Recently, with the announcement of its rebranding to HBO Max, many fans of this popular streaming service are excitedly discussing not just the name change, but also the launch of a thrilling new crime drama series titled <em>Duster</em>. This captivating series comes from the creative mind of the highly regarded J.J. Abrams, known for his innovative storytelling. Although only a single episode has been aired thus far, it has already garnered significant attention, with numerous viewers labeling it as an essential addition to Max’s May programming lineup.

The plot revolves around “a rookie FBI agent on a quest for vengeance, a daring getaway driver in pursuit of justice, and an intricate case entangling the FBI, CIA, Russian operatives, and a multitude of other players.” The series features a talented cast, including Josh Holloway, widely recognized for his iconic role as Sawyer in the acclaimed series Lost, alongside other notable actors like Camille Guaty from Prison Break, Sydney Elisabeth from The Last O.G, and Rachel Hilson from Love, Victor. Initial reactions from both audiences and critics are overwhelmingly positive, with Duster achieving an impressive “certified fresh” rating of 89% on the review aggregation site Rotten Tomatoes. Although this score is based on just 27 reviews, the overwhelming acclaim certainly positions Duster for a promising future.

For J.J. Abrams, this impressive 89% rating is yet another testament to his remarkable career as one of the most prolific and successful creators in the television industry. While this score is commendable, it marks Abrams’ second-lowest critically rated television project since 2020. Other projects have fared even better, such as the upcoming 2024 series Batman: Caped Crusader, which achieved a stellar 94%, and Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose, which received a perfect score last year. Moreover, his 2021 venture UFO boasts a flawless 100% rating. In recent memory, only Presumed Innocent has performed lower, with a respectable 79% rating.

Josh Holloway Pursues Authenticity by Taking Stunt Driving Lessons for His Role as ‘Duster’s Getaway Driver

For a seasoned actor like Josh Holloway, who has an impressive track record in high-profile projects such as Lost and the acclaimed Taylor Sheridan‘s Yellowstone, meticulous attention to detail in every role is undoubtedly crucial. This dedication is clearly evident in Duster, where Holloway portrays a getaway driver in the gritty world of the 1970s. This role can be particularly challenging and outside the comfort zone for many actors. In an enlightening interview with Collider’s Carly Lane, Holloway shared that upon learning he secured the role, he immediately sought out a stunt driving school the very next day. At Rick Seaman’s Motion Picture Driving Clinic, he enthusiastically recounted, “We practiced every trick imaginable, and they taught me how to maneuver a car expertly, including how to parallel park by sliding it in.” He further expressed, “Everything they tell you is prohibited on the road, you get to experience firsthand, which made the entire process incredibly enjoyable.”

Duster airs weekly on Thursdays on Max, and viewers are encouraged to stay tuned to Collider for further updates and insights into this riveting series.