? Prime Target is a puzzling thriller with serious potential. This new Apple TV+ thriller from Steve Thompson starts with a bang — but not necessarily in the way you might expect. Prime Target dives headfirst into a web of math theories, ancient chambers, and shadowy conspiracies, promising an edge-of-your-seat experience.

The setup: The action kicks off with a dramatic gas explosion in Baghdad that uncovers an ancient chamber. At exactly that moment, Edward Brooks (Leo Woodall), a gifted but insufferable math grad student at Cambridge, is getting tangled up in a mess of academic rivalries and cryptic prime number theories. His big ideas don’t sit well with those around him, especially his advisor, Professor Mallinder (David Morrissey). Mallinder’s wife and archaeology professor Andrea Lavin (Sidse Babett Knudsen) is eventually drawn into the mystery of the chamber, providing the link between the mysterious explosion and Edward’s research.

What works: Prime Target’s idea of prime numbers as "God’s cipher" has serious potential, with the show presenting a narrative that offers a vehicle for exploring big existential questions.

What falls flat: Despite its big ideas, the series at times struggles with the execution. The first episode is packed with so much mystery, but it feels more confusing than compelling. Edward, while clearly brilliant, comes across as an arrogant and not particularly sympathetic protagonist. The pacing drags at times, and the storylines feel fairly loosely connected, leaving you wondering where it’s all going.

There’s enough intrigue to warrant a watch for fans of slow-burn thrillers. The show is still only on its third episode, with potential to come together as more episodes are released. For now, it’s worth streaming — just don’t expect it to fully pull you in right away.

WHERE TO WATCH- You can watch the series on Apple TV+ or catch the trailer on YouTube (runtime: 2:04).

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