What I’m Watching: The Old Man (Season Finale)

The Old Man: Season 1, Episode 7 “VII” (B+)

This finale contained a big surprise that I definitely didn’t see coming, one that makes Dan and Harold much more like each other than Harold knew. It also weakens Dan’s cruel reminder to Harold that Emily wasn’t his actual daughter, since, apparently, Dan isn’t either. Though we saw his face for only a moment, I immediately recognized Navid Negahban, who has appeared in series like “Homeland,” “Legion,” and “Tehran,” as the older Faraz, who looked wearied but elated to see his daughter finally return home to him after being taken decades earlier. That explains why Faraz hated Dan so much, since Abbey was involved in the decision to leave with Dan but Emily couldn’t have been. What she knows, however, is more of a mystery, and theoretically she’ll be safe in her real father’s care, even if the two men who love her like a daughter will stop at nothing to get her back. Dan didn’t waste much time in disposing of their escorts once they were told that they had to turn back since the deal was off, and he and Harold do make a good team even if they don’t get along particularly well due to all they’ve endured over the years. Zoe appears to be out of the picture now but I’d be surprised if that remained the case, especially considering how Harold referred to her as a loose end that might need cleaning up. I don’t know what to expect in season two but I am intrigued to see these characters return and to see what the terrific Negahban does with his character.

Season grade: B+
Season MVP: John Lithgow as Harold