4/5
Old Man On Fire
8 Episodes. Starring: Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, Alia Shawkat, Amy Brenneman, Gbenga Akinnagbe, Navid Negahban & Jacqueline Antaramian. Created By: Jonathan E. Steinberg & Robert Levine. On: Disney +.
Abide. As this old dog still has plenty of new tricks...and canine companions. When we last saw 'The Old Man', Jeff Bridges, he was giving it to people like an equalizing 'John Wick'...no geriatric. What was even more thrilling, however, was his brutal back and forth with the great John Lithgow in a war of words. Not since the sitcom days of '3rd Rock From The Sun' have the legendary Lithgow's barbs been this sharp. Calm down...there's much more of that in the second season of the FX special, that sees the amazing action punctuate the best wordplay this side of 'Succession'. This is why there is still life in 'The Old Man' and the pilot season's seven seals are joined by an eighth wonder. Making for one of the fall favourite T.V. specials, alongside the DC and Marvel war of 'The Penguin' and 'Agatha All Along'. Not to mention the original old man, back in Boston, Dr. 'Frasier' Crane.
Cheers to this Jonathan E. Steinberg and Robert Levine show run creation based on the book of the same name by Thomas Perry. Twisting and turning on this long American and Afghanistan highway, all the way to a tense, thrilling conclusion in a classic American diner that may leave you as isolated as an Edward Hopper inspiration. When it comes to these grey nighthawks, Bridges and Lithgow are on fire. They've barely been better. And this is one man who continues the legacy of 'Tron' and another who's about to be a new pope in the new classic 'Conclave'. But for all the smarts they throw down, dusting off their knuckles and award worthy performances, it's Alia Shawkat who may just be holding all the strings. The 'State Of Grace' star really came into her own in the first season, but now she's holding all the cards. If this really was a book series, then season two would be called 'The Daughter'. What Ali does with just one look, or moment of sheer will, will floor you.
Elsewhere, '24: Live Another Day' action star Gbenga Akinnagbe is a hit, man. Whilst 'NYPD Blue' blood Amy Breeneman has as much compelling chemistry with Jeff "hey, man. There's a Berretta here" Bridges than she did in 'Heat' with Robert "there's time" (heartbreaking) De Niro. Yet, it's Navid Negahban's absolute presence and Jacqueline Antaramian's fierce devotion that cuts even deeper. And just wait until you're reintroduced to someone who is just as scary this Halloween, as they were in the outstanding 'Ozark' series. That show showed you that anything could happen in the blink of an eye. And you won't want to take the open you keep open as you sleep off this ignited slow burner that illuminates the screen like it does in this high definition age of prestige television. Back on the grid, this stitched and weaved action drama title card, composed by T Bone Burnett and Patrick Warren, is about to head for a big third season. Not to mention an alter-ego from Bridges, more sought-after than a guest star, that will show you who this old man really is. DUDE?! TIM DAVID HARVEY.
Further Filming: 'Man On Fire', 'The Equalizer', 'Hell Or High Water'.
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