The Old Man Episodes 1 – 2 are the first two instalments of an American action thriller television series based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Thomas Perry. The premise involves a former CIA operative who has been living off the grid for over 30 years. When an assassin arrives and tries to take him out, the operative (“old man”) must go on the run. The series debuted on FX in mid-June (USA/Canada) and will be streaming on Disney+ (worldwide) from mid-August.
S P O I L E R S
The Old Man Episodes 1 – 2 demonstrate the high quality of the series in terms of writing, performances and execution. With veteran actors Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow in the lead roles and director Jon (recent Spider-Man trilogy) Watts at the helm, The Old Man is an intriguing and engaging series so far with a strong plot and interesting characters.
READ OUR ANALYSES OF SLOW HORSES.
The Old Man Episodes 1 – 2 introduce us to “Dan Chase” (Bridges), the aforementioned ex-CIA operative, whose life in hiding is upset when an Afghan warlord persuades the CIA to retrieve Chase and his quest for survival begins. We are told that his wife died of Huntington’s disease about 5 years ago and he has a daughter, Emily, whom he is trying to protect from the CIA as well.
The other side of the equation is Harold Harper (Lithgow) – FBI’s Assistant Director for Counterintelligence – and former CIA colleague of Chase, who now has to capture Chase in order to keep his involvement in Chase’s illegal activities back in the 1980s, which forced him underground in the first place. Harper is conflicted, mourning the recent demise of his son and daughter-in-law, but needing to keep his reputation intact by eliminating Chase, an old friend.
The Old Man Episodes 1 – 2 provide an excellent setup for a taut action thriller spy drama. The violence is implied but visceral at the same time. Caught in the fray is Zoe McDonald (Amy Brenneman) Chase’s new landlady, who provides Chase with romantic interest and story ally. Highly recommended!
Now streaming on FX.
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