Spy shows on TV are popular for their cool agents, exciting missions, and sleek action. However, a lesser-known series called Patriot—with just 18 episodes—really stands out and offers a fresh take on the genre.
Unlike Steve Conrad’s other work, Patriot is a unique blend of thrilling suspense and dark humor, underscored by folk music and a sense of deep unease. The show delves into the personal cost of dedication, the loneliness of keeping secrets, and what it truly means to save the world – and your own humanity – in the process.
Patriot Refuses to Act Like a Spy Show
The show Patriot, despite its name, doesn’t feel like a typical patriotic story. It centers around an intelligence operative who goes undercover to disrupt Iran’s nuclear efforts. He does this by taking a seemingly ordinary job at a pipe manufacturing company in Milwaukee. While it aims for a tone of witty dialogue, high-stakes action, and satisfying wins, it falls short of delivering those elements.
The show feels intentionally over-the-top, almost as if it’s in on the joke. But surprisingly, that’s what makes it so good – it’s incredibly relatable. The main character, John Tavern (played by Michael Dorman), isn’t a typical action hero. He’s just an ordinary, exhausted guy doing his best to cope.
What truly sets Patriot apart is its unique tone. The show masterfully blends humor and sadness, creating a strangely compelling experience. It can quickly shift from high-stakes action to quiet, awkward moments, blurring the lines between comedy and drama.
Instead of a dramatic showdown, John’s journey might simply end with him calmly singing a song reflecting on his experiences. It’s delivered with a subtle, understated humor, and there’s never any attempt to force an explanation onto the audience.
There’s no trace of glamour here – just dull, dirty offices and factories. No matter what happens, everything lacks any sense of style. It’s a far cry from anything appealing, and when problems arise, they only make things worse.
Patriot Is an Easy Binge
I was really struck by Patriot – it tackles tough stuff like depression and feeling completely burnt out, but it does it with this incredibly dry, almost absurd sense of humor. It’s a weird mix, but it totally works. And the way the season finale wraps things up – it’s not a huge cliffhanger, but this little moment at the end really got me invested in what John’s going to do next. I genuinely found myself caring about his fate and eager to see where the story goes.
The show’s excellent pacing gives even seemingly repetitive scenes a powerful emotional impact, revealing John’s inner turmoil and increasing sense of helplessness. This consistent approach also makes it incredibly watchable – it feels authentic and relatable throughout, right up to the very end, making it a show viewers will want to return to again and again.
With only 18 episodes, Patriot avoids feeling stretched or repetitive. Each episode feels meaningful, and the ending beautifully respects everything that happened before, giving viewers a complete and satisfying story rather than a long, drawn-out series.
If you’re looking for a show that’s a bit unique, Patriot is a great choice. It’s smartly written with a really authentic sense of humor, but it also has a strong undercurrent of sadness, particularly when the main character, John, starts to struggle.
This show doesn’t need constant action to be engaging. It focuses on a clever, realistic story and well-developed characters. Patriot doesn’t depend on flashy effects or well-known actors to attract viewers; it wins them over with its intelligent writing and dry wit. By the end, viewers understand they’ve experienced something truly special.
With many TV shows now stretching on for dozens of episodes, Patriot proves a complete and satisfying story can be told in just 18. If you like spy thrillers, don’t miss this hidden gem available on Prime Video.
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2026-01-24 01:39