Have you ever wondered what happens when the past of a retired CIA agent catches up to him? That’s exactly what happens in the seasons of The Old Man. Jeff Bridges plays Dan Chase, who’s pulled back into the action when an old enemy returns. The show is currently based on 2 seasons only and both the seasons combine of classic CIA thriller vibes with great acting and exciting writing, making it one of FX’s top series.
With Bridges and Lithgow earning big award nominations, like the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, it’s no wonder everyone is excited about the release of The Old Man Season 2! Let’s get right into the recap of season 1 of The Old Man and take a look at how season 1 wrapped up. Keep reading below!
What is the Story of The Old Man Season 1?
The Old Man is based on a 2017 novel by Thomas Perry. Here’s what the TV show, The Old Man Season 1 is about:
Advertisement Dan Chase, who left the CIA years ago and has been living quietly off the grid, suddenly finds himself in danger when an assassin comes after him. To secure his future, Dan has to face the past he left behind.
As Dan Chase is forced out of hiding, FBI Assistant Director Harold Harper is brought in to track him down due to their complicated history. Harper is joined by his protégé Angela Adams and CIA Special Agent Raymond Waters. When Chase proves hard to catch, Julian Carson, a skilled special ops contractor, is also sent after him. While on the run, Chase takes a room from Zoe McDonald, who discovers unexpected strength as she learns the truth about her mysterious new tenant.
Both the seasons of The Old Man feature a stellar cast, with each actor delivering memorable performances that drive the story forward. Here’s a complete cast:
| Actor | The Old Man Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Jeff Bridges | Dan Chase |  |
| John Lithgow | Harold Harper |  |
| Alia Shawkat | Angela Adams |  |
| Amy Brenneman | Zoe McDonald |  |
| Navid Negahban | Hamzad |  |
The trailer for The Old Man Season 1 shows Jeff Bridges’s CIA operative still at the top of his game as he evades the government forces chasing him. Watch the trailer below:
Take a look at the episode guide of The Old Man Season 1 below:
| Episode | Title | Air Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1.E1 | I | Thu, Jun 16, 2022 | Dan Chase must run away from his home of thirty years when his past catches up with him. |
| S1.E2 | II | Thu, Jun 16, 2022 | Chase finds a temporary refuge, but Harold Harper and the authorities continue to hunt him. |
| S1.E3 | III | Thu, Jun 23, 2022 | Chase reveals the truth about his past to Zoe while on the run, though it might be too late. |
| S1.E4 | IV | Thu, Jun 30, 2022 | Chase and Harper move forward with their plans, but their decisions lead to setbacks. |
| S1.E5 | V | Thu, Jul 7, 2022 | Both Chase and Harper face crucial challenges. Zoe finds a new direction as past issues resurface. |
| S1.E6 | VI | Thu, Jul 14, 2022 | Chase and Zoe venture into a dangerous situation. Harper ends one partnership and starts another. |
| S1.E7 | VII | Thu, Jul 21, 2022 | Chase confronts the fallout of his past decisions, and Harper uncovers an astonishing truth. |
How to Explain the Ending of Season 1 of The Old Man?
Who Is The Old Man?
The title The Old Man might seem straightforward, but it’s actually more complex. While Dan Chase, played by Jeff Bridges, is literally an old man, the term also applies to other characters. To Emily and Angela, Dan is like a father figure, earning him the nickname. But FBI Director Harold Harper is also seen as a fatherly figure, and he even calls Hamzad The Old Man for being the mastermind behind the trouble. As it turns out, Hamzad is Emily and Angela’s biological father, adding another layer to the title. And if that’s not all, The Old Man might also refer to Morgan Bote, the former CIA head who mentored both Chase and Harper.
Why Dan and Abbey Fled to Afghanistan?
In the final episodes of Season 1, it’s revealed that Abbey (Hiam Abbass) was secretly working against Hamzad. She gave information to the Russians to help them in Afghanistan and hid a valuable ore deposit from him. Hamzad discovers this and threatens Abbey, demanding she reveal the ore’s location or face death. Dan Chase, Abbey, and Harper decide to flee to avoid Hamzad’s wrath. They escape with Hamzad’s daughter, who becomes Emily/Angela. Dan almost kills Hamzad in his sleep but can’t do it in front of the child, leaving an unresolved issue that haunts him.
