J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan’s Duster is a slick, high-octane cops-and-robbers thriller that transports viewers straight into the heart of 1972 Phoenix, Arizona. With retro visuals, groovy music, and standout performances, this stylish eight-episode series is a nostalgic yet refreshing ride.

From the opening credits featuring a miniature car race to Elvis Presley’s Blue Suede Shoes dangling from phone wires, Duster dives headfirst into its vintage setting. Costumes, cars, and classic tracks all come together to recreate a lived-in ’70s vibe that feels both authentic and energetic.

At the story’s center is Nina Hayes (Rachel Hilson), a sharp, stylish, and determined woman who becomes the first Black female FBI agent — loosely inspired by Sylvia Elizabeth Mathis. Fresh out of Quantico, she volunteers for a posting in Phoenix, aiming to take down powerful crime lord Ezra Saxton (Keith David). Despite being dismissed and doubted by her male colleagues, Nina stays unshaken — navigating chauvinism with wit, strength, and a killer wardrobe.

Her only real support comes from Awan Bitsui (Asivak Koostachin), a Navajo agent also overlooked by the system. Together, they make an unlikely yet solid team. Nina’s plan? Infiltrate Saxton’s inner circle by turning his skilled getaway driver, Jim (played with laidback charisma by Josh Holloway).

Jim, whom we meet tearing through the desert in his fiery red 1970 Plymouth Duster, is more than just a wheelman. He’s transporting a human heart for a transplant — a life-saving job for Saxton’s son. Despite being tangled in criminal operations, Jim’s loyalty to his niece Luna (Adriana Aluna Martinez) and his complicated relationship with his own family hint at his conflicted moral compass. Holloway infuses Jim with a rugged charm that anchors the show.

Ezra’s daughter, Genesis (Sydney Elisabeth), is another standout — shrewd, capable, but sidelined in a male-dominated underworld. Jim’s father Wade (Corbin Bernsen) and his late brother Joe were long-time members of Saxton’s crew, further entrenching Jim in a life he’s not sure he wants anymore.

Hilson shines as Nina — resolute, unafraid, and clever — navigating corruption, dirty cops (including a brutal Groomes played by Donal Logue), and conspiracies that run deep. Add in eccentric billionaire Howard Hughes, philosophical musings on social mobility, and a stash of 350 gallons of banana nut ice cream, and Duster becomes a wonderfully chaotic mix of noir, comedy, and action.

Every element — from Jimi Hendrix’s Foxey Lady and Presley’s Teddy Bear to flared pants and rolodexes — adds to the rich retro atmosphere. Cameos like Hughes screening Bullitt for Luna make it all the more enjoyable for film buffs.

At its heart, Duster is as much about breaking stereotypes as it is about breaking the law. It’s powered by Hilson’s commanding presence and Holloway’s magnetic cool, set against a backdrop of vintage Americana, muscle cars, and gritty secrets.

Can Season 2 come any faster? Because this nostalgic ride deserves another spin.