Netflix’s Heist Experiment Doesn’t Elevate Itself

The first episode provided to me was “The Green Episode: 7 Years Before the Heist,” although watching this episode first isn’t required. I bring this up not only for transparency but because it serves as a great acting showcase for Esposito. Whether he’s crawling out of car seats or somberly writing a confessional letter, the acclaimed actor breaks beyond the emotionless tough guy image he’s ended up cultivating throughout his career. His poignant and non-romantic chemistry with Tati Gabrielle’s Hannah is great, and the two’s tumultuous history allows for some stand-out moments. It’s about time Esposito had a headlining show, and thankfully, he is given ample screen time to relish in it.

The problem, however, is that there really aren’t any characters besides Leo and Hannah that you’re going to care enough about to want to see them succeed. The other accomplices in the heist feel too one-dimensional, even if the actors in these roles try to elevate the material given to them. Perhaps the most effective is Peter Mark Kendall, whose performance as petty criminal Stan gives a potentially annoying archetype actually a little bit compelling to watch. That being said, there is only so much that a good performance can do to salvage bland direction and writing.