Patriot

Patriot is a unique blend of comedy, drama and espionage thriller that first premiered on Amazon Studios in 2015, created by Steve Conrad. The show is intricately crafted, with the story unraveling over two gripping seasons and eighteen mind-bending episodes. Style and substance meld seamlessly together in this rare gem, providing viewers with a refreshing take on espionage thrillers.

John Tavner, played by Michael Dorman, is the central character of the series. He is an intelligence officer working for his father, Tom Tavner, who is a State Department Director of Intelligence, played by the accomplished actor Terry O' Quinn. John's mission is to prevent Iran from going nuclear. An unorthodox operative, exquisitely portrayed by Dorman, John's trajectory anchors the show, threading its multi-genre elements into a coherent, intriguing narrative.

The show begins with John assuming a “non-official cover,” a perilous covert role as a mid-level employee at a Midwestern industrial piping firm. He must juggle the seemingly mundane, yet complex intricacies of corporate life while managing the high-stakes world of geopolitical espionage.

The distinctive aspect of Patriot is the representation of John. Unlike the traditional archetype of a suave, fearless, and invincible superspy, John is a deeply flawed and vulnerable character. His clandestine role takes a toll on his psyche, leading him to suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, thereby introducing a compelling exploration of his emotional journey throughout the series.

The supporting cast provides a balanced ensemble that adds many layers and shades to the narrative. The characters are unique, quirky, and richly developed. Every person John interacts with, no matter how briefly, contributes to the overall storyline in meaningful ways, often causing unexpected twists. His relationship with his congressman brother, Edward, played by Michael Chernus, adds a unique dimension to the plot and reinforces the theme of familial bonds under pressure.

Creator Steve Conrad instills a distinctive humor throughout the series while taking on darker themes such as morality, mental health, and the brutal effects of covert operations. This is distinctly personified in John Tavner’s melancholic folk songs that he performs throughout the series, providing peculiar emotional depth while also serving as narrative devices, as John reveals too much about his secret missions in his lyrics. Despite being a comedy-drama, Patriot delves into serious and intense moments, letting viewers experience a gamut of emotions.

The aesthetic of the series is distinctively cinematic with beautifully composed shots, subtle staging and designing that lends to its idiosyncratic storytelling. Coupled with strong writing, this makes Patriot a visually and narratively striking piece of television.

Another major element of Patriot is its exploration of geopolitics. It presents an often-grim outlook on international relations and the workings of governmental institutions. It exhibits the complexities of the bureaucratic world and the implications it has on its operatives. Balancing tension and humor, the depiction of global politics in the show is both authentic and compelling.

Overall, Patriot stands out for its unique blend of genres, complex storytelling, and multi-dimensional characters. Its execution is meticulous and masterful, offering a viewing experience that is equal parts entertaining and thought-provoking. The show's intricate unfolding of espionage operations, office politics, personal struggle, and international relations, along with dashes of dark humor, make it a must-watch for those eyeing an unconventional thriller series with a refreshingly realistic portrayal of a reluctant spy.

Although the series has only two seasons, its impact and appeal have a broad reach. The balancing act of encompassing absurdity, tragedy, drama and spy-thrill meets with a success that sets Patriot apart from contemporaries. It’s a seemingly odd mix that, through masterful writing and execution, forms a coherent, enchanting piece of television storytelling. A highly-recommend series for those seeking something off the beaten path, Patriot's distinct, quirky charm is bound to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.