In Duster, Josh Holloway dons ’70s gear and smoothly navigates Arizona in the series’ iconic cherry-red vehicle, a role seemingly crafted for the Lost veteran. In this breezy crime series, he portrays Jim Ellis, a reliable mob driver with a knack for winning over nearly everyone he meets—whether it’s sharing a drink with an attacker or persuading an aspiring actor to join a heist for Elvis’ iconic footwear. A decade and a half after the conclusion of Lost, Holloway revisits the beloved tough-guy-with-a-heart archetype that defined his portrayal of James “Sawyer” Ford.

While Lost and Duster are distinct in style, despite both being linked to J.J. Abrams, they offer contrasting narratives: one is set on a mysterious island with supernatural elements, and the other in the sunny landscapes of the Southwest amidst a mob drama. Though Lost revolutionized television storytelling, Duster offers a nostalgic action-comedy flavor. Yet, in both series, Holloway masterly captures a complex protagonist marked by internal strife, unexpected emotional depths, and a distinctly Southern charm. His characters in both series share a penchant for unique nicknames and sport luxuriant hair.

Sawyer’s journey in Lost was a complex one, evolving from a morally ambiguous con man to a protective hero over the series’ extensive run. Holloway skillfully brought depth to Sawyer, balancing toughness with genuine emotion, particularly in a pivotal scene where he confides in Jack about his father, signaling significant character growth.

With only four episodes of Duster’s first season aired, Holloway has had less time to develop his latest character. Nevertheless, he’s already channeling the strengths that resonated in Lost, from delivering sharp one-liners to navigating intense action and emotional pain, all underscored by his signature Southern drawl. Episode four, “Criminalus Velocitus Super-Sonicus,” showcases Jim’s knack for escaping tight spots, ending with a bonding moment over drinks with a hitman, echoing both characters’ dissatisfaction with the establishment and a yearning for more from life.

This particular episode underscores Duster’s blend of entertainment with a touch of seriousness, allowing Holloway to explore further dimensions of his character. It’s revealed that Jim, currently loyal to the sinister Ezra Saxton (played by Keith David), harbors goodness and a desire for change. This complexity is highlighted when Jim encounters an ambitious young FBI agent, Nina (Rachel Hilson), who persuades him to spy on Ezra, revealing that his boss might be behind his brother’s death—setting the stage for an intense personal and moral conflict.

Yet, Duster isn’t just about the dark and tense moments. The series frequently indulges in lighthearted interactions, such as Jim’s moments with his niece (who is actually his daughter), his flirtations, and his banter with Ezra’s children. Abrams and co-creator LaToya Morgan effectively harness Holloway’s charismatic screen presence, something previous post-Lost projects didn’t fully achieve. Whether or not Duster continues beyond its initial run, it’s refreshing to see Holloway thrive in this familiar yet distinct territory.