Ep 3. The Guns of Paris

John Tavner (played by Michael Dorman) is an intelligence officer working for the industrial piping company McMillan. He's also a failed guitar player and a PTSD sufferer trying to get his life together after a botched mission led to the death of an Iranian nuclear scientist. The show is a thrilling blend of espionage, politics, and black comedy.

In Patriot season 2 episode 3, titled "The Guns of Paris," John is in France where he's tasked with obtaining a satellite code from a tech CEO named Yves Giry (played by Yannick Bisson). Getting to Giry won't be easy, as the tech mogul is highly paranoid and has invested heavily in his own security. But John is determined to complete the mission, even if it means going off-book and breaking some rules.

The episode begins with John trying to infiltrate Giry's company by posing as a tech startup founder. His plan hits a snag when he's recognized by a former colleague from his intelligence agency. In order to avoid detection, John must improvise and come up with a new cover story. It turns out that Giry is attending a high-end gun show in Paris, so John decides to pose as a gun enthusiast to get close to him.

Once inside the show, John meets Giry's right-hand man, a tough guy named Jean-Pierre (played by Marc-André Grondin). Jean-Pierre takes a liking to John, but he's also suspicious of his motivations. John uses his charm and wit to keep Jean-Pierre at bay while he tries to get closer to Giry.

Elsewhere, John's father Tom (played by Terry O'Quinn) is dealing with his own set of problems. Tom is a former Navy intelligence officer who's now running for governor of Wisconsin. He's trying to distance himself from his son's covert activities, but the McMillan CEO Leslie (played by Kurtwood Smith) wants to use Tom's connections to further the company's agenda. The tension between Tom and Leslie creates a rift between them that may be irreparable.

Back in Paris, the stakes are getting higher for John. He's running out of time to get the satellite code, and Giry is becoming increasingly suspicious of him. To make matters worse, a rival intelligence agency is also after the code and has sent an agent to take out Giry. John must navigate the dangerous waters of international espionage while also trying to maintain his cover and get the code.

"The Guns of Paris" is a tense and exciting episode that showcases the show's unique blend of genres. The combination of espionage and gun culture creates a thrilling backdrop for the story, and the performances of the cast are excellent as always. Michael Dorman shines as John Tavner, portraying the character's complexities and vulnerabilities with nuance and depth.

Overall, Patriot season 2 episode 3 is a must-watch for fans of the show and for anyone who enjoys smart, well-crafted television. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to blend humor, drama, and action into a cohesive and entertaining package.