As we said in our review, Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 1, inspired by the 00-branch of MI6 in James Bond films, attempts a genre-bending approach by blending homage and satire. The show navigates the complexities of a romantic comedy-drama set in the world of espionage, aiming to both lampoon and pay tribute to the genre. However, it grapples with a significant hurdle – the lack of chemistry between the lead characters, Jane and John Smith, played by Erskine and Glover.
The central conceit of the series demands a strong connection between the characters, crucial for a narrative that involves subversion within the genre. Despite occasional moments of banter and charm, the initial episodes struggle to establish a convincing foundation, leading to a narrative that feels shaky, especially as the relationship between the agents evolves over time. As the series progresses, moments of brilliance emerge, notably in the finale, showcasing heightened chemistry and banter. Yet, the show’s potential is hindered by its shaky start, raising questions about its ability to effectively blend satire with genuine engagement.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith Episode-Wise (Season 1) Recap:
The following article will take a detailed Episode-by-episode breakdown of Mr. and Mrs. Smith season 1 with a deep dive into the ending of the season and what lies ahead for the Prime Video show. Please be aware that the article will be full of spoilers that might ruin the best moments from Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 1. So if you are interested in just looking at a detailed plot summary, I would recommend navigating here.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 1 “First Date” Recap:
The episode begins with John and Jane Smith arriving at an empty office building. A computer screen greets them with a simple “Hihi,” setting the tone for their unusual journey. As they insert nail clippings into a compartment, the computer prompts them with questions that slowly unravel the complexities of their lives.
We learn more about Jane’s background – her height and mixed ethnicity of Korean and Scottish/White. It’s revealed she has never been in love, while John, an African-American dishonorably discharged, has uttered the words three times, including to his mother. The interrogation delves into their financial situation, exposing John’s concerns about never seeing his mother again and Jane’s willingness to cut ties with her father.
Despite their differences – Jane’s secretive nature and John’s competitiveness – a common ground is found in their love for pasta and Korean barbecue. Scenes at their new home showcase John’s slightly awkward attempt to connect with Jane.
Their first mission, assigned by “Hihi,” involves following an older woman in a photograph wearing sunglasses. The mission details instruct them to meet at a restaurant, Orsay, at noon, sit near the bar, hand off at 40, with coordinates provided. The couple speculates whether their target is a foreign spy or part of U.S. intelligence.
During the mission, John tries to break the ice with personal questions, but Jane remains elusive, refusing to disclose her real name. They share tidbits about their recruitment through high-risk job applications and admit to being paired as a couple, following an old KGB tactic. John lies about killing people during the “Hihi” interview, sparking tension.
At Orsay, the couple showcases chemistry while conversing about their backgrounds and missions. The banter continues as Jane follows the target, with John guiding her through an earpiece. They momentarily lose the woman but eventually succeed, with John’s quick thinking helping them complete the mission.
However, their triumph turns to humiliation when they discover that the package they intercepted is not a bomb but a cake. Feeling deceived, they leave the target’s house only to be met with a surprise explosion, destroying their home. Fleeing from unidentified pursuers, John and Jane manage to escape, regrouping at their apartment.
Amidst the chaos, they gain a better understanding of each other, and we discover that Jane brought a cat named Max from her old life. Before leaving, John discloses his past involvement in killing people.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 2 “Second Date” Recap:
The second episode of Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 1 introduces Paul Dano as the “Hot Neighbor,” adding charm to the storyline. Dano’s character sparks an interaction with Jane about a mischievous cat and potential hazards to his dog. The encounter leaves viewers wondering about the dynamics between Jane and John, especially considering Jane’s comment about the neighbor being attractive.
As the couple prepares for their next mission, Hihi assigns them the task of infiltrating a black-tie event to identify the high bidder for “Warhol Silver Car Crash” and administer a truth serum. The tension builds as the rules emphasize “no calculations” and “NO WITNESSES.”
The duo identifies Eric Shane, played by John Turturro, as the high bidder. However, their attempt to administer the truth serum takes an unexpected turn when Shane turns the tables on them, making them bark like dogs. The scene unfolds a. mix of suspense and dark humor.
