User Reviews

THIEF took its time revealing the full outline of its plot, but proved to have quite a few surprises in store. Andre Braugher confirmed he's still one of the best actors on TV and the rest of the cast -- with an annoying youthful exception -- is excellent.

Many critics put THIEF in the same cliffhanger-of-the-week category as "24", but unlike that potboiler, the climaxes here were genuine and continued to advance the plot.

By the end of its short season THIEF had generated enough tension to light up a major city. Whether or not those threads will ever be resolved is anyone's guess, but if you missed the original run, catch THIEF if you can.

The first episode is one of the best pilots I have ever seen for a TV show! Very fast paced,thrilling and immediately gives an idea what the show is about! The relationship between the black stepfather and white stepdaughter is not something you see often in TV shows! I loved the way they handled this! Also I liked the fact that Andre Braugher is the main character in this show! He sure gave his character the depth it needed! The whole cast was excellent for that matter! They were believable as a crew who are good at what they do! They looked like real professionals to me! The combination of these great actors and the powerful drama provided me with an experience that was beyond my expectation! I do think that some subplots weren't that interesting but overall didn't bother me that much! If you get the chance check this show out! You won't regret it! (I don't want to make a very big deal of it,but to my knowledge there aren't many shows that have black leads! It is a step in the right direction! But after the decision not to renew this show I begin to wonder how long it will take for this not to be an issue! Taye Diggs (also a black actor)was wonderful in "Day break",still the show got canceled because of low viewer ratings! "Day break" and "Thief" are two excellent shows which happen to have black leads! Or could it be that the plot is too difficult to follow for most viewers! Whatever the reason most of the American viewers do not want to watch these shows! They rather watch shows like "Law and order" and watch the same thing over and over again! It seems that most of the American viewers aren't ready for a show like "Thief" that tries to be different and original! It is a shame that high quality shows like "Thief" are being canceled (or not being renewed) for this reason.)

This mini TV show is obviously inspired by Michael Mann's THE THIEF, back in 1981, starring Jim Caan as a professional thief who has to struggle not only with his accomplices but also the mobster snooping around, whilst facing his personal, family problems. The main character could have been a white dude instead a Black one, his skin color has nothing to do in the matter of this show. This lead has something noble in his behavior, some kind of ethics, as a knight, obeying the rules of chivalry. Yes, definitely yes, I find something of Michael Mann's atmosphere here. Himself was inspired by the awesome French director Jean-Pierre Melville. An underrated TV show, unfortunately forgotten a decade later.

Andre Braugher is, with this show, finally able to show the dark side we got glimpses of with the Homicide series. Nick is not so ruthlessly attached to being in control, and shows some emotion that we Homicide buffs thirsted for from Det. Pembleton. It is wonderful to see one of the most underrated actors in television history flex his formidable acting muscles in this show. He is, as always, convincing as hell, but now has a much more human spin to his character that makes his magnetism even more powerful.

I intend to keep up with this series for as long as the TV gods let us have it.

Thief is a new crime drama series that makes gripping and compelling viewing.

Great to see Andre Baugher, formerly Pembroke in Homicide - Life on the Streets, back on the screen again and in such a strong and powerful role.

If you like a good crime drama I challenge not to get hooked - we can't take eyes off the screen when each episode is on.

Nice to see Linda Hamilton, Sarah Connor in Terminator movies, and she also delivers a commanding performance.

The storyline is exciting and often unexpected which is unusual and very welcome.

I hope it runs for longer than 1 series!

I have to say that after watching it last night. I became addicted to this groundbreaking show. Andre Braugher best known for his role as Frank Pemberton on the NBC show, Homicide: Life on the Streets, which I still consider one of the best cop shows ever made has breathed life into this character, Nick, who by all appearances works in the auto field but his real career is that of a professional thief. Granted, I would have like to have seen the interracial relationship between Nick and Wanda but that was cut too short. NIck's stepdaughter is kind of a typical teenager girl who just lost her mother and doesn't know what to make of her stepfather. Although her father lives in Hawaii, he never comes to his former wife's funeral is a testament to watching this interesting relationship unfold in the upcoming episodes. There are a lot of crime shows on television but this show is set apart by the fact that even the criminals have a code and they could pay with their lives. THe fact that the show is set in New Orleans is also a strong factor as to what they can come up. I just saw one night but I wanted to see more. I like Linda Hamilton's character. She's a breath of fresh air. You have to see it once just to get the feel of it and want to see it again and again. I love Andre Braugher and I think he should get an Emmy and a Golden Globe for playing this role.

