DTF St Louis: A Juicy Whodunnit on Infidelity and Dating Apps
Steve Conrad's dark comedy series, DTF St Louis, premiering on Sky Atlantic, delves into the murky world of dating apps and marital discontent with a twist of murder. Starring David Harbour and Jason Bateman, this HBO miniseries offers a blend of genres, from police procedural to bedroom farce, all wrapped in a modern, beautifully shot package.
Timing and Themes: A Real-Life Connection
The release of DTF St Louis coincides intriguingly with Lily Allen's recent album, which reportedly addresses infidelity in her marriage to David Harbour. In the show, Harbour portrays Floyd, a sign language interpreter in a stagnant marriage who turns to a hook-up app for extramarital escapades. This parallel adds a layer of real-world drama, making the series particularly poignant for audiences, if not for Harbour's publicist.
Plot and Characters: A Murder Mystery Unfolds
Within the first 25 minutes, Floyd is found dead at the Kevin Kline Community Pool, setting off a classic whodunnit. Jason Bateman plays Clark, Floyd's best friend and a frustrated weatherman, who becomes an initial suspect. The investigation is led by detectives Homer and Plumb, played by Richard Jenkins and Joy Sunday, whose clashing personalities and generational gaps provide both humor and depth as they navigate niche dating terminology and suburban crime.
Humor and Heart: Dark Laughs and Touching Moments
The series balances dark, sad laughs with touching scenes, such as Floyd's work as a deaf interpreter at hip-hop shows. His struggles, including weight gain and Peyronie's disease, are handled with sensitivity, showcasing Harbour's un-vain performance. Meanwhile, Carol, Floyd's wife played by Linda Cardellini, adds absurdity by umpiring Little League games in bulky gear, which hilariously dampens Floyd's libido.
Twists and Takeaways: An Engaging Watch
With unpredictable twists and solid detective thrills, DTF St Louis explores middle-aged marriage malaise in weird and engaging ways. The show's pacing is idiosyncratic, blending suburban boredom with bone-dry humour. Its underlying message seems to warn that dating apps might lead to more than just awkward encounters—perhaps even murder by a swimming pool.
