'Sugar' Finale: From mind-boggling twists to epic film noir references, 5 reasons why Apple TV+ show is a must-watch

'Sugar' is created by Mark Protosevich and directed by Fernando Meirelles and Adam Arkin

UPDATED MAY 17, 2024

'Sugar' follows the journey of a private detective, John Sugar who has secrets of his own (@AppleTV+)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The last episode of 'Sugar' premiered on Apple TV+ on May 17, 2024, and fans can't stop talking about the series that features Colin Farrell playing the lead role of John Sugar.

'Sugar' tells a unique story of a mysterious private detective, John Sugar who investigates the disappearance of film producer Jonathan Siegel's (James Cromwell) granddaughter Olivia Siegel (Sydney Chandler). 'Sugar' has elements of a mystery thriller and a sci-fi show as John Sugar's identity becomes a major plot point for the show.

'Sugar' has been directed by Fernando Meirelles and Adam Arkin and created by Mark Protosevich. The storytelling of this show is unique and the treatment is unlike anything we have ever seen. Here are 5 reasons why we think 'Sugar' is a must-watch.

Mind-bending twists

Colin Farell as John Sugar in a still from the series 'Sugar' (Apple TV+) — Colin Farrell as John Sugar in a still from the series 'Sugar' (@Apple TV+)

'Sugar' has a screenplay that keeps the audience on its toes and keeps them guessing about the next major development in the series. The biggest twist however comes in the sixth episode when John Sugar injects himself in the neck and is revealed to be an alien.

The twists work well in 'Sugar' as they are preceded by some detailed buildup leading to anticipation among the audience. The makers started teasing the twist at the end of the sixth episode from the first episode itself with John Sugar showing signs of a neural illness and injecting himself in the neck.

Film noir references

Colin Farell as John Sugar in a still from 'Sugar' (YouTube/@AppleTV+) — Colin Farrell as John Sugar in a still from 'Sugar' (YouTube/@AppleTV+)

The editing of the series is unique as scenes from the noir films of the 1940s and 50s are cut into the narrative of this series. Besides, we often see the screen transitioning into black and white as a tribute to the film noir era.

John Sugar's character is established as a cinephile who understands the human world from the cinema and it is an immersive theme for the show as the makers use inner monologues and flashbacks to tell the story they are telling.

Colin Farrell's layered performance

Colin Farell as John Sugar in a still from 'Sugar' (@AppleTV+) — Colin Farrell as John Sugar in a still from 'Sugar' (@AppleTV+)

John Sugar is a unique character with no reference point whatsoever but Colin Farrell makes this character his own and it is difficult to imagine this character without Colin's presence.

He brings an infectious charm to this character and plays the quintessential protagonist with aplomb. His determination to find Olivia Siegel gets through and feels real.

Focus on human emotions

A subliminal plot point for the show is how John Sugar learns and connects with human emotions and that is what prompts him to stay back on earth.

In the final episode of the series, John Sugar talks about emotions like love, anger, and hate that make humans so special. The show is a stark reminder of how special it is to be a human and how vulnerable humans really are.

Brilliantly sketched character

Nate Corddry as David Siegel in a still from 'Sugar' (@Apple TV+)

What stands out in 'Sugar' is the importance given to every character. While the show is about John Sugar, the other characters are sketched brilliantly and do not need exposition to explain themselves.

The character of David Siegel (Nate Corddry) for instance is guilt-stricken in the fifth episode and he expresses it through emotions and silences rather than words. Each character still seems to be connected to the plot and moving it forward.

'Sugar' trailer

'Sugar' is streaming on Apple TV+.