Patrick Dempsey stars as a hitman hiding a dangerous double life in Fox’s new crime thriller Memory of a Killer. The show, which premiered with a special on January 25, 2026, follows Angelo, a man who balances being a suburban dad with a secret career as a contract killer. His carefully separated worlds begin to fall apart when he starts experiencing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The central question for viewers is whether this high-concept premise makes for a compelling series or gets lost in its own plot. Based on early episodes, the show delivers a mix of slick action and family drama but struggles to blend its serious themes with network TV conventions.
What Is Memory of a Killer About?
Memory of a Killer introduces Angelo, played by Patrick Dempsey. To his pregnant daughter Maria and son-in-law Jeff, he is a loving father and a traveling copier salesman. In reality, he is a highly skilled assassin working for his childhood friend, Dutch, a restaurant owner who runs a criminal operation. Angelo maintains this double life with military precision, using a remote cabin as a “bat cave” to switch his station wagon for a black Porsche and change into sleek, tailored suits before heading into New York City for jobs.
The show’s main conflict arises as Angelo begins to show signs of early-onset Alzheimer’s, the same disease that has left his brother in a memory care facility. Small memory lapses, like forgetting the security code to his apartment or misplacing his gun, start to threaten his carefully controlled existence. At the same time, a mysterious assailant begins following him, bringing danger closer to his family’s doorstep. The series explores whether Angelo can protect his loved ones as his own mind becomes unreliable.
The supporting cast includes Michael Imperioli as Dutch, Angelo’s friend and employer, whose restaurant fronts his criminal dealings. Odeya Rush plays Maria, Angelo’s daughter, who is unaware of her father’s true profession. Richard Harmon appears as Joe, Dutch’s nephew who assists Angelo on his jobs. Gina Torres joins the story as FBI Agent Linda Grant, who becomes suspicious after violence spills into Angelo’s quiet town.
Critical Reception and Early Reviews
Early reviews for Memory of a Killer present a divided picture. Critics who saw the first two episodes note the show has an interesting premise but suffers from uneven execution. Many reviews point out the difficulty of adapting this story, previously a Belgian film and novel, into an ongoing network television series.
The Hollywood Reporter stated, “It’s a ridiculous moment, one that instantly torpedoes any desire the show might have to be taken seriously… the whole thing is just plain silly.”
A common criticism is the show’s tonal inconsistency. It tries to be both a serious drama about Alzheimer’s and a stylish crime thriller, often failing to fully commit to either. The scenes depicting Angelo’s cognitive decline are played straight, while his transformation into a hitman is portrayed with almost comic-book flair, complete with costume changes and fancy cars. This clash leaves some viewers unsure how to engage with the story.
Patrick Dempsey’s performance receives mixed feedback. He is convincing as the grieving widower and concerned father but seems less natural in his role as a hardened killer, especially when sharing scenes with Michael Imperioli, who brings a grounded, menacing presence to his role. Some critics feel Dempsey’s character is too polished and smooth, making it hard to believe he has maintained this double life for decades.
On the positive side, the show is acknowledged for its high production value and pace. It is described as never boring, with plenty of action and plot movement to keep viewers engaged. The concept itself remains intriguing, with the potential for deeper exploration of memory, identity, and consequence as the season progresses.
How It Compares to the Original Source Material
Memory of a Killer is not an original idea. It is based on the Belgian novel De Zaak Alzheimer by Jef Geeraerts, which was first adapted into a Belgian film in 2003. That same story was adapted again for American audiences in the 2022 film Memory, starring Liam Neeson. This history is important because it highlights the challenge the Fox series faces: stretching a two-hour movie plot into a multi-episode, potentially multi-season television format.
The core premise remains the same across all versions: a hitman developing Alzheimer’s tries to complete one final job while his memory fails. However, the TV series adds more layers to the protagonist’s personal life, including a pregnant daughter and a deeper backstory involving his wife’s death. These expansions aim to create ongoing storylines but also risk diluting the central, high-stakes concept that made the original story compelling.
Some critics argue that the constraints of broadcast television work against the material. The need to sanitize content for network standards results in less realistic violence and language, which can make the criminal underworld feel less dangerous. The show also fits into a curious trend on Fox, being the third recent procedural about a middle-aged professional working under “cognitively-altered circumstances”.
Breakdown of Key Characters and Cast
- Angelo (Patrick Dempsey): The protagonist living a double life. By day, a suburban dad and salesman; by night, a meticulous contract killer. His world fractures as he experiences early Alzheimer’s symptoms.
- Dutch (Michael Imperioli): Angelo’s longtime friend and employer. He runs a restaurant that serves as a front for his criminal operations. He is unaware that Angelo has a family.
- Maria (Odeya Rush): Angelo’s daughter, who is pregnant with her first child. She believes her father is a simple salesman and is completely shielded from his violent secret life.
- Joe (Richard Harmon): Dutch’s nephew, who works as Angelo’s spotter and assistant during hits. He represents the younger, more reckless side of the criminal world.
- FBI Agent Linda Grant (Gina Torres): An investigator who enters the story in the second episode, connecting a shooting in Angelo’s suburb to larger criminal activity.
Final Verdict: Stream It or Skip It?
The decision to watch Memory of a Killer comes down to what you value in a crime drama. If you are a fan of Patrick Dempsey and enjoy fast-paced, stylish thrillers with a familiar “dad action” vibe, the show offers an entertaining watch. The chemistry between Dempsey and Michael Imperioli provides solid moments, and the central mystery of who is targeting Angelo’s family creates suspense.
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However, if you are looking for a nuanced, gritty exploration of its serious themes—like the impact of Alzheimer’s on a person’s identity and the moral weight of a violent life—the show may feel superficial. The early episodes treat cognitive decline more as a plot device than a profound character study. The dialogue and some characterizations can also feel clunky and overly expository.
For viewers on the fence, the general consensus from early reviews leans toward giving it a chance. As Decider’s review concluded, “STREAM IT. We still think that Memory of a Killer has the potential to go in directions other thrillers haven’t… But through the first two episodes, there’s not enough of that to make the show feel much different than other conspiracy thrillers.” The show’s success will likely depend on how deeply it explores Angelo’s deteriorating mind in future episodes and whether it can elevate its storytelling beyond standard network procedural fare.
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