Apple TV+’s Sugar starring Colin Farrell initially presented itself as a stylish neo-noir detective series. We were introduced to John Sugar, a charming private investigator with a penchant for classic cinema and an aversion to alcohol, tasked with finding the missing granddaughter of a prominent Hollywood figure. For six episodes, the series unfolded as a compelling mystery, meticulously crafted and expertly performed. However, the sixth episode concluded with a revelation that drastically shifted the narrative, hinting at a much larger, perhaps otherworldly, scope. Now that the season finale of Sugar has aired, we can fully assess the impact of this game-changing twist: John Sugar is, in fact, an alien.
Spoiler warning for the first season of Sugar, including the final episode.
Let’s address the elephant in the room, or perhaps, the alien in the detective story. Yes, John Sugar is revealed to be an extraterrestrial being. The end of episode six pulls back the curtain, showcasing Sugar as a blue-skinned humanoid, visually reminiscent of a blend between Doctor Manhattan’s ethereal form and Nebula’s cybernetic enhancements from Guardians of the Galaxy. This reveal, while initially shocking, retroactively clarifies many of Sugar’s peculiar traits. His deep love for movies isn’t just a hobby; it’s a method of studying and understanding human behavior. His inability to get drunk is not a quirky anomaly, but a consequence of his different physiology. And his involvement with a secretive group of polyglots is explained as a clandestine network for alien observers to convene and share their observations about humanity.
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However, the alien reveal, while significant, doesn’t fundamentally dismantle the core essence of Sugar. It remains, at its heart, a contemporary noir thriller, driven by a captivating central mystery. The finale episode underscores this point. The science fiction element largely recedes to the periphery as Sugar races against time to save Olivia (Sydney Chandler) from a potentially gruesome fate and reunite her with her influential grandfather (James Cromwell). The episode’s driving force remains consistent with the series’ initial premise: uncovering the truth behind Olivia’s disappearance and determining if Sugar can successfully rescue her.
A still photo from the Apple TV Plus series Sugar, featuring Colin Farrell as John Sugar, looking concerned.Image: Apple
Instead of overshadowing the noir elements, the sci-fi twist injects a sense of urgency into the narrative, particularly in Sugar‘s finale. The discovery of the alien presence on Earth forces Sugar’s kind to evacuate. This impending departure raises the stakes for Sugar; he is compelled to solve the case swiftly before he must leave the planet. Time becomes a critical constraint. The finale culminates in a manner characteristic of classic detective thrillers – a resolution to the immediate crime, yet with lingering threads that suggest the story is far from over. Even if viewers anticipated certain plot developments, the episode delivers unexpected twists and turns, maintaining suspense throughout.
Ultimately, the alien aspect serves as an ingenious twist on a familiar archetype. Sugar’s defining characteristics – his patience, keen observation skills, and unwavering dedication – are traits that not only make him an exceptional detective but are also intrinsically linked to his extraterrestrial origins. His patience and observational prowess are essential tools for his true mission: monitoring humanity and reporting back to his home world. His profound commitment to rescuing Olivia stems from a personal tragedy on his own planet, fueling his desire to prevent similar losses.
The finale also clearly sets the stage for future storylines. Sugar chooses to remain on Earth, driven by a fascination with humanity and, more significantly, by the revelation of a fellow alien who has embraced a villainous path, becoming Sugar’s intergalactic Moriarty. Should Sugar be renewed for a second season, it is likely to transition from a detective procedural to a compelling revenge narrative. The hope is that the series can continue to skillfully balance its blend of science fiction and noir sensibilities. While John Sugar’s alien identity is a significant revelation, the series cleverly suggests that it is not the sole defining characteristic of this intriguing character.
Sugar is currently available for streaming on Apple TV Plus.**
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