'Prime Target' Review: Leo Woodall's Apple Thriller Sinks

In Apple TV+‘s new espionage thriller, “Prime Target,” created by Steve Thompson, Cambridge University Ph.D. candidate Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall) is on the cusp of uncovering a new way to view prime numbers. However, as he gets closer to developing his prime finder, which could decode every single digital key on earth, the Luddite is hunted by a series of interested parties. While some people don’t want to see Ed’s life’s work realized, others covet it for themselves, and even more people want him dead. Seeing what Ed’s up against, Taylah Sanders (Quintessa Swindell), a National Security Agency (NSA) agent who has been monitoring and surveilling mathematicians across the globe, takes it upon herself to keep him safe. Despite its engaging themes, “Prime Target” is a dense and — as it goes on — increasingly dull show. It never truly gains momentum, fizzling out before it even gets started. 

The eight-episode series opens on the streets of Baghdad, Iraq. A young mother and daughter walk through the market toward an ice cream shop. Stopping briefly at the ATM, the woman is swept off her feet when an explosion comes thundering through, leaving chaos, death and destruction in its wake. Halfway across the globe, Ed, a standoffish mathematician, is unimpressed with his new advisor, Professor Robert Mallinder (David Morrissey). His former advisor, Professor Raymond Osborne (Joseph Mydell), retired due to his having Alzheimer’s, leaving Ed uneasy about forming a bond with Mallinder. That all changes when during a revelatory dinner with Mallinder and his wife, Professor Andrea Lavin (Sidse Babett Knudsen), entices Ed to show the pair his research.  

Ed’s discoveries send Mallidner into a frantic tailspin and lead Andrea, an archeologist, to the streets of Baghdad, where the recent gas explosion has unearthed the remnants of The House of Wisdom, an 8th-century library that birthed modern science. This sequence of events puts Ed on Taylah’s radar, connecting the pair despite their deep distrust of each other and inability to agree on how to proceed with Ed’s formula. The duo’s race between the U.K. and France to evade interested parties and complete Ed’s thesis should be captivating. Unfortunately, their ineptness and inexperience with covert operations result in countless squabbles. Ed’s bullheadedness and a slew of chaotic and poorly conceived plans dampen the excitement of the series. 

In addition to Ed and Taylah’s quest, “Prime Target” has several other glaring issues. The show tries to distinguish itself from previous espionage thrillers, but it leans too heavily on mathematics and varied timelines and not enough on the humanity of Ed and Taylah. Films like “Good Will Hunting” and “The Bourne Identity” franchise resonate because of their engaging main characters, the narratives’ emotional richness and the shocking action. “Prime Target” lacks on all fronts. Though it’s clear Ed is a recluse and has neurodivergent tendencies, he is almost entirely stripped of much-needed emotional connection and personal development. Moreover, Taylah is so laser-focused on expunging her personal guilt that she is reckless and tiresome in her attempts to keep Ed safe. 

“Prime Target” has elements that make dramatic thrillers so enticing. Yet, the plot fails to elicit excitement and anticipation since it is tripping over itself in characters, locations and highly predictable subplots. It’s pretty clear what’s at stake for the world if Ed completes his prime finder. Unfortunately, because the audience is being pulled in a million different directions (many unneeded), viewers cannot cultivate a genuine connection with him or Taylah. Though the penultimate episode, “Prime Finder,” attempts to regain the momentum lost in previous episodes, the final scene is so bewildering and ridiculous that there is little reason to seek any conclusion. 

“Prime Target” feels like several different TV shows mashed together, and regrettably, the main storyline isn’t even the most interesting one. Instead, audiences are left wondering about background characters and unanswered questions. Woodall and Swindell do their best to navigate the storylines and dialogue in front of them to no avail. The math equations, near-death experiences and terrifying run-ins with government agencies conclude with a lackluster thud. Cracking the code to global digital security should feel like a monumental undertaking, but if the aftereffects feel this inconsequential, it’s hardly worth the effort.

The first two episodes of “Prime Target” premiere Jan. 22 on Apple TV+ with new episodes dropping weekly on Wednesdays.