FX has graced us with yet another captivating serial killer persona, Julian Carson, who steals the spotlight in the opening moments of 'The Old Man's' thrilling third episode. The mere introduction of such a violent yet enigmatic character amplifies the intrigue tenfold. Carson is a master of deception, a gentle-faced charmer who exudes confidence and possesses the uncanny ability to weasel his way out of any predicament solely through the power of his words.
As the narrative seamlessly transitions from the previous episode, we find Julian at a bus stop, his phone conversation with Harold punctuating the scene like a cinematic overture. He lends a helping hand to a woman in need, his chivalrous act juxtaposed against the darkness lurking beneath his surface. His motherly phone call adds a touch of humanity before the storm clouds gather.
Flashing back, we witness Dan's fateful first encounter with Faraz (portrayed captivatingly by Pej Vahdat), a testament to the creator's meticulous craft in weaving a multi-layered narrative. These flashbacks not only enrich the story's depth but also offer a window into the complex tapestry of motivations and allegiances.
Hamzad's skepticism towards Dan deepens, yet Dan manages to gain a foothold by revealing his grand plan to aid in the anti-Soviet crusade. However, Hamzad's ultimate test lies not in battlefields but within the sanctity of his home—the introduction of Abbey Chase, a revelation that sheds light on Hamzad's hidden resentment towards Dan. The tale of forbidden love, so often a catalyst for tragedy in cinema, has claimed yet another victim in Hamzad's heart.
Back at Zoe's, tensions simmer as Dan dares to hope that she might be his beacon of trust in this storm. His earnest attempt to bare his soul and unravel the truth only serves to drive Zoe further away, her fear escalating with each word he utters. Faced with an impossible choice, Zoe offers Dan a fleeting moment to flee before her resolve hardens and the law is summoned.
Imagine Zoe's turmoil in such a predicament—the sudden shattering of dreams when the person you thought was your soulmate reveals a hidden, sinister past. Yet, in a show of fierce loyalty and instinct, she unleashes her guardian dogs at the sight of Dan grappling with Julian. The beasts prove to be Dan's salvation once again, pinning Julian to the ground while Dan swiftly dispenses justice with a well-aimed shot. In a stylish flourish, he also takes down the CIA's prying drone, further solidifying his status as a man on the run, yet never truly alone.
In poignant flashbacks, we witness a youthful Dan passionately endeavoring to persuade Abbey of his genuine intentions. She stands as the ultimate barrier he must breach to aid Hamzad, yet her skepticism remains unshaken. Her perspective on Dan mirrors a broader sentiment echoing throughout war-torn nations toward the United States, a nation with a tarnished history of arming factions and meddling in conflicts.
This sentiment deepens as her narrative unfolds, revealing how her once-hopeful view of Americans—embodied by the smiling faces of Ohio University students in propaganda pamphlets—has transformed into a cynical distrust of the gruff agents and slick bureaucrats of the CIA. To her, Americans are bifurcated into two distinct breeds: the naively self-sacrificial, ready to throw themselves into any cause for the greater good, and the pragmatic monsters who see no moral boundary in the use of violence. In this haze, she struggles to discern which camp Dan belongs to.
Meanwhile, an inter-agency tug-of-war rages between the FBI and CIA, with agents from both sides locked in a bitter standoff. Harold and Angela view Waters as a pawn of Hamzad, convinced he's manipulating the FBI's every move. Suspicions simmer that he might even sabotage the investigation to suit his own agenda. As Waters vehemently denies these accusations, Harper exposes the truth behind Hamzad's relentless vengeance, dropping a bombshell revelation: Angela is none other than Emily Chase, Dan's own daughter, secretly working on his behalf without him ever knowing her true identity.
This unexpected twist turns the game on its head, introducing a triple-agent operating deep within enemy lines. Angela interjects into the heated exchange between Harold and Waters, demanding answers for Hamzad's plight. Alia Shawkat masterfully portrays the internal turmoil within her character as she navigates the delicate balance of her relationships with her father figures, lest they unravel.
The climactic scene leaves us with more questions than answers, merely hinting that Zoe has been taken into Dan's custody for her "own safety," a move that reeks of cynicism yet reflects the dire circumstances. Julian remains missing, the CIA closing in on the couple's whereabouts. FX's spellbinding spy thriller reaches a fever pitch, refusing to relent as the plot threads converge toward a shattering conclusion.
