Watch The Pretender

The Pretender was a popular television drama series that aired on NBC from 1996 to 2000. The show starred Michael T. Weiss as Jarod, a genius who has the ability to become anyone he wants to be. He uses his intelligence to solve crimes and uncover the secrets of the people he comes into contact with. His abilities come from being part of a top-secret government project when he was a child, where he was trained to mimic different professions and personalities in order to deceive others.

Throughout the series, Jarod is on the run from the Centre, the organization that created him, and is searching for his missing family. Andrea Parker plays Miss Parker, a cold and calculating woman who is one of the top agents at the Centre, and is tasked with capturing Jarod and bringing him back. She has a personal connection to Jarod, as they grew up together at the Centre. Patrick Bauchau plays Sydney, Jarod's former mentor, who has a troubled history with the Centre and believes that Jarod was never meant to be used as a weapon. Jon Gries plays Broots, a computer expert who works for the Centre, and is often caught between his loyalty to the organization and his desire to help Jarod.

The show's format followed a familiar pattern: each episode would see Jarod adopt a new identity, helping someone in a new city while trying to stay off the Centre's radar. He would often use his incredible intellect and background knowledge to solve a crime or assist someone in need, while also learning more about his own past and trying to uncover more information about the Centre. Meanwhile, Miss Parker and her team would be hot on his trail, pursuing him across the country and trying to bring him in.

The series was known for its high-octane action scenes, complex storytelling, and strong character development. The show was praised for its willingness to tackle complex issues such as mental illness, child abuse, and government corruption, and for maintaining a consistent tone throughout its run. The interpersonal relationships between the main characters were also a big draw for viewers, with the tension between Jarod and Miss Parker being a highlight of the series.

In addition to its strong writing and acting, The Pretender was also notable for its use of technology, such as the internet and early handheld devices like PDAs, in its storytelling. The show also used flashback sequences to reveal more about Jarod's past, often showing disturbing glimpses into the experiments he endured at the hands of the Centre.

The show developed a passionate fanbase during its run and continues to be popular with viewers today. Fans have even created their own online communities to discuss and analyze the show's themes, characters, and storylines. The show has also garnered critical acclaim, earning nominations for multiple Emmy Awards over its four seasons.

In conclusion, The Pretender was a popular television drama that captivated viewers with its complex storytelling, strong characters, and use of technology. With its intriguing premise and well-developed world, the show remains a favorite among fans of the genre and is regarded as a classic of late-90s television.

The Pretender is a series that ran for 4 seasons (85 episodes) between September 19, 1996 and on NBC