Former CIA operative Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges) has been living off the grid for 30 years when an assassin breaks into his home. They have finally come for him. FBI Assistant Director, Harold Harper (John Lithgow), alerts Chase that he’s being hunted and gives him one last chance: either disappear once and for all or we’ll come after your daughter. That’s the premise of The Old Man, based on the novel by Thomas Perry, and starring two of America’s finest actors. (Airing on FX Thursdays at 10:00 p.m. PST, streaming on Hulu. The sixth of seven episodes aired on July 14th. Hulu is also releasing the episodes on a weekly basis as many streamers are now doing. Maybe binge-watching is not so satisfying?)
It’s particularly gratifying to see Jeff Bridges on the screen again after his treatment for lymphoma and COVID. From Starman to The Big Lebowski, he’s just a natural; subtle, genuine, and in The Old Man’s case can still kick ass, maybe with brains more than brawn at 72 years old. He’s not to be trifled with, however, especially with his two sidekicks on call (more on them later). John Lithgow has shown such range in his Broadway, TV, and film work. If there was any doubt about him slowing down, it was quelled with his recent performances in The Crown (as Churchill), Perry Mason, and now The Old Man. He is tailor made for the calculating, professor-like FBI man with a past full of dirty secrets. It’s so rewarding seeing these two in action, that you decry the fact that they are not in a scene together. Their dialog takes place in tense, secret phone calls, which does add to the suspense but deprives us of seeing them face-to-face. Consequences from their past during the Soviet-Afghan war are on the horizon.
Chase’s “partner” and daughter play significant, and somewhat inexplicable, supporting roles. Amy Brenneman (Chasing Amy) is Zoe, an Airbnb host who finds herself along for the ride as Chase goes on the run. Their relationship pushes the bounds of belief, but Zoe is an intriguing enigma and an unexpected challenge for Chase. Similarly, daughter Angela (Alia Shawkat, Arrested Development) finds herself in a far-fetched predicament. Shawkat shows she’s more than a comedic actress as she calmly walks the emotional tight rope of her confined situation.
Now, about those sidekicks. Dave and Carol (real names Freya and Cain) are loveable trained killers. One call from Chase and the pet rottweilers go to full attack mode. They make unwitting intruders and attackers wish they’d never heard of Dan Chase. From their panting in the backseat of the car and paw prints and slobber stains on the windows, their presence is felt even when off screen. They really steal the show early in the season, but Chase has to board them as he tries to escape his pursuers. No more Dave and Carol. Bummer.
The Old Man is complicated. Flashbacks and backstories, particularly to Afghanistan, are well done, but take away from the riveting current drama. After its rush of a beginning the show settles into an atmospheric slow burn. So, why watch yet another spy show? Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow. The show has already been renewed for a second season. We’ll look forward to seeing how their perilous chess game plays out, and hopefully, more Dave and Carol.
D² Rating ◼◼◼☐☐
Trivia: For what film did Jeff Bridges win his only Academy Award for Best Actor?
Answer: Crazy Heart
Trivia: John Lithgow won three Emmy Awards for Best Actor in this NBC comedy?
Answer: 3rd Rock from the Sun