Just how good is Andre Braugher? When you give this actor a meaty role, he never disappoints. He didn't have much to do in "Hack", his previous series that starred David Morse, but in "Homicide" and now in "Thief", he has created a character that fascinates.

"Thief" is the latest entry in a string of fine dramas that FX has brought to the small screen. It took the entire first episode to flesh out the characters and subplots but by the second installment, I couldn't wait to see what would happen next.

A grand supporting cast backs Braugher and after just six eps the season is already over. FX is one of the best cock teasers in the business. As "The Shield" was getting better than ever, its season ended its 13 episode run. Same with "Rescue Me". I want MORE, dammit!

They talk about the 50's being the "golden age of television" but with excellent fare like the aforementioned programs, along with "24" on Fox, HBO's "The Sopranos", "Deadwood", and "The Wire", I believe that we're experiencing a second "golden age". Even many of the Bruckenheimer procedurals are well-written, and "er" still finds moments of its former brilliance. Fox's "House" is a bit over the top, but it is witty and solid each week.

That brings us back to "Thief". The show has the big heist as its center point but is really more a character study of the people involved in the crime and all who are affected. This show could go in so many different directions in the future and I hope that FX has plans to bring it back. An excellent piece of work and all who are involved in putting it together should be very proud of their achievement.

The best thing on television hands down.. If you are smart you'll watch this show.........if you want to learn how to tell compelling drama.........then you'll watch this show.... If you want to be on the edge of your seat then you'll watch this show... If you want to watch a show that is entertaining and also an interesting exploration of the soul and psyche then you'll watch this show... The writing, directing, and acting are as good, if not better, than every show on Television.... Every character is three dimensional, original, and complicated.... The dynamics in the relationships between these characters is tense and real... The show is heightened incredibly due to the life and death stakes that play out in every episode... How often do you get to see a lead character that is as flawed as Andre Braugher's character, grieve his wife, raise his step daughter, ward off evil cops and vengeful competition while still carrying out a heist of almost impossible proportions? How about never......this is the only place you'll get that..and my guess is we all will get more if this show is given a chance to build an audience. Watch it, record it, recommend it..this is appointment Television.......if you like monsters on islands and women on Wysteria Lane...then this show is probably not for you.....but like I said....this show is for smart people.....if you watch shows like The Sopranos....or Bodies....or Prime Suspect.....you won't be disappointed....television doesn't get any better than this.... You heard it here. (and I don't work for the show, have no stake in it...I just like to see good things and great artists rewarded..so check it out and give it a chance..)

I was mesmerized by this show. I understand that it was filmed in New Orleans PRIOR to Katrina but incorporating Katrina made New Orleans a metaphor for what was going on in Nick's life. It was stunning and Braugher as usual was incredible. It's amazing that his dark characters are the ones that he seems to most brilliantly perform - - I agree that the scenes between him and the girl who plays his step-daughter were incredibly well-written and masterfully played. She rose to his level... One of Braugher's particular skills is establishing relationships on screen with other characters, these one-om-one in-your-face confrontations. He is exceptionally attuned to the other actor. When he is talking to one of his partners (the one with the wife and kid who gets caught at the end), they ducked their heads down and communicated as much by facial expression as by words. Stunning. It restore your faith in high-quality television.

Most of the people who posted here really understand the dynamics of this kind of show. I can tell we have some real promising fans for the show already. For those of you who aren't as enthusiastic as the millions of other viewers thats to be expected. Every one has different tastes. I can tell you this- that given the chance this show will prove to be a very compelling and exciting show to watch every week. This coming from an actor who is in the show and has a biased opinion. I'm honest, and I can proudly say that by the end of 6 episodes you will be left wanting more.

I'm Yancey Arias I play Gabo AKA Gabriel. I want to share with all of you some details about each episode without giving too much in the future Episodes. The first episode was meant to establish the intense pace and risky conditions of which these guys must work and live in to pull off a score. In the whirl wind of the storm people get hurt and relationships are forged and broken. The second episode begins to tell you how those relationships are affected by what happened in episode one. In each future episode you will get to know each character much more intimately. It is also the introduction of the biggest most daring heist that will go down in the air and on the ground. So episodes 3 and 4 will involve all the challenges that could possibly come up in order to plan such a score. The noose gets tighter around each characters neck, and the body count will increase by the end of all 6 episodes. Who will it be? Well you'll have to watch wont ya.;)

