Jeff Bridges is one of those rares of actors that continues his career from youth into his autumn years and still seems to be on top form. From his early days in the Oscar-winning The Last Picture Show to his own Oscar glory with a nomination for Starman and a win for Country Strong, he has become a icon with his role as Jeffrey “The Dude” Lebowski in The Big Lebowski. Add to that a militarty career in the U.S. Coast Guard and a marriage since 1977, he seems to be an anamoly in Hollywood.
But for a while, it seems we might lose The Dude, I mean, Bridges. He was diagnosed with lymphoma two years ago and then battled Covid-19 on top of that. This type of mileage is necessary for his role as Dan Chase, a former CIA operative in the FX series The Old Man. Chase is the type of man who has had his ups and downs but still trudges on, just like Bridges has in his career and life.
Production on the series had to be shut down in March 2020 due to Covid and when production began in October 2020, Bridges was diagnosed with lymphoma. Again, production was halted until Bridges recovered. There was some filming on scenes that didn’t involve Bridges. But the production could’ve faced the possibility of it never happening. Thankfully, Bridges ate the b’ar instead of the b’ar eating him.
Dan has been living off the grid for about 30 years. His wife, Abbey (Hiam Abbass) died and his daughter, Emily, he only contacts by phone, for a reason that may or may not be true. With Dan are two obedient and loyal Rottweilers. One night as he sleeps, an assassin comes to his house which Dan shoots and tells authorities was an intruder.
Then, he goes on the run. Following him is a former colleague, Harold Harper (John Lithgow), a high-ranking official in the FBI. Dan and Harold have a history that traces back to the Soviet-Afghan War.
Dan finds what he thinks is a secluded guest house to rent, but soon finds out the landlord, Zoe McDonald (Amy Brenneman) is living in the nearby house. Dan was hoping to be alone and Zoe initially doesn’t like that he has two dogs. But you know eventually they will become very close. The relationship between Bridges and Brenneman are one of the show’s highlights and the relationship doesn’t feel forced for the need of the plot.
The first two episodes have been directed by Jon Watts, who recently helmed Spider-Man: No Way Home. With Bridges, Lithgow and Brenneman in their roles, this is shaping up to be one of the best action thriller series in a long time. It’s also giving Bridges his best role in years. Hopefully, the rest of the series will just as good as these first two episodes.
What do you think? Please comment.
Zane Says 