The climax of the episode revolves around Shane’s death from a truth serum overdose, prompting John and Jane to scramble for the “green” antidote. As they share intimate moments, Shane’s revelations about loneliness and past love add complexity to the narrative. The episode takes an unexpected turn when Shane seems to hint at knowledge about Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s mysterious profession, raising questions about the couple’s past and the potential involvement of an ex-lover.
The decision to bury Shane in the backyard compost doubles down on the show’s dark, comical outlook. However, the challenges they face in doing so highlight the realities of their covert lifestyle.
The episode concludes with Hihi indicating a mission failure. With two more failures looming, John and Jane find themselves on uncertain ground.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 3 “First Vacation” Recap:
John and Jane, undercover as honeymooners, target Gavol and Parker Martin at the Fones Hotel. Using secret CCTV in their room, they keep a close eye on the Martins. The Martins, who have a child together, constantly fight and bicker.
John and Jane’s mission is to observe the Martins, bug their phones, and record a crucial phone call scheduled for 5 p.m. the next day. Hihi emphasizes not to fail and sends champagne with a note urging them to enjoy and complete the mission this time.
Upon reading the passive-aggressive note, John expresses surprise at learning Hihi is a woman. They share a laugh, a kiss bonding for the undercover role that they are playing.
John secretly calls his mom despite Hihi’s directive to sever all external connections. The revelation occurs while the two are stranded on a ski lift. Jane discloses that he contacted her earlier at the gym, leading her to suspect that his supposed meditation during the last episode was a deception.
This breach of trust jeopardizes their mission and family and potentially places everyone at risk. Mr. and Mrs. Smith engage in a heated argument, and the husband thinks about separation. They tail the Parkers during a break, attributing the strain in their relationship because of the wife’s excessive workload. She owns a company with a similar network in Australia.
John flirts with Gavol by fetching a bowl of rice when her phone gets damp in the sauna. Meanwhile, Jane converses with Parker, who vents about his wife’s workaholic tendencies. In an attempt to bridge the gap with his tech-savvy son, Jane hacks Parker’s phone while assisting with a game download, and John does the same by extracting the phone from the rice.
Gavol is abducted by an unidentified terrorist group demanding 51% of their shares, as revealed in the 5 p.m. call. John hears about Gavol’s abduction on his phone, while Jane learns of the terrorist demands on Parker’s phone. Despite the terrorists’ threats, Gavol’s husband refuses to comply and ends up vomiting.
In the midst of the situation, Jane advises John not to rescue Gavol, but he disregards her and manages to succeed. Jane, feeling ignored, sends him angry messages. During the confrontation, John turns on the location of his phone, allowing Jane to track him.
The story concludes with Jane discovering John lying in the snow, cold and frozen. She brings him back to the hotel and places him in cold water to thaw. In a lighthearted moment, John jokingly suggests using her mouth to unfreeze his frozen penis, making both of them laugh.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 4 “Double Date” Recap:
John disputes the ownership of a green drink labeled “John Smith” with the juice vendor. A well-dressed man (played by Wagner Moura) interjects, claiming the drink is his, and mentions his orange juice being taken earlier.
He offers to buy John a replacement, revealing a credit card with the same name and establishing a connection. Both Johns work at the same company and hit it off. The new acquaintance introduces his “wife,” Jane, and despite the oddity, it doesn’t raise suspicion.
The couples seem relieved to find similarities. The other John suggests dinner at their place, though the invitation’s spontaneity raises eyebrows.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have befriended new associates who are “super high-risk” agents, attracted to the higher pay and excitement of such jobs. Upon their arrival, they engage in drinking, eating, and enjoying the evening. Glover and Erskine’s characters are intrigued by their new friends due to their status as “super high-risk” agents and their survival skills.
Moura’s John subtly hints at the demise of his previous Jane without explicit explanation. The plot serves as a foreshadowing of John and Jane’s future career choices—low risk, high risk, or super high risk. John expresses a desire to transition into low-risk mode later, while Jane is adamant about not making such a switch.
As audiences, we anticipate something sinister happening, leading to the suspicion of a potential trap. During dessert, John inquires about their riskiest cases. Moura’s character shares an incident of sneaking into a Russian prison without weapons or a backup plan, emphasizing the importance of “breathing.” The Other Jane tells the significance of quick thinking in navigating dangerous situations.
Towards the end of the episode, John scrutinizes his ex’s social media profile, revealing her possession of both appendages. This incident serves as another instance of the psychological games that Jane enjoys.
