When the AMC+ series That Dirty Black Bag first premiered, its initial episodes presented a whirlwind of violence and intrigue, leaving some viewers, including myself, initially perplexed. Channeling the spirit of Sergio Leone’s iconic spaghetti westerns from the late 1960s and early 70s, the series throws you headfirst into a world of ruthless bounty hunters, corrupt sheriffs, and morally ambiguous characters populating a parched, lawless landscape. While the opening episodes might feel like navigating a dusty maze, perseverance pays off, as the series evolves into a compelling narrative, particularly with the emergence of characters like Bronson, portrayed by the captivating Guido Caprino.
One of the early challenges in That Dirty Black Bag is keeping track of the sprawling cast. Characters like the enigmatic bounty hunter Red Bill (Douglas Booth) and the seemingly hapless farmer Steve (Christian Cooke) initially share a visual similarity that can momentarily muddy the narrative waters. However, as the season unfolds, distinct storylines emerge, each contributing to the overarching tapestry of deceit and violence.
The series wastes no time in establishing its brutal tone. The opening scene of the first episode, aptly titled “A Head Weighs Less Than a Body,” plunges us into Red Bill’s grim profession. He tracks his bounty to a desolate mission, only to find a scene of carnage. The outlaw has not only robbed the church but also brutally murdered its inhabitants. In a stark display of frontier justice, Red Bill swiftly dispatches the outlaw, and in a gruesome, defining moment, decapitates him, placing the head in his signature black bag – a bag that will become increasingly symbolic as the series progresses.
Red Bill’s pursuit of justice leads him to Greenvale, a parched town ruled by the unscrupulous Sheriff McCoy (Dominic Cooper). Cooper portrays McCoy with a delicious blend of understated menace and flamboyant authority. In a town where water is more precious than gold, McCoy lords over the scarce resource, reminding everyone of his absolute power. His refusal to honor the bounty on Red Bill sets in motion a chain of events that reveals the deep-seated corruption and moral decay festering beneath Greenvale’s dusty surface.
The initial episodes of That Dirty Black Bag are a whirlwind of betrayals and dark secrets. We witness murder, kidnapping, backstabbing both literal and figurative, and even unsettling hints of cannibalism. A seemingly unrelated storyline involving a vengeful serial killer and a shadowy sect adds to the initial sense of disorientation.
However, as one astute IMDb reviewer noted, the narrative threads begin to coalesce around Episode 4, “Genesis.” This episode serves as a crucial prequel, shedding light on the origins of Sheriff McCoy’s villainy and Red Bill’s path to becoming a bounty hunter. “Genesis” provides the much-needed context to understand the motivations and backstories of these central figures, allowing the subsequent episodes to resonate with greater clarity and impact.
While avoiding spoilers for the latter half of the season, it’s safe to say that secrets are the currency of this world. Even seemingly minor characters harbor hidden depths. Steve, the pious farmer, conceals the discovery of gold on his land and an affair with Eve (Niv Sultan), the local bordello owner. Eve herself has secrets, including a vulnerability that is strangely alluring to Steve but less so to Sheriff McCoy. McCoy’s own past is shrouded in mystery, and his enforcer Kurt (Ivan Shaw) seems to hold some unknown leverage over the volatile sheriff. Nathan (Benjamin Stender), another of McCoy’s deputies, finds himself entangled in a tragic love affair with Symone, one of Eve’s employees, leading to further violence and heartbreak.
As the season progresses, the narrative threads begin to converge, leading to the introduction of Bronson, played by Guido Caprino. Bronson’s arrival marks a turning point in the series, acting as a catalyst that brings the disparate storylines together. Guido Caprino delivers a compelling performance, injecting a new layer of intrigue and intensity into the already volatile mix. His character, Bronson, becomes central to unraveling the mysteries and resolving the conflicts that have been brewing throughout the season. Guido Caprino‘s portrayal of Bronson is nuanced and captivating, making him a standout presence in the ensemble cast.
Without revealing crucial plot points, the second half of That Dirty Black Bag intensifies the themes of deceit, betrayal, and brutal violence established in the early episodes. The series masterfully weaves together its complex storylines, culminating in a satisfying resolution that hinges, in part, on the actions and motivations of Bronson, expertly portrayed by Guido Caprino. The series, envisioned for three seasons, leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter, especially after Guido Caprino‘s impactful introduction as Bronson. That Dirty Black Bag is a gritty and engaging western that rewards patience, offering a dark and compelling exploration of human nature in a lawless world, made all the more captivating by performances like that of Guido Caprino.
