Patrick Dempsey, famously known as McDreamy from Grey’s Anatomy, takes a bold turn in his new TV series ‘Memory of a Killer’. Moving away from romantic roles, Dempsey now steps into a geriatric action-thriller, drawing comparisons to Liam Neeson’s style of intense, older action heroes.
A ‘Dad Thriller’ With a Twist
‘Memory of a Killer’ fits into the “dad thriller” trend, where older male leads face danger, crime, and personal stakes.
Dempsey plays Angelo, a skilled hitman who juggles two lives. In New York City, he works for a crime boss, while in the suburbs, he lives a quiet family life. The series explores how Angelo balances family duties and dangerous missions, creating tension and suspense.
Dementia and Memory Issues
Unlike typical action shows, this series adds philosophical depth by focusing on Angelo’s declining memory.
Early episodes show him forgetting simple things, like security codes or misplacing his gun, hinting at cognitive challenges. His brother Michael, who lives in a memory care home, also suffers from Alzheimer’s, adding emotional layers to the story.
This combination of action and memory struggles makes the show more thoughtful than a standard thriller.
Dempsey and Imperioli’s On-Screen Chemistry
One of the strongest points of the series is the chemistry between Patrick Dempsey and Michael Imperioli.
Dempsey’s Angelo switches between lethal assassin mode and suburban dad mode seamlessly. Imperioli, known for The Sopranos, plays Angelo’s crime associate Dutch with a calm but dangerous aura. Together, they elevate the tension and entertainment, making even slower family scenes watchable.
Source Material and Adaptation
The show is based on ‘De Zaak Alzheimer’, a Belgian novel by Jef Geeraerts. It has been adapted twice before:
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2003 Belgian film
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2022 American movie “Memory” starring Liam Neeson
This TV adaptation shifts focus slightly, adding more domestic life scenes and giving Dempsey room to explore his acting range. While some family moments feel slow, the crime sequences remain thrilling.
Ambitious Yet Watchable
‘Memory of a Killer’ tries something ambitious for network TV.
It mixes philosophical themes, action sequences, and family drama. While not every scene hits perfectly, Dempsey’s performance and the dynamic between Angelo and Dutch make it worth watching. Fans of thrillers and action shows will find enough to stay engaged.
Conclusion
Patrick Dempsey successfully reinvents himself in ‘Memory of a Killer’.
The show blends crime, family, and cognitive challenges, offering a fresh take on the “dad thriller” genre. While it may feel slow at times, strong performances and clever storytelling make it worth a watch. This series could mark the start of a new action phase for Dempsey, much like Liam Neeson’s late-career hits.
FAQs
Who does Patrick Dempsey play in ‘Memory of a Killer’?
He plays Angelo, a hitman balancing a criminal life and a suburban family life.
Is this a romantic show like Grey’s Anatomy?
No. This is a geriatric action thriller with crime, suspense, and family drama.
Does the show deal with memory issues?
Yes, Angelo struggles with memory lapses, hinting at early dementia, which adds emotional depth.
Who plays Angelo’s crime associate?
Michael Imperioli plays Dutch, Angelo’s friend and crime partner, adding tension and charisma to the show.
Where is the show airing?
‘Memory of a Killer’ premieres on Fox, with a two-night event after the NFC Championship Game, then airs Mondays at 9 PM ET/PT.