The Tourist is one of those rare shows that provides exactly what you want it to: it's a taught thriller with some old tropes -- amnesia, vicious drug lords, femme fatales, the woman with the heart of gold who wants to save the hero -- that are presented in way that manage to make them feel fresh and original due to the excellent direction and script.
Most of all, however, the show's success is due to the two leads. Danielle MacDonald plays one of the unlikeliest heroines in a long time; she plays the ungainly, unglamorous part perfectly. But it's Jamie Dornan, the pretty boy, ex-model, former Shades of Gray guy who turns in a wildly riveting performance as the show's anti-hero. His acting is so perfectly on the mark it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
Update: The review above was for the first season. The second season is one of those very rare events: an equally good new act, accomplished with the same excellent writing, snappy direction, and perfect performances by MacDonald and Dornan, even though the plot takes on a completely new twist. In sum: The Tourist is one of the best shows of the last few years.
Most of all, however, the show's success is due to the two leads. Danielle MacDonald plays one of the unlikeliest heroines in a long time; she plays the ungainly, unglamorous part perfectly. But it's Jamie Dornan, the pretty boy, ex-model, former Shades of Gray guy who turns in a wildly riveting performance as the show's anti-hero. His acting is so perfectly on the mark it's hard to imagine anyone else in the role.
Update: The review above was for the first season. The second season is one of those very rare events: an equally good new act, accomplished with the same excellent writing, snappy direction, and perfect performances by MacDonald and Dornan, even though the plot takes on a completely new twist. In sum: The Tourist is one of the best shows of the last few years.