In the new HBO miniseries DTF St Louis, David Harbour delivers a compelling performance as Floyd, a sign language interpreter trapped in a stagnant marriage who turns to a hook-up app for extramarital excitement. The show, created by Steven Conrad, premiered on Sky Atlantic and blends dark comedy, bedroom farce, and police procedural elements into a unique narrative. Jason Bateman co-stars as Clark, Floyd's best friend and a frustrated weatherman, adding to the series' twisted humor and emotional depth.
A Juicy Premise with Real-Life Echoes
The timing of DTF St Louis is particularly intriguing, given Lily Allen's recent album that delves into the sexual politics of her marriage to Harbour. While the show is fictional, its exploration of infidelity via dating apps like Raya feels close to the bone, offering a satirical take on modern relationships. From the trailer, it was unclear whether this would be a dark comedy or an erotic thriller, but the series firmly establishes itself as the former, with sex and ennui at its core.
Murder and Mystery Unfold
Within the first 25 minutes, Harbour's character is found dead at the Kevin Kline Community Pool, with a defaced Playgirl centrefold and a lethal can of Bloody Mary nearby. The seven-episode miniseries unravels this puzzlebox in classic whodunnit style, implicating Clark initially but leaving questions about Floyd's wife, Carol, played by Linda Cardellini. Despite fan theories pointing to Lily Allen, her alibi is watertight—she was in the West End at the time.
Engaging Investigative Duo
The murder investigation is led by Homer and Plumb, portrayed by Richard Jenkins and Joy Sunday. Homer, a county sheriff's detective, clashes with Plumb, a special crimes officer, as they reluctantly work together. Plumb educates Homer on modern dating terms like sex-positive relationships, leading to hilarious moments as Jenkins scribbles acronyms like AP for ass play in his notebook. Their dynamic adds both humor and depth to the procedural aspects of the show.
Themes of Middle-Aged Malaise
DTF St Louis delves into middle-aged marriage malaise with unpredictable twists. Carol's side job as a Little League umpire, complete with puffy umpire gear, becomes a symbol of Floyd's dwindling libido. Meanwhile, Floyd's personal struggles, including weight gain and Peyronie's disease, are sensitively portrayed, showcasing Harbour's un-vain performance. Flashbacks reveal his graceful work as a deaf interpreter at hip-hop shows, adding layers to his character.
Dark Humor and Suburban Boredom
The series is filled with dark, sad laughs, from clandestine conversations about dating apps to Bateman's character experiencing pegging in a hotel room. Pacing and plot points are idiosyncratic, blending solid detective thrills with suburban boredom. The main takeaway seems to be a cautionary tale: using dating apps might lead to being murdered by a swimming pool, and that's if you're lucky.
Overall, DTF St Louis is a confidently written and beautifully shot series that explores infidelity, modern dating, and the complexities of marriage through a darkly comedic lens. With strong performances from its ensemble cast, it offers a fresh take on familiar themes, making it a must-watch for fans of twist-filled narratives.
