As a fan of the show, it’s fascinating to see how the characters evolve, especially Dan’s relationship with Emily. In that final scene, I can imagine Dan feeling a mix of pride and apprehension – proud of Emily’s growth into a formidable force, but also worried about the resentment she harbors against him for keeping secrets. It’s a complex dynamic that adds depth to their relationship.
⚠️ WARNING: This conversation may reveal details about “XV,” the Season 2 finale of “The Old Man,” currently available on Hulu.
On Thursday, during the final episode of “The Old Man” on FX, there was no tidy conclusion – instead, it left us hanging with a tantalizing cliffhanger that promises more excitement in the future. I, for one, can’t wait to see what happens next!
In “XV,” it wasn’t as if there was no resolution at all. For instance, the character Dan Chase, a former CIA operative played by Jeff Bridges, managed to dodge death thanks to his girlfriend Zoe (Amy Brenneman) administering an antidote for a lethal virus he had been exposed to earlier. After finding refuge in a safe house to recuperate under Zoe’s watchful eye, Chase was also reunited with his long-thought-dead daughter Emily (Alia Shawkat). This reunion sets the stage for the storyline that could potentially form the basis of the show’s third season. At this moment, it remains undecided whether the Emmy-nominated series will be renewed for another installment.
While viewers eagerly anticipate updates, Bridges discussed Chase’s intricate relationships with the unexpected women in his life, how the Academy Award-winning actor juggled the demanding role amidst his private struggle with stomach cancer, and where he ranks “The Old Man” among his esteemed acting accomplishments, with EbMaster.
The whole season has been such a nail biter. Do you feel some of that when you’re shooting, given every scene always comes with such high stakes?
Of course, I completely agree! It’s fascinating because unlike movies, this show doesn’t follow a traditional narrative with a start, middle, and end. Instead, it mirrors life’s unpredictability, which is quite exciting. And let me tell you, Jon Steinberg steering the ship makes it all the more intriguing. Reading the script gives me the same sensation – I find myself saying, “What? Let me read that again! Wow!
In the scene in the penultimate episode, you’re tied up as this airborne virus is slowly taking over your body. How were you able to convey so much while also having to remain very still?
It was somewhat difficult predicting the outcome of the drug’s impact. I dug a little deeper, but sometimes when there are lengthy discussions, one might find themselves questioning how much time has passed since the person inhaled the substance. We went back and forth, trying to fine-tune our estimation accordingly.
We’ve seen Zoe step up in a big way in the finale by wielding a rifle pretty well, and saving Dan’s life. How is Dan feeling about her at this point at the end of Season 2? He must have questions for her.
Dan has a lot of explaining to do about everything he’s been doing, as it seems like he’s been living a secret life for quite some time. Even though someone is now in the picture, I don’t believe Dan fully understands himself yet. However, events have likely led him to fall in love. He’s skilled at hiding his true self, and he’s constructed his life around this deception. He yearns for someone to truly see him and comprehend him, so he’s fallen in love with her. That’s my take on the situation. I think Dan is taken aback by some of the things she does.
The scene in the finale where Dan sees his daughter Emily (a.k.a. Parwana) for the first time since he last saw her in Afghanistan, it’s really emotionally packed. Does Dan have any idea what she’s gone through as far as her time in Afghanistan?
I don’t think so. He can only imagine — but no, he has no real idea what happened.
Is it because of his love for Emily that he’s going to do what she’s asking to help save Harold Harper (John Lithgow), who is being held by his ex-wife Marion (Janet McTeer)? He doesn’t initially seem thrilled with her ask.
I think so. I don’t think he wants to go. He’s tries right up to the end to convince her otherwise, but it leaves it open for Dan’s next move. You see those cars and the guys are going to take him immediately. It’s not that he’s going with her because he loves her at that point. He’s kind of surprised. And he’s pissed! I mean, I’ve got three daughters; I know a little bit about that. I can be angry, but I still love them.
Emily’s even holding herself differently in that scene, since she has a level of power and responsibility that she didn’t have before given she now controls the valuable Meshbahar deposit. How does Dan see her in this moment?
I think, some of the thoughts might be, “Well, I taught her well. Now I’m facing an opponent who knows all of my ins and outs.” And Emily is so pissed off at me. She has a lot of resentment for me keeping all that truth from her.
How many takes did you get for that entire final scene with you, Amy and Alia?
In that scene, we tried various approaches multiple times. To be more precise, we shot the scene numerous times.
We hear Emily say that Dan’s going to need Lou Barlow, and we realize it’s not a past alias of Dan’s that he enjoys inhabiting. Is it safe to say that’s true?
Absolutely. I’ve posed questions to Jon Steinberg, yet I haven’t found a clear-cut response about his identity and accomplishments. However, I have picked up on some intriguing hints and helpful suggestions. It’s all very captivating, as the mystery deepens further.
Given the last scene sets up the third season with Dan agreeing to help rescue Harold, the third season renewal has to happen, right?
“I’m not sure about the answer yet. It seems we might find out more in a few days. Perhaps they are holding off until after their final event before making an announcement. I can only speculate.
This season you’ve gone through a lot on the show, whether you’re riding horses or physically taking out bad Russians. It’s a very physical show for you. How have you held up through it all, with your health issues?
During the midst of it all, health issues arose unexpectedly for me. Now, when I rewatch the initial battle sequences, I flinch, as I hadn’t realized I was harboring a nine-by-twelve-inch tumor in my abdomen while being subjected to those blows. Strangely enough, getting hit in the stomach didn’t cause me any pain at the time. However, Tim Connolly, our stunt coordinator, is exceptional and a joy to collaborate with. I relished performing the action scenes.
My only request for Season 3 is we need more of the dogs, since they were not in enough of Season 2.
I’ll pass on your request to Jon Steinberg, let’s see if we can find a solution. By the way, they are delightful to collaborate with. There are six of them in total, and my preferred one is Freya, she’s so endearing. However, for each job, they mix things up and make them appear as trendy canines.
In looking at your career, where does “The Old Man” fall as far as being challenged and what you’re proud of?
Oh, man, that’s a tough question. I know that corny thing that actors say about each of their projects are like their kids. They love each one, so you get so involved and it becomes so intense. Being an old man myself, my memory kind of fades, so I’m most into the one I’m working on right at the moment, and that’s “The Old Man.” It’s right up there with all my all my stuff. That’s my current love.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-10-25 06:17