The new Apple TV+ series 'Lucky,' adapted from Marissa Stapley's 2021 novel and executive produced by Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine, centers on Luciana “Lucky” Armstrong, portrayed by Anya Taylor-Joy. The show, with Jonathan Tropper and Cassie Pappas as showrunners, immediately plunges viewers into Lucky's precarious world.
In the premiere episode, "No Shortcuts," Lucky wakes up disoriented in a hotel suite to find her husband, Cary Masterson (Drew Starkey), gone. Also missing are two suitcases packed with millions in cash, the apparent spoils of a criminal endeavor they had just completed. Despite Cary's assurances that the hard part was over, Lucky's unease proves prescient as she realizes she has been betrayed by her husband.
The narrative quickly establishes Lucky's background as the daughter of a career criminal, John Armstrong (Timothy Olyphant), who is currently imprisoned. Though Lucky has led a life of con artistry, this venture with Cary was meant to be a fresh start. However, the disappearance of the money instantly makes her a target for both the FBI and other, more dangerous players.
FBI Agent Billie Rand, played by Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, begins pursuing Lucky, but the focus remains on Lucky's desperate attempts to evade capture. She employs quick thinking and resourcefulness, stealing an access badge and a jacket, navigating casino kitchens, and using makeup to create a false appearance of an abusive relationship to secure a ride out of Las Vegas. These actions highlight her adaptability and survival instincts, even as she faces imminent danger.
Flashbacks reveal the origins of the stolen money, with Lucky's father requesting her help to move a significant sum for their benefit. This context suggests the cash is the ill-gotten gains from another party, and its disappearance will have severe consequences for both Lucky and her father.
The stakes escalate with the introduction of Priscilla Masterson (Annette Bening), Cary's mother. A formidable and ruthless figure, Priscilla, accompanied by her enforcer Harris Dutch (Clifton Collins, Jr.), confronts Lucky. Despite their familial connection, Priscilla shows no leniency, apprehending Lucky and revealing a deeper criminal hierarchy. Priscilla needs the money to satisfy an even more powerful, unnamed entity, emphasizing the perilous position Lucky is in.
Lucky's defiance is evident when she escapes Priscilla's clutches. While being transported, she uses a Zippo lighter, a screwdriver, and road flares to create a diversion, leading to a fiery car crash in the desert. This violent escape, though perhaps not fully planned, underscores her determination to survive rather than be eliminated by those pursuing the stolen funds.
The episode also touches on themes of societal decay, with Cary's remark, "America's over, anyway," suggesting the criminal underworld mirrors broader societal rot. The soundtrack, featuring artists like Roy Orbison, Zola Jesus, and Sleater-Kinney, complements Lucky's journey, underscoring the tension and isolation she experiences.