Watch Patriot

Patriot is a thrilling and darkly comedic espionage drama produced by Amazon Studios that first aired in 2015. The show tells the story of John Tavner, an intelligence officer working for the United States government who is also an industrial piping engineer. He has been tasked with preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, which requires him to go undercover in a Midwestern industrial piping firm to get closer to a potential buyer of nuclear weapons components. The job requires him to work undercover for months on end, which means that he needs to blend in with his new colleagues and maintain his cover while dealing with the stresses of espionage.

John is a complex character, and the show explores the psychological consequences of his job. He has a great deal of emotional baggage, primarily due to the fact that his father is a legendary intelligence officer that he can never hope to live up to. John's experience has provided him with a unique perspective on life, and his observations are often cynical and biting. John is joined on his mission by his brother Edward, a dedicated but troubled intelligence operative, and a handful of other comically-dysfunctional characters.

The show is a blend of action, suspense, and humor that explores the psychological and emotional challenges of spying. The action sequences are expertly choreographed, and they serve to underscore John's precarious position in the world of espionage. The suspense is driven by the constant threat of discovery and the ever-present danger that John faces. This danger is never far away, and John's situation becomes more and more difficult as the season progresses.

The show is set against the backdrop of a bleak, industrial, and largely impoverished Midwestern landscape, which is itself a character in the show. The lighting and cinematography are key to creating this atmosphere, and they serve to reinforce the tone of the show. The use of music is also an important part of the show's aesthetic, as it helps to set the mood and reinforce certain aspects of the story.

Despite its dark subject matter, Patriot is a very funny show, with much of the humor stemming from the characters' interactions with each other. The show is full of eccentric and memorable characters, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. The humor is often very dark, and it serves to provide a counterpoint to the more serious elements of the story.

One of the most impressive aspects of Patriot is the writing. The show was created by Steven Conrad, who also wrote the screenplay for The Secret Life of Walter Mitty. Conrad's impressive pedigree is evident in the show, with each episode being packed with clever and nuanced dialogue. The show also has a tightly-plotted storyline, with each episode building on the last to create a compelling and suspenseful narrative.

In addition to its strong writing, Patriot also boasts some impressive performances from its cast. Michael Dorman is outstanding in the lead role of John Tavner, perfectly capturing the character's mix of cynicism, vulnerability, and competence. Kurtwood Smith is also excellent as John's father, a legendary intelligence officer who looms large over the show's narrative. The supporting cast is also very strong, with each actor bringing something unique to their character.

Overall, Patriot is an excellent show that is both suspenseful and cleverly constructed. It is a compelling exploration of the world of espionage, and it does an excellent job of exploring the psychological and emotional consequences of working in such a high-stakes environment. The show is packed with humor, action, and suspense, and it is sure to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its strong writing, excellent performances, and unforgettable characters, Patriot is a must-watch for anyone looking for an intelligent and engaging drama.

Patriot is a series that ran for 2 seasons (18 episodes) between November 4, 2015 and on Amazon Studios