Forget Ozark: Why Apple TV's 2-Season Thriller Deserves a Second Chance

A fresh take on familiar material

The Apple TV series reshapes the story as an ensemble crime thriller set in modern times. Margot, played by Melissa George, is not simply caught up in Allie’s plans: she shares his environmental views and takes part in his rebellion.

A family under pressure

Allie and Margot leave their home country with their children, Dina and Charlie, as authorities close in on Allie and his suspicious activities. That pursuit raises the stakes and pushes the family to be more open about what they want.

As the Fox family travels through Latin America, Allie makes dangerous deals with local crime lords. He is reluctant to turn to authorities for help, adding risk to an already tense journey.

Theroux’s complicated Allie Fox

Theroux plays Allie as a sincere but morally uncertain man, driven by opposition to corruption, environmental neglect and capitalism. His beliefs can make his desire to escape seem understandable, even as the consequences of his choices grow darker.

The series has drawn comparisons with Ozark because both feature family and crime, but Allie is not driven by greed and power in the same way as Jason Bateman’s Marty Byrde. Allie must confront whether his principles justify violence or asking his family to accept dangerous choices.

A story cut short

The show explores duties to oneself, family, community and the planet while keeping the Fox family in motion through a succession of threats. Its two seasons were satisfying, but the story was described as having potential to improve further if it had reached its natural conclusion.

The series was cancelled after its second season, leaving that possibility unrealized. Its mix of moral debate, family conflict and suspense made it a showcase for Theroux in the role of a dogmatic, morally dubious character viewers could still root for.