‘Prime Target’ series review: A slick and thought-provoking thriller

This eight-episode narrative explores the intersection of academia and intelligence through the lens of a young mathematician

Apple TV enters the espionage arena with ‘Prime Target’, a slick, cerebral thriller that blends mathematics, global surveillance, and high-stakes action into an ambitious eight-episode narrative.

Created by Steve Thompson (Sherlock, Vienna Blood), the series explores the intersection of academia and intelligence through the lens of a young mathematician whose work places him at the heart of a dangerous international conspiracy.

The story follows Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall), a gifted but socially awkward Cambridge postgraduate whose research into prime numbers uncovers a groundbreaking algorithm. Edward is unconscious of the fact that his discovery could be weaponised to break the internet’s most secure encryption systems that could unlock every digital system on the planet.

It draws the attention of both government agencies and shadowy private interests. The intrigue intensifies when Edward’s mentor, Prof. Robert Mallinder (David Morrissey), dies under suspicious circumstances. Reeling from the loss and increasingly paranoid, Edward is approached by NSA operative Taylah Sanders (Quintessa Swindell), who has been monitoring him as part of a secretive surveillance programme targeting “high-risk thinkers”.

Reluctantly teaming up, the two race to stay ahead of those who would exploit Edward’s work for nefarious purposes.

Woodall leads the series with a performance that is both vulnerable and compelling. His portrayal of Edward conveys the emotional burden of genius, especially as he is thrust into a world where trust is elusive and knowledge is a liability. Swindell delivers a strong counterpart in Taylah – sharp, grounded, and deeply principled. Her chemistry with Woodall gives the show the emotional depth that compliments its cerebral plotting.

The ensemble cast adds further complexity to the storyline. Sidse Babett Knudsen plays Prof. Andrea Lavin, Mallinder’s widow and a brilliant academic in her own right, whose loyalties remain ambiguous. Stephen Rea portrays Professor James Alderman, a quietly menacing figure with unclear intentions. Fra Fee’s Adam Mellor, a seemingly ordinary bartender with ties to Edward, provides a subplot that brings personal stakes into the mix.

‘Prime Target’ tries to juggle its identity. Is it a complex conspiracy thriller, a character study, or an action series, are left unanswered. It dips its fingers into all three, but this is where the direction seems to falter. While the core plot holds immense potential, the series often feels fragmented, as if unsure which path to commit to fully.

This lack of decisive focus means the intriguing questions raised about knowledge, ethics, and surveillance sometimes get lost amidst standard action tropes like chases and narrow escapes that feel less fresh than they should.

The pacing consequently feels uneven, with slow burns punctuated by bursts of action that do not always land with the intended impact, suggesting the director struggles to capitalise consistently on the gripping premise.

Several episodes are burdened with dense exposition, with characters explaining scientific concepts and intelligence strategies in a way that can stall momentum. While the dialogue is intelligent, it sometimes struggles to balance accessibility with authenticity.

It does raise timely questions about privacy, the militarization of knowledge, and the ethics of intelligence gathering. It also delves into the human cost of secrecy as to how those who possess world-changing knowledge can be both valuable and expendable.

The show does not spoon-feed its audience, opting instead for a layered narrative that invites active engagement.

‘Prime Target’, however, succeeds more often than it falters. It’s a thought-provoking series that respects the viewer’s intelligence, carried by strong performances and a distinctive visual style. It doesn’t rely on cheap thrills or constant action instead, it builds its suspense methodically, with quiet tension and moral ambiguity driving the drama forward.

In a television landscape filled with formulaic spy fare, ‘Prime Target’ offers a more sophisticated approach. While it is not without its missteps, it manages to stay compelling through to the final episode, leaving the door open for future seasons and plenty of unanswered questions.