Earlier, after a risky mission invitation from new friends following a drinking session, they find themselves in a helicopter. Surprisingly, Moura and Posey’s characters opt-out, wishing them well. On arrival at the mission ground, they are confronted by gunpoint. Here, Glover’s John professes love to Erskine’s Jane amidst the chaos, leading to a struggle involving machetes and the killing of the captain.
When everything dies down, the alternate John apologizes and hands them the payment without the intended split of $375,000. Back at home, during a shower, John realizes Jane’s deception about the “hand,” leading to shared laughter and his admiration for her untruthful skills. Later, in bed, Jane confirms that she loves him back.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 5 “Do you want kids?” Recap:
Tobey Hellinger’s identity and profession remain unclear throughout the episode. Despite his offer to disclose his role within the company, John insists that it’s unnecessary information. Hihi instructs John and Jane to travel to Lake Como, Italy, and apprehend Hellinger. Upon reaching Tobey’s residence, they find him indulging in drugs.
John and Jane cover Tobey’s head and take him to a secure location, only to be ambushed by armed assailants in tactical gear. A car chase ensues through Italy, disrupting an Italian wedding due to the ensuing gun battle.
Abandoning the vehicle, they escape to safety, although Tobey appears indifferent to his survival. Eventually, they secure refuge in another safe house, known to John through a code.
This is where we learn that John has bought a home for the two of them in Lake Como without consulting Jane. This upsets her. Toby, jokingly interveens between the couple by telling them that investing in real estate is not fruitful, especially in a foreign land.
Toby’s health gets worse, but he refuses medication, prompting John to falsely promise him a cigarette if he agrees to. Toby, angered by the lie, confronts John, who has a gun pointed at him. However, Toby presses his chest to the barrel, hinting at suicidal thoughts. Subsequently, he cried and retires to bed.
Hihi and Jane have a brief chat with Hihi instructing Jane to keep Toby alive because he is a critical asset for the company. This solitary conversation without John’s presence raises questions.
After dinner, Hihi sends Jane a message with coordinates in the middle of Lake Como, also telling that a seaplane will be there to pick Toby up.
Soon some assassins track them down at John’s new home. To escape, Jane puts dynamite on the stove’s open flame, blowing up the house.
Doubts arise in John’s mind about Jane being pregnant, specially after she refused wine, claimed she was pregnant to secure the boat, felt seasick, and exhibited maternal behavior toward Toby. The night before delivering Toby, the couple exchanged vows. John pledged to take allergy medication for Jane’s cat and vowed not to harm her – which in the spy world is like saying I love You.
Another conversation with Hihi, where John is not present, reveals that there are doubts being put into Jane’s head, so there is a discussion of ‘her’ moving to the next level.
And since the ending comes with the big question, “Would you like to replace your John?” we can now anticipate a huge break in the relationship between the couple.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 6 “Couples Therapy (Naked & Afraid)” Recap:
The seventh episode opens with a marital therapy session where Mr. and Mrs. Smith sit across their ‘Therapist’, played by Sarah Paulson. John and Jane visit her at her home, and they mock her as a pretentious and socially conscious individual after each session.
In these therapy sessions, they can’t disclose their specific jobs, so they claim to be software engineers. The Therapist, not fooled, questions why they collaborate so extensively on similar projects.
Despite removing professional boundaries, the Therapist recognizes the core issue: the merging of their professional and personal worlds, resulting in blurred lines.
John expresses to the Therapist that he can sense favoritism from their boss towards Jane. Jane, in turn, belittles John, undermining his confidence and asserting control in various situations. They recount a meeting where John was closing a deal, employing psychotherapy techniques that Jane found too time-consuming—40 minutes instead of the quicker approach she preferred.
During a covert operation, Jane felt John adopted a different persona, displaying machismo. She also perceived him making sexist and racially insensitive comments about her own Asian culture. Instead of letting John proceed, Jane abruptly shot all four individuals in the head, citing hunger as her reason.
Throughout therapy sessions, John and Jane gradually distance themselves physically. They attempt to implement the Therapist’s advice on another mission, but in a flashback, Jane is particularly harsh to John regarding his family and masculinity. In response, John becomes deeply personal, discussing Jane’s emotional detachment due to her relationship with her father.
