Credits: Apple TV

A realm of crime and mystery resonates with the sound of a crisp saxophone, pierced by the din of old Hollywood. Welcome to the narrative world of Apple TV+’s latest crime drama, "Sugar". Starring Colin Farrell as the refined private investigator, John Sugar. This detective series is the perfect antidote to the antihero fatigue that modern drama often brings.

Farrell's character, John Sugar, dwells in Los Angeles, driving an immaculate vintage Corvette that mirrors the serenity of a swimming pool. A devotee of old movies, he's not a stranger to the allure of Hollywood's depiction of detectives. This is eloquently demonstrated from the sun-bleached opening credits, the smog-infused saxophone, and the introspective voice-over, nodding to the iconic LA private investigator, Philip Marlowe, created by Raymond Chandler.

Subverting the cliché detective narrative, the first case in the series sees John Sugar investigating the disappearance of a wealthy old man's grand-daughter. Sugar, supposed to be on a break, is irresistibly drawn to the appeal of the case due to the man's identity: Jonathan Siegel, a film producer whose movie catalogues have been among Sugar's favorites.

Sugar’s journey leads him through various layers of Hollywood, introducing him to diverse characters. These include Bernie, a less accomplished but arrogant son of Jonathan, and David, Bernie's half-brother and a failed former child star. David strives to resurrect his career by revisiting a role that brought him fame, a feat that might be possible if his past indiscretions with women remain concealed.

Contrary to the common detective stereotype, Sugar is no ordinary gumshoe. His expertise lies in locating missing persons, and he does it with panache. The series opens with Sugar in Tokyo, working for a Yakuza boss who wants to find his kidnapped grandson.

Adding another layer of complexity to his character, Sugar dons exquisitely tailored suits from Savile Row, lives in a hotel resembling the Chateau Marmont, drinks the finest scotch, and subscribes to Sight and Sound. Instead of the typical witty secretary, he has Ruby, a British woman who appears to govern his actions. She scolds Sugar for skipping his vacation and instructs him to see a doctor, a notion that seems sound given his occasional minor seizures.

As Sugar continues his investigation amid the highs and lows of Hollywood, he meets Melanie, Bernie's ex-wife and a former rock star, whose rapport forms the heart of the series. Much like Melanie, Sugar is charmingly unexpected. He is more than the fancy suit he wears; he is a man of secrets. But unlike most, he knows how to keep them.

Echoing Chandler's sentiment in his essay, "The Simple Art of Murder,” Sugar walks the mean streets as a man who is not mean. He demonstrates his chivalry in small gestures like offering a kidnapper a head start, or being kind to the hotel staff. Despite his profession's inherent pain, he insists, "I don’t like hurting people." His chivalrous demeanor and ability to communicate with anyone, irrespective of their status, make him more malleable than hard-boiled.

Farrell's performance brings a restrained, melancholic tenderness to the series. His character is not just a man of honor but genuinely good. This combined with his integrity and decency create a refreshing change in a world where such qualities are rare. This sweetness is Sugar’s superpower, his wild card, making him worth watching in a world teeming with bad behavior.

In a realm where decency is in short supply, Sugar proves that it doesn't have to be dull. The series, in its uniqueness, offers an unusual but compellingly sweet antidote to the everyday.