Why Hamzad Kidnapped Emily?
Morgan Bote, the former CIA head, appears to be secretly working with Hamzad, a powerful warlord. Bote’s agents kidnap Emily/Angela, intending to trade her for Dan Chase. However, Hamzad double-crosses them, and his team is ambushed by Julian and others. Emily/Angela ends up in Hamzad’s custody, sparking a major crisis with the U.S. This betrayal sets off a chain reaction with severe consequences for all parties involved.
Did Emily Always Know Hamzad Was Her Father?
By the end of Season 1, we find out that Emily Chase/Angela Adams’s real name is Parwana Hamzad, and she is Hamzad’s daughter. This revelation makes the title The Old Man even more significant. It raises questions about whether Emily/Angela knew her true identity and what her plans are now that she’s back with her father.
How Does the Ending Set Up Season 2 of The Old Man?
The ending of The Old Man Season 1 left us with a lot of questions for Season 2, which kicks off on 12th September 2024. The final episode had Chase and Harper reuniting and going on the run together, which is a big deal after being separated for so long. Meanwhile, Emily/Angela/Parwana are now in her father’s custody. It will be interesting to see how their reunion turns out and what their plans will be in season 2!
Julian is likely still alive in The Old Man Season 2. It will be exciting to see how he handles Mike’s death and his failed mission, which was given to him by Bote. Chase and Harper are now trying to rescue Emily/Angela/Parwana. The big question is whether she will even want to come back or who she will see as her true “Old Man.”
Fans are excited to find out how many episodes will be in Season 2. The Old Man Season 2 will have 8 episodes. The first two episodes will drop together on September 12, 2024, for the premiere. After that, new episodes will be released weekly.
| Episode No. | Episode Name | Release Date | Description |
| S2.E1 | VIII | Thu, Sep 12, 2024 | Dan Chase and Harold Harper find themselves in Afghanistan, where they must negotiate with the Taliban to rescue Emily. |
| S2.E2 | IX | Thu, Sep 12, 2024 | Emily Chase reveals her true identity as Faraz Hamzad’s daughter, while external threats put her and her loved ones in danger. |
| S2.E3 | X | Thu, Sep 19, 2024 | Dan and Emily reunite after years and must defend the Hamzad village from the Taliban. |
| S2.E4 | XI | Thu, Sep 26, 2024 | Chase and Harper seek Morgan Bote’s help for Emily, but Zoe’s return reveals a deeper conspiracy. |
| S2.E5 | XII | Thu, Oct 3, 2024 | Dan Chase, a former CIA operative, faces an assassin and must confront his past to secure his future. |
| S2.E6 | Episode #2.6 | Thu, Oct 10, 2024 | Dan Chase continues to battle an assassin, forcing him to reconcile his past to protect his future. |
| S2.E7 | Episode #2.7 | Thu, Oct 17, 2024 | The threat of an assassin looms as Dan Chase confronts his past to ensure his survival. |
| S2.E8 | Episode #2.8 | Thu, Oct 24, 2024 | In the finale, Dan Chase must face his past as an assassin targets him, pushing him to secure his future. |
What’s the IMDb Rating of The Old Man?
The Old Man scored a solid 7.6 out of 10 on IMDb, reflecting the positive buzz from about 50,000 viewers.
What is the Moral of the Story of The Old Man?
The moral of The Old Man is about redemption and dealing with the past. The story shows how past actions can affect the present. It emphasizes that unresolved issues and past mistakes can haunt us and impact our lives. The main character, Dan Chase, has to face his past to find peace and move forward. The show also highlights the importance of understanding and confronting our history to make things right and seek forgiveness. It’s about how facing up to your past can help you find a better future.
Let’s Wrap Up!
The seasons of The Old Man deliver a mix of excitement, action, and strong characters. Season 1 gets us hooked with its thrilling story and deep drama. As Chase and Harper come back together, Emily/Angela/Parwana will be dealing with her own issues. The next season looks set to be even more gripping. With its engaging story and interesting characters, The Old Man keeps viewers entertained and eager for more.