I started watching The Old Man after only recently discovering it existed with numerous new billboards and poster ads all over West Los Angeles, which is odd as it already is in Season 2. It has Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow so I figured at least the acting wouldn't disappoint. It has turned out to be a very pleasant surprise, a binge worthy series, which is indeed a rarity for me. I find the vast majority of shows and movies disappointing, predictably cliché filled, and sloppily put together with uninspired writing, direction, and story lacking depth and substance. The Old Man is well done with numerous twists and unexpected nuances and realistic character development. There are times it may seem to be a bit drawn out but the following scene(s) will utilize that material nicely and prove it to be well laid out structure for the story as it unfolds. You care about this story and these characters, even the antagonists, with an intriguing direction that hooks you more as it progresses.
This specific episode was very satisfying and entertaining and will have you rooting for the protagonists, some of whom you thought were antagonists in earlier episodes as they unite with former foes to rally against far more destructive forces. Many of the twists and plot development are unexpected and pleasant surprises that hook you further into the characters and their plights, while remaining realistic and clever. If you have made it this far into the series, you will find this specific episode will take your breath away and all the previous character development making their actions and the story line believable and very entertaining.
The usual high quality and scene grabbing acting Bridges and Lithgow bring to the series is as well done as ever and many of the supporting cast were unknown to me but a number have shown they have some serious acting chops as well. Alia Shawkat was someone I had never seen before but is an actor who becomes more and more riveting with each episode and she becomes a total scene stealer as you find yourself as invested in her plight and well-being as strongly as some of the other characters are in her in the series. It's been a few years since I found a series to have interested and hooked me as well as this and I look forward to future episodes with great eagerness.
