: Flashbacks set in the 1980s Soviet-Afghan War reveal that a young Dan Chase (Bill Heck) went rogue from the U.S. government to join forces with Afghan warlord Faraz Hamzad. It is revealed that a young Harold Harper (Christopher Redman) knew of this treachery but kept it secret for decades.
: By grounding the drama in the Soviet-Afghan War, the series uses real-world geopolitical history to add gravity to its fictional spy-thriller stakes. Critical Reception The.Old.Man.S01E02.ITA.WEBDL.mp4
: The transition from "Dan Chase" to "Peter Caldwell" emphasizes the protagonist's fluidity. He is simultaneously a domestic tenant and a lethal operative, as seen when he effortlessly pivots from a friendly date with Zoe to preparing for a potential violent confrontation at a police roadblock. : Flashbacks set in the 1980s Soviet-Afghan War
: CIA Agent Waters informs FBI Agent Angela Adams about Chase's fearsome reputation during the war, where he was known as "the beast who ate everything". : By grounding the drama in the Soviet-Afghan
: The episode explores the heavy toll of maintaining a decades-long lie. Both Chase and Harper are "old men" defined by decisions made in their youth that now threaten everyone around them.
Reviewers from Vulture and Decider praised the episode for its "truly compelling" character introductions and the strong performances of the supporting cast, particularly Amy Brenneman and Alia Shawkat. 'The Old Man' Episode 2 Recap: Love on the Run