A post-graduate mathematics student discovers an effort being made to destroy his work in finding a pattern in prime numbers that would allow him to access every computer in the world.A post-graduate mathematics student discovers an effort being made to destroy his work in finding a pattern in prime numbers that would allow him to access every computer in the world.A post-graduate mathematics student discovers an effort being made to destroy his work in finding a pattern in prime numbers that would allow him to access every computer in the world.
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Summary
Reviewers say 'Prime Target' presents a fascinating yet uneven mix of mathematical themes and global intrigue. Praised for its innovative premise and strong performances, it delves into human obsession, technology, and morality. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot unrealistic, with inconsistent writing. Acting reviews are mixed, and its complex themes may alienate some viewers. Overall, it’s an ambitious series with a divided reception.
Featured reviews
It was definitely slow at first & if you let that take over your viewing you'll quit before becoming riveted. I know basic math so the premise of the prime number being a key to everything was perplexing at best. Luckily you don't need to be a math genius or any kind of genius for the plot to be both maddening & satisfying simultaneously. Keeping focused is very important. Not a series you can multi-task while watching. I'd disagree with the reviews critiquing the actors talent. I thought the acting was excellent. The end leaves a second season open in my opinion. Not a bad thing if you ask me. Well worth watching this unique Apple series just be patient.
When I watched the trailer for Prime Target, I thought to myself, "This feels a bit like The Da Vinci Code"-a mix of mystery, some ancient history, and the classic chase of bad guys after the good ones. It had all the ingredients for an engaging thriller. After watching three episodes, I have to admit the storyline is actually quite decent, with potential to be gripping. The problem, however, lies in the execution. It just feels flat. The pacing lacks intensity, the characters don't have much depth, and the suspense doesn't quite land. It's watchable, but it misses that spark to make it truly captivating.
Regarding the actors: Quintessa really struggles there. She should not have been casted as a main character. As a secondary, where she would not be as much exposed, would be fine, but the lack of sublime acting skills, does not do any good to the story.
Overall, good watch if you do not expect too much. If it was a Netflix series, yeah, but it doesn't meet the standards of Apple TV Plus.
Regarding the actors: Quintessa really struggles there. She should not have been casted as a main character. As a secondary, where she would not be as much exposed, would be fine, but the lack of sublime acting skills, does not do any good to the story.
Overall, good watch if you do not expect too much. If it was a Netflix series, yeah, but it doesn't meet the standards of Apple TV Plus.
The basic idea is great: the notion that a gov't might kill to keep a possible math shortcut, that would instantly render useless modern cryptography, from being discovered isn't totally ridiculous.
Though I'm sufficiently interested to finish the series, what sank this for me, as already mentioned by others, are things such as the "check-list" attributes assigned to characters and thus the selected actors. Consequently, I found the casting was hit and miss. That may have also been a result of the direction. E.g. In episode 5, particularly, one veteran actor may well have been given direction to "imagine Matthew Goode in the role and act like him".
And the script wasn't great.
6/10 means interesting enough to watch it through but prioritize other, much better, viewing options.
Though I'm sufficiently interested to finish the series, what sank this for me, as already mentioned by others, are things such as the "check-list" attributes assigned to characters and thus the selected actors. Consequently, I found the casting was hit and miss. That may have also been a result of the direction. E.g. In episode 5, particularly, one veteran actor may well have been given direction to "imagine Matthew Goode in the role and act like him".
And the script wasn't great.
6/10 means interesting enough to watch it through but prioritize other, much better, viewing options.
It's not quite clear who the audience is for this series. Is it trying to appeal to people wanting to engage with intriguing scientific theories? Or is it trying to appeal to Gen Z feeling misunderstood for their genius?
On the one hand teasing intriguing questions on the nature of science and mathematics. And how archaeology may unearth interesting new theories.
And then, a supposed math genius who in the Cambridge library system searches for "prime numbers"... And then doesn't find anything in the library catalogue about prime numbers because it's been deleted.
I mean... it isn't consistent to its own universe. And that is very disrupting.
On the one hand teasing intriguing questions on the nature of science and mathematics. And how archaeology may unearth interesting new theories.
And then, a supposed math genius who in the Cambridge library system searches for "prime numbers"... And then doesn't find anything in the library catalogue about prime numbers because it's been deleted.
I mean... it isn't consistent to its own universe. And that is very disrupting.
So called smart people, one user wrote, and that's a typical defense mechanism used anytime someone encounters someone smarter than they are. It's very hard to live in a world of feeling uncomfortable which is why most of us either avoid learning more or prefer to live in ignorance. Also, never acknowledging doing either and pretending they're doing the opposite.
This is a bold series. I am impressed at what has been presented so far. Eager for more and frustrated only two episodes are available now.
I think it's hard for people to accept things they don't understand, so I hope this show keeps people like me engaged. Leo Woodall has impressed me in White Lotus and Me Before You, so I'll be here to see how it all plays out.
Thankfully, it's not a blow em up or fight em up show, as I prefer thinking type drama shows. Things that make you think. For anyone out there that thinks they already know, they don't at all.
Here's to keeping an open mind, cheers!
This is a bold series. I am impressed at what has been presented so far. Eager for more and frustrated only two episodes are available now.
I think it's hard for people to accept things they don't understand, so I hope this show keeps people like me engaged. Leo Woodall has impressed me in White Lotus and Me Before You, so I'll be here to see how it all plays out.
Thankfully, it's not a blow em up or fight em up show, as I prefer thinking type drama shows. Things that make you think. For anyone out there that thinks they already know, they don't at all.
Here's to keeping an open mind, cheers!
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaEdward Brooks is shown to be left-handed. A study by C.P. Benbow in 1986 found the frequency of left-handedness among exceptionally gifted mathematics students was significantly higher than in the general population.
- ConnectionsReferenced in kuji: Artur Chaparyan: Jokes are Not Needed (2025)
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Varsity
- Filming locations
- Alma Road, Windsor, Berkshire, England, UK(on location)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Color
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