The trend of top-tier actors switching their focus from film to television continues with Hulu’s The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow and a blast from the 90’s dramas in Amy Brenneman. This show actually debuted in 2022, but many folks just joining Hulu or starting with season 2, which began this September, are beginning to see what a treasure this drama thriller is.
Season 1 featured seven episodes before it was renewed for another eight in season 2, which is now streaming as well. This show, based on a 2017 novel, has a premise of a Vietnam Vet who served in Afghanistan years ago and has to go into hiding after killing an intruder who broke into his home. Being an old Amy Brenneman fan, I was pleased to see her opposite Jeff in a warm and rather interesting role as a landlord (character name Zoe) who rents a room to Jeff’s character (Dan Chase) when he goes into hiding after the killing.
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“Dan” has been living off the grid after absconding from the CIA, learns he has to deal with his past role and “Harold Harper” (played by John Lithgow) is the man trying to hunt him down due to a complicated past. Brenneman’s character realizes she must learn to survive once she sees what life is like, which includes renting a room to a fugitive who brings along his 2 Rottweiler dogs wherever he goes. To see Jeff Bridges in this character as an established agent on the run is a glimpse into possible future roles and, if I'm playing Monday morning quarterback, a hint of "The Dude" from a classic film Bridges inked years ago called "The Big Lebowski." Binge it now as one of your many New Year's resolutions.