FX’s The Old Man starring Jeff Bridges and John Lithgow returns to television and streaming in time for the 2024 fall programming. The show’s second season premiere aired on September 12, with next-day streaming available on Hulu. The thriller follows an ex-CIA operative on the run while the FBI attempts to capture him.
Haunting Past in The Old Man
The Old Man centers around Bridges’ Dan Chase after he kills a man in self-defense. The former CIA agent continually evades capture as a government search gets underway. Lithgow plays Harold Harper, the FBI’s Assistant Director for Counterintelligence. Harper, Chase’s old colleague, is tasked with subduing the rogue agent.
The first season of The Old Man depends on Chase’s past finally catching up to him after he’s spent years in hiding. Season two of the FX/Hulu show adds to the drama with the consequences of the first season bubbling up with a vengeance, starting with the disappearance of FBI Agent Emily Chase, Dan’s daughter. While a capable man using his particular set of skills to go to his daughter’s rescue has more than a whiff of the Taken film franchise, the complicated histories and dynamics of The Old Man will refresh the concept.
The Old Man Perseveres Despite Delays
The Old Man relies heavily on mining Chase’s extensive violent past. Considering Chase’s age and large swathes of unaccounted time, the series could run indefinitely as part of Hulu’s dynamic roster. That said, external conditions cannot be disregarded, and realities of the world have often intruded upon the show’s production schedule.
Filming on the first season of The Old Man, released in 2022, had to contend with more than the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic. Bridges became ill with an advanced case of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, later complicated by a severe case of COVID-19. Bridges believed he would never work again, even if he survived. Happily – although similarly paused – production on the second season of The Old Man only halted last year due to the writers’ and actors’ strikes.
From Slacker to The Old Man
Speaking to Salon ahead of the new season of The Old Man, Bridges reflected upon a long and varied career as a screen icon. He remembers The Dude, his character in the classic The Big Lebowski, fondly as a job that still pays cultural dividends. “Lebowski has bloomed in all these different ways. I mean, there are these Lebowski Fests,” he said. “I had my Beatles moment playing with my band, The Abiders, at a Lebowski Fest, playing to a sea of dudes. They’re all dressed up like The Dude or bowling pins or whatever.”
Although he’s embodied several roles since the 1998 movie, Bridges’ turn as a spy can be jarring when contrasting Chase with The Dude. Unlike the Lebowski protagonist, Chase will never “abide.” But the actor’s range will add to Hulu’s continued recognition by the Television Academy. Bridge’s first-season performance earned the star an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
Final Thoughts
As a later-in-life project for its leads, The Old Man offers an excellent opportunity for these veteran actors to once again delve deeply into complex characters. What new facets will be revealed and what choices will they make as their personal histories interact with the present?
For More Great Content
Craving top-tier content that covers it all? From electrifying sports highlights and insider entertainment news to expert gaming tips and sharp betting advice, we’ve got you covered. Dive into our curated articles to stay ahead of the game with the latest sports action, uncover the hottest trends in entertainment, and get the lowdown on gaming strategies that could level up your play. Plus, our betting advice will sharpen your edge and boost your chances of winning big. Whether you’re looking to stay updated or gain a competitive edge, our content is your go-to source for all things exciting and relevant. Don’t miss out—explore now and power up your knowledge! Follow us on Twitter/X @TotalApexSports, to stay informed.