The Therapist observes that John and Jane have crossed some lines that can’t turn their relationship towards a favorable future.
In the final scene, John and Jane burn down the Therapist’s home upon discovering she recorded their therapy sessions. The Therapist reveals that their job is merely a choice, not an obligation. They have the freedom to stay or leave. Similarly, their marriage is a matter of choice.
This revelation poses intriguing questions for Mr. and Mrs. Smith. If they were to separate, what would become of John and Jane? Will John truly transition to a low-risk situation? Jane might perceive keeping the marriage intact as a way to safeguard John’s life, adding a layer of complexity to their relationship.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1), Episode 7 “Infidelity” Recap:
Jane suspects Bev of being involved with John and visits her home. Bev invites her in, and Jane enquires about her relationship with John where Bev explains that they met at a bar and occasionally spend time with each other watching movies and talking like friends do.
However, the conversation reveals that John has told Bev about him and his wife being spies and that, in spite of them being incompatible, John wants to work things out with Jane.
Just then, John arrives there, and Jane hides, warning Bev not to speak or she will have to face consequences. Jane then eavesdrops near the kitchen as John and Bev talk, with John eventually enquiring, ‘Where’s my wife?’
It is then revealed that John had a separate assignment from Hihi, which involved seeing Bev, also a spy for a rival organization. Bev realizes the jig is up and attacks John in hand-to-hand combat. Jane appears confused, fearful, and relieved as she watches the fight. Eventually, she intervenes, knocking John to the ground.
John, exasperated, calls out to Jane while she holds a gun without helping. She fires multiple times, but Bev hides behind the sofa. She then jumps from behind the couch, placing a mechanized noose around John’s neck. John attempts to cut it off as Bev fights Jane, but Bev manages to escape. Jane eventually cuts the device off John’s neck.
John informs Jane that he’s leaving her tomorrow, attributing it to Hihi’s interference in their relationship. John admits his liking for Bev and explains that what was supposed to be a three-day job took a month for some reasons.
Jane accuses John of having an emotional affair with Bev, pointing out that he stopped using cologne for Bev but not for her. They delve into the topic of intimacy with targets, with Jane expressing anger over John kissing Bev. John clarifies that he never had sex with Bev due to guilt, while Jane reluctantly admits to having done it twice for their missions, causing further tension.
The two of them trace Bev to the “Orsay” – the location of their first mission together. There, they find the tracker along with a postcard from Bev, suggesting she knew about it from John sharing details of Mr. and Mrs. Smith’s initial mission.
Back home, they have a conversation that lets them come to the conclusion that it is Hihi who has been trying to pull them apart.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1 Finale), Episode 8 “A Breakup” Recap:
Jane receives a message from Hihi that simply says, “Terminate Your John.” This message snaps her out of her depression. She wakes up alone, with Max beside her, but John is absent. Despite her evident loneliness, she struggles to communicate her desire for John’s return. Contemplating texting him after the message, she ultimately refrains. Jane’s demeanor remains reserved.
While preparing breakfast, Jane accidentally drops a utensil, prompting her to bend over. Suddenly, she hears a bullet bouncing off the counter. Max, her cat, is startled but stays on the counter, unaware of the impending danger. As Jane takes cover to avoid the gunfire, she feels blood drop onto her hand from above. It turns out to be Max, lying lifeless on the kitchen counter. Who killed Max? We are not quite sure about that.
On the other hand, John discovers a bomb at his mother’s home. Realizing the danger he sends his mom away and messages Jane, expressing the need for a conversation.
Why did Jane try to kill John?
Jane attempts to kill John, believing she accidentally killed Max while targeting her. She invites him to an art gallery for a conversation, displaying a cold and distant demeanor, labeling him the cruelest man alive, which surprises John. Requesting to speak outside, Jane walks a few paces ahead of him.
Upon reaching the revolving doors, they get stuck, and Jane reveals she placed a bomb inside, trapping John. The bomb detonates, but John narrowly avoids the blast. He spots Jane, who notices him and a chase ensues.
Following a series of fistfights and daring maneuvers through the city, Jane manages to escape and then comes to John’s home, where her mother is cooking dinner. John’s mother imparts the advice that Michael (John’s original name) must feel safe to experience love. She then urges Jane to consider this before making a final decision on divorce.
