You’re probably thinking, “Another article about cancellations? WE GET IT.”
And hey, you’d be justified in feeling that way. However, a series like Duster, one that is refreshing, interesting, and a hell of a lot more entertaining than many other series currently airing, deserves a eulogy article.
Duster wasn’t going to win any awards, but it was a pretty perfect summer series that deserved a lot more than the hand it was dealt.
In case you didn’t hear the news, Duster was cancelled after one season on Max (now HBO Max — again). It brings to an end an innovative and fun adventure that stood out amongst the lackluster summer fare that’s been rolled out this summer.
You may not be aware, but behind the scenes, Duster languished for a long time after being given a straight-to-series green light in 2020.
Covid and the later 2023 WGA strike delayed the series even further, pushing the premiere out to the summer of 2025.
But it was truly worth the wait.
Duster paid great homage to the ’70s, crafting a fun, flirty vibe around crime, fast cars, and shady dealings like some of the best movies and shows from that era.
Josh Holloway was a wonderful lead, giving Jim Ellis that rugged charm that made him irresistible to women and a clever con man who was able to pull the wool over many people’s eyes throughout the course of the series’ quick eight episodes.
We’ve known Holloway can carry a series, but the real standout was Rachel Hilson as Nina Hayes, the FBI’s first Black woman agent and the heart and soul of the whole operation.
With two concurrent storylines unfolding and then eventually overlapping, it’s truly Jim and Nina’s show at various times.
Still, Hilson steals every scene she’s in as a novice agent who has to work ten times as hard as he counterparts to garner even a sliver of respect in the field.
Nina and partner Awan were an incredible team, as two outsiders who bonded quickly and fed off one another to create this wonderful dynamic that had some fans wondering if the two would fall into the legendary category of law enforcement partners turned potential romantic power couple.
(And it’s me. I’m the fan that was hoping for that.)
But more than potential romance, the series had a stellar first eight episodes that told a full story while also leaving the door wide open for a second season.
Nina and Jim’s dynamic was one of reluctant adversaries, begrudging partners, and then ultimately something akin to friendship.
They cared about one another, as evidenced in the way they looked out for each other, and we were robbed of a second season seeing them work together on their own terms and navigate a new challenge for the two of them.
There was also a great deal of political intrigue and all-around fun that came with following this series throughout such an impactful and, frankly, insane period of American politics.
There was so much to explore in that realm, as well as seeing what the aftermath of Saxton’s death would have been for his children, and then how that may have impacted both Jim and Nina on their quest to find his non-dead brother.
I could go on and on about the what-ifs, but instead, I’ll just once again complain about the current state of television.
There are unprecedented numbers of television shows right now, due to the sheer number of places where you can watch television. But if a show doesn’t come out of the gates hot, then you can almost predict its demise immediately.
Duster didn’t have the greatest promotional campaign, and although it failed to generate tremendous social media support, there was still an audience there.
An audience that is now gutted to see a promising series flame out after eight episodes, because in today’s television age, you don’t get any time to find your footing.
I’ll miss Duster, a diverse and wildly entertaining ride with a captivating cast and an intriguing story that should have been on our screens for years to come, and received more than a sad summer drop-off.
Are you sad about Duster’s cancellation?
Let me know in the comments how you’re feeling about seeing Duster join the long list of cancelled series from 2025.
Watch Duster Online
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The post RIP Duster: The Summer Gem That Never Got Its Due appeared first on TV Fanatic.
