenix, Arizona.

Jim’s brother used to operate for Saxton as well, but his vehicle apparently blew up due to a gas leak, killing him as well. However, aspiring FBI agent Nina Hayes ( Rachel Hilson ) is persuaded that Saxton ordered the job, which she now believes to be the man responsible for her father’s murder. She thinks Ellis is the man to help her get Saxton along, and she’s determined to do it.

Rachel Hilson as FBI agent Nina Hayes.
Nina Hayes, played by Rachel Hilson as FBI broker. Credit: Max

Duster, which is set in 1972, contains a lot of historical references. Some are gentle jokes about the mores of the time and how they were portrayed in popular culture back then ( think Burt Reynolds movies ), like Jim repeatedly waking up next to unknown and unnamed naked women.

Others appear to be mere placemarkers until they start to fit into the exceedingly secretive story, much like the Watergate scandal that is unfolding. Richard Nixon also appears in a movie in what is probably a pretty clever employ of CGI or AI.

Although not everything in Duster is successful, Quentin Tarantino’s direction of The Dukes of Hazzard lends itself to its best form. It resembles 1970s TV, even down to some rough processing (especially in the first episode ), but it is a muscular version of it. Jackie Brown and BlackKklansman also have resemblances.

This is a comedy featuring three entrancing actors: Holloway ( Sawyer from Lost ), who is all swagger and charm, a kind-hearted chancer who never saw a bit of trouble he didn’t want a piece of, Hilson ( This Is Us ), whose tyro FBI agent is a trailblazer on two fronts, racial and gender.

Hayes is lightly influenced by Sylvia Mathis ‘ real-life story, which led to the establishment of the FBI’s first black agent in 1976, and who was one of only 41 female agencies out of more than 8100 in total. Her refusal to take herself critically in the backwoods of Phoenix, where there are deep pockets of racism, sexism, and problem, gives the display a hint of credibility that balances the occasionally ridiculous elements, and makes Duster a little more than just featherlight enjoyment.

Duster is available on Max starting May 16.

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