Episodes 5 and 6 is the Big Bang and the score is in full effect!!!! But you cant miss episode 3 and 4 simply because you wont feel the impact as hard. Follow the journey my friends. Trust me; Andre and the rest of us will keep you fully entertained in all the episodes. So you don't want to miss anything, All of your questions will be answered by the end, and you will be completely enthralled by the shows quality at all levels. Just give this show a chance the way you gave "THE SHIELD" and "NIP TUCK" a chance. Tell all your friends to watch. The Reviews are awesome. More people need to watch this great show. I'm not just saying this cause I'm in the show. I happen to love movies such as Heat, Oceans 11, Colateral, and Ronin. If your like me then you'll be all into our show "THIEF". Every Tuesday Nights at 10pm on FX. If you have (Dish Network) then it's on at 7pm Pacific 10pm eastern. You can Also go to FXnetworks site and visit our THIEF message Board write in and express your support. A good old fashion letter to the FX studio to express your support is always welcomed. Many Blessings to all of you.

Yancey Arias

I really hate that this show got cancelled. It got cancelled in 2006 and it's 2019, and I'm still mad. This show was awesome. I wish it was remade by netflix or some streaming service. I love this show.

Four episodes in, "Thief" is an exercise in calculated tension; this is the first weekly series to grab me since season one of "The Sopranos." It feel rough, jazzy, messed up the way real life is messed up. Society would probably be better off if every single character in "Thief" were eliminated, but let's face it - "society" is not, never has been and never will be Disneyland.

Yeah, it does looks "ugly" - because it's about seriously ugly things. If you need obvious heroes in your entertainment or think everything should be shot to look like "ER", this is clearly not going to work for you.

It's not very pleasant, but it is riveting. No way I would wait for the DVD to find out what happens.

Nick Atwater and his gang of professional thieves have just completed another successful robbery for agent Roselyn Moore, however a rare moment of greed saw them take money they found as well as their target. Unfortunately for them this money is the property of the Chinese mob and, although Roselyn gives the money back as soon as she learns of this – the Chinese still intend to have them all killed to send a message. Meanwhile Nick has two very immediate problems – one of the gang has started messing up due to heavy drug use and his step-daughter is in trouble with the police herself. Neither problem in itself is insurmountable but with the Chinese, a crooked cop and a personal tragedy, things suddenly get infinitely more difficult.

As a Homicide: Life on the Street fan, I was looking forward to seeing Thief when it came to the UK but managed to not notice its arrival on Sky until it was too late. Having spent ages waiting for a DVD release that never came I managed to get in touch with someone in the US who recorded it off TV for me (thank you!). This hadn't hyped it up for me but I was hoping that it would be good. The plot is solid from the start and I was engaged, thinking that this was going to be a fast paced six episodes. On the contrary though, the mini-series moved surprisingly slow and I'm not totally convinced that it had the depth to enable it to do so. I hate to always bring it into my reviews, but The Wire springs to mind – a slow pace but every hour is rammed with material and "action".

Thief cannot compete on this level but it does still work for what it is. The crime plot is good but it doesn't all fit together as well as I think was the intension; the main heist is engaging enough but the Chinese mob and crooked cop bits don't really fit. It also ends rather abruptly as well – so I'm not sure if originally the writers were hoping for more episodes to try and run everything equally and dove-tail more effectively. What does work as part of the heist plot is the family material with Nick and his stepdaughter Tammi. I am used to seeing this sort of material be an afterthought – perhaps even a cynical attempt to wider the viewer demographic but neither of these appears to have been the case with Thief. Although not perfect in itself, this material does strengthen the story and make it more engaging than a straight heist series. However none of these things would have worked as well if it had not been for the single biggest asset in the series – Braugher.

Of course I can be accused of bias since he was the reason I came to the show, but he did not disappoint. He lifts the material with a performance that is brooding at times, broken at others and, most importantly, he makes Nick convincing and real and goes beyond just being the character that each specific scene requires. I'm not describing it very well but at no point did he seem to be flicking a switch to act different things – it all seemed to just be the same person in different moments. He dominates the cast for this reason but the others do still do their bits well. Whitman is not perfect here but she benefits from working with Braugher – her character is annoying at times but her performance is good (and a nice surprise for this Arrested Development fan). Arias, Collins, Yoba and Yun Lee, Kim, Hamilton and Hall are all solid in support but Rooker is a disappointment. His character seemed incidental but was somehow pushed forward as a main one – his bits distract more than they add and his performance doesn't produce anything to improve this situation.

Thief may not have been as good as I would have liked but it is still a solid, if slow mini-series. Attempts to vary what it is about are worthy even if some parts of it feel out of place or laboured but ultimately it still engages thanks to the usual high-quality work from Andre Braugher in the lead role.

Over here in England we are awaiting episode three. Have to say I am hooked big time and its great to see one of my favourite actors Andre Baugher back on the screens.

