The Old Man Season 1 Episode 4 Recap

IV – The show begins with Dan Chase (Jeff Bridges) standing outside his car. Zoe (Amy Brenneman) gradually climbs out of the trunk. Dan explains how it is impossible for him to apologize. He identifies the man he shot inside her home as someone who aimed to finish him and those around him. He assures her that his main goal was to protect her. He promises not to harm her. He asks her to contact her son to assure him that she is okay. He warns her that it won’t be safe to utilize her cellphone anymore. He suggests she inform her son that someone is holding her against her will to avoid becoming an accessory. She calls her son twice but doesn’t get an answer. Dan breaks the phone down.

Harold Harper (John Lithgow) is informed by Joe (Kenneth Mitchell) that Zoe and Dan haven’t been seen in 72 hours. Agent Angela Adams (Alia Shawkat) says Henry Harper (Milo Stein) told her that Brayden said cops aren’t heroes. He admits Henry never talks to him about things. He tells her about Dan not being seen for over 72 hours. He says there is a meeting scheduled with Faraz Hamzad’s lawyer tomorrow. She assures him that he will be considered an asset to Dan and Abbey Chase’s case. They discuss Abbey’s role in what happened.

Angela speaks with Dan who informs her of his current location in Colorado. She tells him about their meeting with Hamzad’s attorney, Nina Kruger (Rowena King). He asks the purpose of the meeting. She says the agency believes Hamzad wants him because of something he may know. He claims Hamzad holds a grudge against him because he assisted in Abbey leaving him. She asks what their options are. He tells her about his plan to meet with a man who holds a grudge against Hamzad.

Dan informs Zoe of their aliases, Henry Dixon and Marcia Dixon. He tells her that $500K will be transferred to her account for compensation. Zoe refuses to speak to him.

Dan contacts Stuart (Marcel Bridges) to alert him of their arrival. Stuart tells him that his meeting with Zachary is scheduled over lunch. When Zoe sees Marcia Dixon written on a dry-erase board, Dan explains how he and Abbey stayed there in hopes of her getting better treatment.

In a flashback, Hamzad and young Dan Chase (Bill Heck) are talking when young Abbey Chase (Leem Lubany) enters. Kosha explains the horrors of Russians killing children in Meshbahar. Hamzad asks them all to leave the room except for Dan. Abbey assure them that their escape wasn’t as close as Kosha said. He warns her that there will be repercussions for those who took a shot at her. She assures him that they would lose.

Abbey suggests months of supplies and 300 men to win. Dan tells them about his time in the Shau Valley when their CO disappeared. He questions why the Russians launched ops so deep into the valley like never before. Dan suggests a warning to ensure they know there will be repercussions if they try to come for Abbey.

Back to the present, Julian Carson (Gbenga Akinnagbe) documents the death of James McGraw at Gilchrist Hospice Center. While hugging a woman, she suggests he wear Kevlar to protect himself from bullets. A contract killer (Echo Kellum) says Morgan Bote may or may not have been aware of them going into a dangerous situation.

Julian informs Harold there is a 20 percent charge for unfinished contract killings. Harold asks if their conversation is now concluded. Julian suggests he was holding back vital information when they went in for Dan. Harold questions if he is accusing him of withholding information. He points out that Dan was already ready to leave when they arrived. Harold refuses to believe the allegations. He says there was probably a mole on his end. When he asks if he was are of the mole, Harold doesn’t respond.

Harold and Angela meet with Kruger to determine to discuss Hamzad. Kruger gives Harold an opportunity to speak. He assures her that he can get Hamzad answers. She denies the questions exist. As the meeting closes, he identifies Hamzad’s wife as Belour Daadfar. He says Hamzad and Belour first met in Kabul. He tells her about Belour’s betrayal of Hamzad when she fled with Dan, then Johnny Kohler. He suggests she is unaware of everything he just told her. She agrees to speak with Hamzad in a few hours.

In a flashback, Belour tells Dan about her father’s plans for her brother.

Stuart calls to check on Zoe. He assures her that the company views her as family.

Dan meets Zachery to discuss an equity investment in the Arslon Mining Metallurgy. Dan informs him that he wants the deal done today. Zachery warns him that it is a risky move. He orders him to implement the deal immediately.

In a flashback, it appears Dan has captured a Russian for Hamzad. Belour warns Dan that the move will make Hamzad so monstrous they too will need to be monstrous to flee him. He assures her that it isn’t in him to become monstrous. She says that is why she could love him. She suggests he not blame himself because everyone eventually becomes monstrous.

Angela assures Raymond Waters (E. J. Bonilla) that she belongs in the agency.

Kruger warns Harold that if he doesn’t board a plane within the hour, he will be blamed for everything.

Angela calls Dan to inform him of Harold’s decision to get on a plane. He asks what’s the destination of the plane. She denies knowing anything more. He questions if she is contemplating getting on the plane. She suggests he is growing suspicious of her. He suggests ditching the phone and go to their secret place. He assures her that he will take care of Hamzad. She flushes what looks like her cellphone battery and sim card down the toilet.

Waters tells Harold that he can’t accompany him on the trip. He says Angela would do anything for him. Harold warns him that the moment you let children in, they will turn on you.

Zoe gives Dan a letter from her alias, Marcia Dixon, to Corsair Finance. She says the letter will inform the board of Marcia’s plan to divorce Henry. He questions what she is up to. She tells him that he has two options, one split half of his assets down the middle, or the letter will be mailed to the board, or give her a lump sum of money and she says put. He accuses her of trying to extort him. Hitting the table, he asks if she is aware of the danger, she is putting them all in. She assures him that he will account for her as the episode comes to an end.

 

The Old Man Review

The flashback dialogue is nothing more than rambling due to weak writing.

We now know Dan forced Zoe against her will into the trunk of a vehicle. This move makes me think he is an aggressive fool. What were the writers thinking?

Zoe’s demands are ridiculous. When Dan met her, she didn’t know which way to turn. Now, she has created an elaborate extortion plan to save her own skin.

The dialogue talks in cringeworthy, uncompelling riddles. Why was it necessary to add confusion to an already confusing story?

I’m afraid the direction the show is taking will not be favorable among viewers. It is getting progressively worse with each episode. The episode deserves a 5. Get more The Old Man recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link.