Patrick Dempsey, widely recognized for his role as McDreamy on Grey’s Anatomy, stars in the new Fox crime thriller Memory of a Killer, a remake of a Liam Neeson action thriller. The series, which premiered recently, follows an elite assassin confronting early-onset Alzheimer’s, drawing attention and sparking mixed reactions among viewers and critics alike.
Premise of Memory of a Killer and Dempsey’s Role
In Memory of a Killer, Dempsey plays Angelo Ledda, a seasoned hit man faced with the devastating diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. As his memory fades, Angelo battles to retain his conscience while uncovering that his wife’s recent death may not have been accidental, pushing him toward a path of vengeance. This narrative explores the tension between his violent profession and his struggle with a degenerative illness.
Fox executive Michael Thorn described the show as a blend of the intense pacing of 24 and the medical drama elements of House. The new series is based on Liam Neeson’s 2022 movie Memory, which shares a similar storyline about a hit man grappling with a failing memory. That film originally drew inspiration from the 2003 Belgian award-winning movie De Zaak Alzheimer.
Critical Reception Highlights Dempsey’s Performance Amid Mixed Reviews
Patrick Dempsey’s transition into an action lead has received notable praise from several media outlets. The Wall Street Journal highlighted his solid performance and noted the show’s gripping chase sequences. Pajiba commended Dempsey for effectively navigating the series’ complex storylines and character dynamics, while USA Today emphasized the combined star power of Dempsey and co-star Michael Imperioli in elevating the show’s appeal.
Mr. Dempsey is solid. And with a curated selection of chase scenes, the show has traction.
— Wall Street Journal
an admirable job balancing the competing storylines and personalities
— Pajiba
Without actors as talented and charming as Dempsey and Imperioli, it would be entirely forgettable. Their powerful, charismatic presence, however, suggest this is worth sticking with beyond the two-night premiere.
— USA Today
Overall Criticism Reflects Uneven Reception of the Series
Despite Dempsey’s capable acting, Memory of a Killer has encountered a divided response from critics, mirroring the divided opinion that met the Liam Neeson original. Currently holding a 43% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the series has been criticized for its lack of originality and depth.
A disappointingly flat take on its inherited premise. Angelo may be a killer, but the show he leads sure isn’t.
— Variety
Other outlets have voiced similar concerns regarding the show’s believability and engagement. The Hollywood Reporter remarked on the show’s demanding suspension of disbelief, and RogerEbert.com expressed frustration with the series’ lack of distinct personality amid a crowded television landscape.
With so much competition out there, it feels increasingly difficult to preach patience with a show that has so little personality.
— RogerEbert.com
Nevertheless, TV Guide offered a somewhat optimistic view, suggesting that the series might become more compelling as it progresses.
could become more intriguing in the future.
— TV Guide
Supporting Cast and Character Dynamics
Alongside Patrick Dempsey, Memory of a Killer features a strong ensemble cast. Michael Imperioli of The Sopranos stars as Dutch, a key figure in the unfolding story. Supporting roles also include Richard Harmon, known for The 100, as well as Odeya Rush from Lady Bird, Daniel David Stewart from Reacher, Peter Gadiot of One Piece, and Gina Torres, recognized for Serenity and Suits. This diverse cast adds depth to the complex world around Angelo Ledda.
The series delves deeply into Angelo’s double life: a feared hit man navigating the dangerous streets of New York City and a devoted family man in the quieter town of Cooperstown. His struggle is intensified by the progression of Alzheimer’s, a disease with personal significance as his older brother has suffered similarly.
Losing one’s memory is a devastating hammer blow for anyone, but for Angelo, the stakes couldn’t be higher. His hit man job would be perilous enough, but there’s an added pressure: Angelo lives two totally separate lives — fearsome NYC hitman, and sleepy upstate Cooperstown photocopier salesman and father. Having built and maintained a brick wall between his two worlds, Angelo has seamlessly juggled and compartmentalized for years. But now that’s all about to change, because Alzheimer’s is a foe he can’t outrun, and he knows too well how this ends, as his older brother is already lost to the condition.
— Official series synopsis
What Memory of a Killer Means for Dempsey’s Action Genre Debut
This series marks a significant shift for Patrick Dempsey, transitioning from his long-running role as a romantic lead to embracing the demands of an action thriller protagonist. While Memory of a Killer has not yet achieved unanimous critical acclaim, Dempsey’s credible portrayal offers fans a fresh perspective on his range as an actor.
The show’s premise, which centers on an assassin confronting neurological decline while seeking justice, adds an intense and uncertain tone that differentiates it from typical action fare. For viewers interested in character-driven thrillers and the complicated morality of a hit man’s life, the series holds potential despite its current mixed feedback.
As the season unfolds, the storyline may deepen, potentially addressing criticisms and clarifying the narrative’s stakes. Fans of the Liam Neeson action thriller on which it is based might find it worth watching to observe how Dempsey interprets similar themes in his own distinct way.