Homicide. Life on the streets was this guy. Pembelton was/is A God!! A strong actor who is vastly under rated.

Long may this show thrive,and please please don't kill the f**king thing off like they have done with another of your cracking shows after one series "Over There"

Thanks US for another top notch t.v show.

Keep the faith

Network: FX; Genre: Crime, Drama; Content Rating: TV-MA (for strong language and violence); Perspective: Contemporary (star range: 1 - 4);

Seasons Reviewed: Season 1

Nick Atwater (Andre Braugher, "Homicide", "Gideon's Crossing") leads a gang of well organized, highly talented thieves in post-Katrina New Orleans. They take from bank vaults mostly, working undetected, until one day they are spotted stealing from the Chinese mafia, one of their own gets greedy and deviates from the objective and Nick's home life with his new wife (Dina Myer) and her daughter Tammi (Mae Whitman, "Arrested Development") is tragically turned upside down. All of this threatens their biggest score yet: stealing 40 million government dollars from the belly of a passenger plane 30,000 feet in the air.

After finding success with over-the-top dramas "Nip/Tuck", "The Shield" and "Rescue Me", the patented FX absurdity gets dialed down in "Thief". My first instinct is to rate the show lower than it probably deserves. I'm so used to FX jumping in my face that it requires us to plug "Thief" back in with the rest of the network dramas to see how good it really is. A more methodical character-driven drama taking us inside a criminal organization than a white-knuckle crime thriller, "Thief" is the most like HBO's "The Sopranos" than anything else on the line-up. There is even a gruesomely clever torture sequence involving Linda Hamilton and a long thread of firecracker cable in here.

In the thief crime sub-genre that also includes this year's profoundly lame NBC/Doug Liman project "Heist", "Thief" does it as well as I've seen, but at the same time it doesn't break out of the genre. It doesn't have its own unique voice. The show plays it surprisingly safe, unfolding its story crisply and more than competently, but also without any big surprises, twists or turns. It goes where it needs to go, using characters that it needs to get there, but little more.

Ironically, what we all came here to see, the big heist, fails to generate as much excitement as the show's apparent B-story - which involves the impossibly trying relationship between Nick and stepdaughter Tammi. This family dynamic is usually a tack-on story networks use to bring in a larger demographic and yet here it is played out with electrifying results. Braugher we already know as one of TV's most talented actors who can't get a break (more on him later), but Whitman is a real discovery. She plays this with a heart-breaking emotional realism well beyond her years. You'd imagine it would be tough to steal the show from Andre Braugher, but Whitman does it. The scenes between the two of them are emotional fireworks.

It is Tammi's story that moved me the most and that is the one where we actually feel the most is at stake even though it has nothing to do with Chinese assassins and mid-air heists. Fortunately, the show knows what it has and Witman's story is folded nicely into the main story without a missed beat.

The other thing that keeps "Thief" compelling is the simple brilliance of Andre Braugher in the lead. The man doesn't know the meaning of the word obvious. Nothing is big, nothing is overplayed. It is a quiet, sophisticated, even hypnotic, performance where on the page there could just as easily have been nothing. Braugher has once again created a character that keeps the audience guessing about where his loyalty actually lies: the money, the team, his own code of ethics, his new stepdaughter or his wife. In contrast to Braugher is Michael Rooker as an over-the-top brutal caricature of a cop who screams like he'd rather be in a broad Stephen Bochco series than in a character drama like this.

Where "Rescue Me" and "Nip/Tuck" are on fire, "Thief" is lukewarm. Even Bochco's "Over There" was a riskier and more inventive series, before it collapsed on itself. As every storyline races to the end, the show's focus gets smaller. There are a lot of irons in the fire, maybe too many, and not a balanced payoff. It would have helped if "Thief" fleshed out the rest of the team members a little more, but hopefully that will be something to settle in future seasons. It isn't as fully realized and clever as "The Sopranos" and doesn't have the silently simmering tension of Showtime's "Sleeper Cell", but "Thief" becomes a careful, well-made, visually gorgeous heist series with two spectacular lead performances to keep it moving.

* * ½ / 4

There's very little different about this show. It looks and feels the same as so many other bad shows, like The Shield (also on FX!), that look terrible and bring little if anything to the table filmically.

someone should clue in FX that shooting on video does not make a show look real: it just makes it look cheap and ugly! And why not use a tripod for a change... Yes, FX executives... hand-holding the camera constantly for no particular purpose is not brilliant direction. It's not direction at all and it's boring in the utmost.

What a waste of acting talent that show is. I feel bad for Andre Braugher, Linda Hamilton, Dina Meyer...