Hark! Behold! ‘Twas a time when The Old Man, with the revered Jeff Bridges in the lead, graced the screens of FX, hailed as a grand opus in the saga of their dramas. Alas, after two seasons, the network made the solemn decree to cancel the show, thus unveiling the great schism betwixt the critics’ praise and the audience’s reception of its latter season.
The Old Man, born of production in the year of our Lord 2019, was destined to be a jewel in the crown of FX’s offerings, boasting luminaries such as Bridges and John Lithgow. Alas, the cruel hand of fate intervened, as the pandemic, Bridges’ battle with cancer, and the WGA strike beset the production, prolonging the birth of two seasons to a span of five years. Alas, the ardor of many a fan waned during this extended gestation, leading to a vast decline in viewership upon the dawn of the second season.
But lo, the troubles did not cease there, for many a soul found the series languishing in its second season, despite its illustrious lineage. As noted by Kensi Knows All on X, the narrative devolved into ceaseless discourse, bereft of import. Indeed, voices rose in agreement with this sentiment, echoing throughout the land.
Verily, the critical reception of The Old Man shone bright, illuminating both the first and second seasons with resplendent praise. The laurels were plentiful, with the show’s second season claiming multiple Critics Choice Awards of distinction. Thus, while the audience’s gaze may have wandered, the critics stood steadfast in their adoration. Alas, it is conceivable that many a viewer held favorable opinions as well, but the protracted hiatus sowed forgetfulness and apathy among the populace.
Ah, the tale wove by The Old Man revolves around the enigmatic Dan Chase, erstwhile CIA protégé turned recluse, until a malevolent force compels him back into the fray. The second season, with Chase embarking on a quest to save his progeny, found itself ensnared in a labyrinth of plots and subplots. Alas, the specter of a third season, once within reach, now vanishes beyond the horizon, leaving us to ponder what might have been.