We then meet Materbach – the one Jane as a “hot neighbor,” again as John arrives home without a key. He requests Harris to allow him through his home to access the back. Inside, John discovers blueprints and pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Harris’s desk. Harris isn’t romantically involved with Jane; instead, he is a purchasing agent working on reconnaissance for Sotheby’s to acquire the Mr. and Mrs. Smith Brownstone.
John and Jane engage in a heated gun battle inside their home. Amidst the chaos, John successfully injects Jane with truth serum and proceeds to do the same for himself, prompting the couple to finally engage in a conversation that is honest.
During their discussion, they reach an understanding regarding Jane’s insecurities and John’s needs. The most significant revelation emerges: John never killed Max, and it wasn’t Jane who planted the bomb in his mother’s home.
What is ‘finalizing’?
This is where Other John and Other Jane enter and explain that it was they who killed Max and tried to Kill John. The killing spree comes under ‘finalizing’, where they try their best for the Smiths to kill one another so that it is easier for them to kill only one of them.
With the others keeping the Smiths at gunpoint, John and Jane manage to escape when the Other John starts to sneeze. They run into the safe room as Other Jane tries to locate them.
Mr. & Mrs. Smith (Season 1 Finale), Episode 8 “A Breakup” Ending Explained:
What happens to John and Jane? Are they dead or alive?
Jane, revealing her real name as Lara, informs John that he’s been shot in the stomach and is bleeding out, indicating the serum’s effects are wearing off. She’s learned to express her feelings and confesses her deep love for him. Jane expresses her desire for two kids as a reason to survive.
John proposes a plan, but it’s deemed too time-consuming. Jane, driven by the need to save him, takes control. Standing up with her gun drawn at the door, she begins to count to three.
The ending of Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 1 sees flashes of gunfire on the top level of John and Jane’s Brownstone before the credits roll. It’s unsure what happens to the two, but the cliffhanger is in place for a reason.
Will there be a Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 2?
Amazon Prime Video has not confirmed details about a second season for the show. All eight episodes of season one were released on February 2, and if they are well-received, the show might be re-commissioned.
Considering the cliffhanger finale, it’s possible the show could return for a second season to reveal what happened to John and Jane after the gunfire in the ending.
Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 1 Theories:
In the Season 1 finale of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Michael and Alana face uncertainty after overcoming the other John and other Jane. The open conclusion sparks anticipation for Season 2, where the couple navigates a world of other Smiths with varying risk levels.
The revelation of the Smith network’s hierarchy adds complexity as they confront rival spies and the ominous entity “HiHi.” Season 2 is expected to shift into a global pursuit, forcing Michael and Alana into a life on the run, dealing with potential allies-turned-enemies among the Smiths.
The season may explore strain on their relationship without therapy sessions, focusing on survival instincts.
What are the differences between the ‘Mr. & Mrs Smith’ series and movie?
The Mr. and Mrs. Smith series, as described by the actor Erskine, offers a fresh take on the dynamic between the lead characters compared to the original movie starring Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt. The narrative approach in the series emphasizes a pre-established partnership and the nuances of a relationship that evolves under extraordinary circumstances.
In contrast to the film where the protagonists meet without prior knowledge of each other’s spy identities, the series begins with a deliberate arrangement. The characters acknowledge their roles as partners embarking on dangerous missions, compelled to maintain the facade of a married couple – an arrangement Erskine likened to an “arranged marriage.”
The initial agreement between the characters is strictly business, with a conscious decision to avoid romantic entanglements. This businesslike approach serves as the foundation for building trust and camaraderie while navigating the challenges of living together undercover. Erskine suggests that the characters start by learning each other’s habits, both endearing and annoying, akin to the complexities of any new relationship.
As the characters get to know each other on a personal level, the series explores the complications that arise, leading to a gradual shift from a strictly professional partnership to a genuine romantic connection. The progression of their relationship is portrayed against the backdrop of high-stakes spy missions, creating a unique blend that Erskine aptly describes as the “spy sandwich.”
The series, as explained by Sloane, takes a departure from traditional spy narratives, particularly those reminiscent of the Bond franchise. It delves into the in-between moments and vulnerabilities of the characters, providing a more intimate and human perspective on the life of spies. The tone of the show is characterized by its grounded, surreal comedy – a departure from the typical seriousness associated with the spy genre.
