As the fourth episode of The Old Man unfolds, Zoe emerges trembling from the confines of Dan's car trunk, her fragile form standing a cautious ten feet away. Silence reigns, with only Dan's voice breaking the tension, his instructions steady and reassuring. He urges her to reach out to her son, Jason, assuring him of her safety and forewarning him of the FBI's impending visit. In this power imbalance, Dan's demeanor betrays a genuine concern for Zoe, a fleeting moment of humanity amidst the chaos. This call, however, marks the final transmission from her phone, as they slip the FBI's grasp, their trail lost for over three days.
Meanwhile, Angela, alias Emily, engages in playful banter with Harold's grandson while their conversation subtly veers towards the intricacies of the case. Harold can't help but notice Angela's unwavering fascination with Dan's wife, a fascination that underscores her dedication to the investigation yet remains neatly concealed. Emily discreetly checks in with her father, learning of their imminent relocation from Colorado to Los Angeles, where Dan's investment firm, Corsair Finance, operates with quiet success.
But beneath the veneer of legitimate business lies a more sinister motive: to use Corsair as a lure, drawing out Hamzad's enemies and allowing them to unleash their vengeance. Dan, ever the strategist, also offers Angela solace regarding her mother's predicament and the tangled web involving him, Hamzad, and their shared past. His words carry a stern warning for Emily—to stay far from harm's way, even if it means turning a blind eye to the truth.
Under the guise of Henry Dixon, Dan prepares to embark on this new chapter, with Zoe taking on the role of Marcia Dixon, a name that echoes a previous phone call, foreshadowing their transformation. Stuart meticulously arranges their new abode, while Dan schedules a crucial meeting with Zachary, the investment officer, to navigate the treacherous waters of their undercover operation.
A poignant flashback sheds light on Abby's, now known as Belour, decision to side with Dan over Hamzad. It's a tale of retribution, of Hamzad's camp striking back against Russian soldiers in a brutal "eye for an eye" justice, a stark contrast to Dan's principles, revealing the moral divide that shaped their fates.
Not merely the faculty to decide, but the unwavering resilience and self-restraint that steer one towards a more compassionate path—this is what truly matters. Hamzad's sister harbors deep misgivings towards Dan, once known as Johnny Kohler. Julian, back in his guise as a frontman, engages in a discreet conversation with his partner, urging him to reach out to Harold, the enigmatic figure who assigned the task.
Over the phone line, the Assistant Director's demeanor turns to stone as Julian drops the bombshell of a potential traitor within their ranks. Harold's thoughts betray him, even as he remains silent, his eyes flickering with the specter of Angela. Later, a strategic alliance forms as Harold, Angela, and Waters converge to meet Nina Kruger, Hamzad's trusted confidante and legal advisor.
Nina navigates her words cautiously, revealing only snippets of Hamzad's intentions. Yet, Harold, with a deft stroke, shoots an arrow into the darkness, inadvertently disclosing to Angela secrets about Dan that he had kept concealed. This moment, brimming with intrigue, stands as the series' crowning achievement thus far, a testament to the director's masterful weaving of narratives.
Harold's ploy, a dual-edged sword, equally applies to both Hamzad and Dan, leaving the equation delicately balanced and the director reveling in its intricate dance. Nina, impressed by Harold's revelations, arranges for a subsequent rendezvous.
Meanwhile, Zoe, savoring the luxurious trappings of her newfound lifestyle, plots a cunning reversal against Dan upon his return. A scheme is afoot, its intricacies waiting to be unveiled in the coming chapters.
"Arlson Mining & Metallurgy," a company that Dan covets for his fund's investment, leaves Zachary perplexed by Dan's unyielding urgency. Digging deeper, he uncovers Dan's true motive—to leverage Suleyman Pavlovich, the company's owner, and the very Russian gentleman whom Dan once kidnapped and later spared at Hamzad's behest. Now, Dan seeks to harness Suleyman's wrath against Hamzad, a move fraught with danger and retribution.
Nina meticulously orchestrates a rendezvous, extending an invitation to Harold aboard a luxurious private jet, destined for a fateful encounter with Hamzad. Angela, reluctantly dragged into the equation by Dan's disapproval, finds herself torn between her own resolve and the enigmatic similarities that bind her to Emily. The blurred line between these two personas propels them both on a perilous quest for answers, each navigating treacherous waters in their unique capacity.
As Dan returns to the confines of their shared abode, he encounters Zoe, who's disguised domesticity belies a cunning plan. Dinner is served, a semblance of harmony masking Zoe's true intentions. In secret, she's programmed a letter to wing its way to the Corsair Finance Board, a poignant declaration from Marcia, seeking liberation from Henry's—Dan's—shadow. This strategic move shifts the balance of power, tilting the scales ever so slightly against Dan, who now finds himself on the defensive.
Ah, the irony of fate! Zoe, at long last, wields her cards with dexterity, unencumbered by the need to please Dan. Her actions are a testament to self-preservation, a lifeline in a sea of uncertainty. The request for half of Dan's vast fortune adds a touch of authenticity to Marcia's facade, striking a chord of disbelief within him. Dan, a man consumed by paranoia, had even entertained the thought of eliminating Zoe, a mere consequence of a routine police encounter. Yet, Zoe's foresight has safeguarded her, and now, Dan must grapple with the reality of her demands, each one a dagger aimed at his carefully constructed empire.
The stage is set for a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as we anticipate Dan's maneuvers to extricate himself from this predicament, his survival instincts pushed to their limits.
