Patrick Dempsey takes on a dramatically different role from his iconic Grey's Anatomy character in a gripping new crime thriller that has audiences captivated. The actor, now 60, portrays Angelo Doyle, a hitman secretly living with Alzheimer's disease, in the television series Memory Of A Killer.
From McDreamy to Murderer
Best known for his decade-long portrayal of the beloved neurosurgeon Dr. Derek Shepherd, Dempsey's latest character is a stark departure. Angelo Doyle has meticulously concealed his violent profession from his family, who believe he leads a mundane life as a photocopier salesman. This dual existence forms the core tension of the narrative.
A High-Stakes Premise
The series, which originally aired on FOX in the United States before being acquired by Amazon's Prime Video, consists of ten intense episodes. The official synopsis reveals a man in crisis: "Angelo must stop whoever’s coming for his family by searching his past hits for clues, and the list is very long." He is forced to hunt a mortal enemy while continuing his contractual killings, all without revealing his deteriorating cognitive condition and while maintaining the facade of a normal father who cooks dinner for his daughter.
FOX has described the show as both 'edge-of-your-seat' and 'propulsive', promising a relentless pace. The story is ultimately framed as "a redemptive story about a man who is losing his memory but gaining a conscience."
Inspired by Cinema and a Stellar Supporting Cast
Memory Of A Killer draws its inspiration from the acclaimed 2003 Belgian film De Zaak Alzheimer. The television adaptation boasts a formidable ensemble cast. Michael Imperioli, famed for his role as Christopher Moltisanti in The Sopranos, plays Dutch, Angelo's old friend and current employer who assigns his lethal tasks.
The main cast is rounded out by Richard Harmon, Odeya Rush, Peter Gadiot, and Daniel David Stewart, each adding depth to the show's complex world of secrecy and violence.
Prime Video's Thriller Companion: Clarice
The arrival of Memory Of A Killer on Prime Video coincides with renewed attention for another psychological thriller on the platform. Clarice, a series based on the iconic characters from The Silence of the Lambs, has also garnered a dedicated following.
Expanding a Horror Legacy
Starring Rebecca Breeds as FBI agent Clarice Starling, the series explores the character's life after the events of the 1991 film, bridging the gap between The Silence of the Lambs and its sequel, Hannibal. Despite airing for only one 13-episode season in 2021, the show has left a strong impression on fans.
The cast includes Michael Cudlitz, Kal Penn, Lucca De Oliveira, and Nick Sandow, with Simon Northwood portraying the infamous villain Jame 'Buffalo Bill' Gumb. Unlike the film, where Clarice seeks advice from Hannibal Lecter to catch Buffalo Bill, the series delves into her subsequent journey.
Audience Acclaim for Character Depth
Viewer reactions highlight the show's strengths. One fan praised, "I loved it! I love the main character Clarice! I liked the story line and thought the characters had depth. I liked the way they brought in connections to Silence of the Lambs - but developed Clarice further past that one experience."
Another noted its compelling narrative and social relevance: "I find the show riveting! There are so many great characters, and running plot lines that continue to twist, expand, and surprise. I am particularly drawn to its running psychological insights. The cast is wonderfully diverse... It is also deftly addressing multiple social issues with honesty, and keen insight."
Further enthusiasm is evident in comments like, "The next episode can never come quick enough! Love this show!" and "Clarice is one of the best tv shows," with one viewer describing it as having a "hannibal meets csi vibe."
Together, Memory Of A Killer and Clarice represent Prime Video's investment in sophisticated, character-driven thrillers that explore the psychological depths of their protagonists, offering audiences gripping alternatives to mainstream television.
