As the U.S. criminal justice system undergoes a transformation with the integration of artificial intelligence, Tom Rob Smith’s newest mystery series, FX’s ‘Class of ’09’, presents three interwoven stories that follow distinct timelines. In each timeline, characters face and struggle with significant changes that they must adapt to.
The show features Brian Tyree Henry in the role of “Tayo,” an exceptionally talented and unconventional agent who has joined the bureau, alongside Kate Mara as “Poet,” a woman who never anticipated being part of the law enforcement world but now finds herself at the core of its most significant transformation. The cast anlso includes Sepideh Moafi as “Hour,” Brian J. Smith as “Lennix,” Jon Jon Briones as “Gabriel,” Brooke Smith as “Drew,” Jake McDorman as “Murphy,” and Rosalind Eleazar as “Vivienne.”
In the past, four new FBI recruits build strong relationships and developed unshakable connections with one another.
In the present, the lives and professions of the characters start to drift apart as they grapple with the ramifications of their past decisions and the impact they will have on their future.
Fast forward to 2034, Poet and her fellow agents are equipped with devices connected to an AI system that is used to issue arrest warrants. However, it’s becoming clear that the system doesn’t solely target criminals—it also predicts potential offenders. Poet has to battle if she can live with this injustice.
I particularly appreciated the show’s thorough examination of the FBI. It delves into various aspects, from the recruitment process to training new agents, while also acknowledging the challenges the Bureau faces.
The show is remarkably relevant now, as AI continues to be a prominent subject, offering us a potential insight into a future world governed by AI.
For this review, I was only provided the first half of the season, leaving the question of whether Class of ’09 can recover from its slow and complex start with a remarkable ending. Nonetheless, it’s important to mention that episode three and four demonstrate a notable enhancement in pacing relative to the first two episodes, which has provided sufficient reason for me (and hopefully you) to continue watching the series.
“Class of ’09” is created and executive produced by Tom Rob Smith. Nina Jacobson, Brad Simpson, Zanne Devine, Jessica Levin and Joe Robert Cole also serve as executive producers. The series is produced by FX Productions.
You can view the trailer below:
The series will premiere Wednesday, May 10, 2023, on Hulu and Disney+ in Canada. The premiere will include the first two episodes of the eight-episode series, with a new episode each following week.