“Prime Target” Review: The Prodigy Problem

The new original Apple TV+ show “Prime Target,” directed by Brady Hood and starring Leo Woodall and Quintessa Swindell, follows a smart and daring mathematician whose work leads him into dangerous territory; he is watched, chased, and attacked by criminals trying to cover up their wrongdoing. Unsure of what he has gotten himself into, Edward Brooks (Woodall) meets a courageous government agent (Swindell) who works with him to find out the corrupt and crime-filled secrets that have been hidden for too long.

“Prime Target” focuses on a newly discovered — and previously only rumored to exist — archeological site in Baghdad, Iraq called The House of Wisdom. This site was constructed using prime numbers in a pattern. Whoever understands the mysterious mathematical patterns will be able to crack any numerical code and access any technological database, giving them enormous power. Ultimately, this leads those who want control over that information to go to great, often violent, lengths to conceal it.

Leo Woodall has embodied a variety of characters from a scheming con artist in HBO’s “The White Lotus” to a lovesick yet troubled college student turned television host in the Netflix series “One Day.” “Prime Target” is a unique project for Woodall as he takes on a character who is the opposite of his past roles. Previously, Woodall has been more charismatic, while here he portrays an antisocial and almost unlikable mathematical genius.

Swindell’s character, Taylah Sanders, is a strong-minded and talented government agent investigating the evil Brooks finds himself in. Swindell portrays this character in a delicate yet stoic manner. Sanders’ relationship with Brooks is a complicated one — it takes time to develop trust. Their dynamic begins in a rather cold and suspicious manner, but quickly turns into a partnership that has them relying on the other for survival. Swindell’s role in “Prime Target” is an essential one: They capture a daring, smart, and strategic person who is unsatisfied with anything less than the truth.

The show weaves together various storylines and characters in a clear yet intricate manner. Throughout each episode, the audience has to consider who is evil and who is good — and if anyone is truly either. The camera’s intense closeup shots, crescendoing score, and character dialogue all contribute to the show’s intensity, leaving a suspicious air over many who were thought to be trusted. The show’s episodes are unfortunately released weekly on Wednesdays, which is frustrating to all binge watchers.

“Prime Target” appeals not only to those who are interested in mathematics, but also those who are intrigued by cyberattack thrillers. Although the show has so far woven an intricate world that has lured many viewers, the narrative can sometimes be slow. Viewers with a low attention span may struggle making it through an episode in one go. “Prime Target” prioritizes the slow build-up of character tension and the steady unraveling of secrets throughout each episode.

The academic aesthetic and “Mission Impossible” vibe of every episode reflect similar projects about mathematicians such as “A Beautiful Mind” and “The Imitation Game.” If viewers have a special interest in these types of films, they will likely enjoy “Prime Target.” The endless plot twists, endearing characters, and sudden deaths in “Prime Target” make it all worthwhile. However, if viewers don’t enjoy math or crime-related media, this might not be the right choice for them.