The Pretender
The Pretender

The Pretender

2000TV ShowEnded5 SeasonsEnglish

Raised in a secret facility built for experimenting on children, Jarod is a genius who can master any profession and become anyone he has to be. When he realizes as an adult that he's actually a prisoner and his captors are not as benevolent as he's been told, he breaks out. While trying to find his real identity, Jarod helps those he encounters and tries to avoid the woman sent to retrieve him.

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IMDb7.5/10
Director: Steven Long Mitchell and Craig W. Van Sickle (Creators)Genres: Action, Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Plot Summary

Jarod, a brilliant genius with psychometric abilities, escapes from a mysterious organization called "The Centre" after realizing they are exploiting his talents for nefarious purposes. As a "pretender," he can mimic almost anyone, using his skills to help people in need while simultaneously trying to uncover the truth about The Centre and his own past. Pursued by agents, including his former mentor Mr. Parker and his estranged father, Jarod leads a nomadic existence, constantly reinventing himself to stay one step ahead.

Critical Reception

The Pretender garnered a dedicated cult following throughout its original run and subsequent revivals. Critics often praised its unique premise, the compelling performance of Michael T. Weiss as Jarod, and its blend of action, mystery, and emotional depth. While it didn't achieve massive mainstream success, its consistent quality and engaging storylines earned it a strong and enduring fanbase.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its inventive "pretender" premise and Michael T. Weiss's versatile performance.
  • Appreciated for its blend of procedural crime-solving with a compelling overarching mystery.
  • The show's exploration of Jarod's moral compass and his search for identity resonated with viewers.

Google audience: Audience reception for 'The Pretender' is largely positive among its dedicated fanbase, who appreciate the intricate plots, the titular character's intelligence and empathy, and the ongoing mystery surrounding "The Centre."

Fun Fact

The character of Jarod was inspired in part by historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci and also by the concept of a "super-taster," someone with an exceptionally refined sense of taste.

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