TV series

The Pretender

Name: The Pretender
Released: 1996
Cast: Michael T. Weiss, Andrea Parker, Patrick Bauchau, Jon Gries

1996–2000· 4 seasons· 43 min episodesTV-14★ 7.4Ended

On NBC — From 20th Century Fox Television · NBC Studios

Hero of a thousand faces. Man of a thousand lives.

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Synopsis

Raised in a secret facility built for experimenting on children, Jarod is a genius who can master any profession and become anyone he has to be. When he realizes as an adult that he's actually a prisoner and his captors are not as benevolent as he's been told, he breaks out. While trying to find his real identity, Jarod helps those he encounters and tries to avoid the woman sent to retrieve him.

Themes

undercover anti hero investigation genius conspiracy evil corporation impostor justice boy genius manhunt prodigy

Episodes

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E1 PilotNext upSep 19, 1996 · 43 min · ★ 8.5
Synopsis
New York, New York - Miss Parker and Sydney find they had just missed Jarod helping a tanker ship in Alaska. Jarod is now posing as a doctor to uncover the truth behind an operation that resulted in a boy becoming paraplegic. Jarod also befriends a sicilian woman who has trouble with (ahem) bowel movements. This episode does not feature Jon Gries as Broots, as his character was introduced in Season 1 after the Pilot episode.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Lilyan Chauvin (Mrs. Nikkos, the Greek Lady), Peter Michael Goetz (Dr. Miles Hendricks), L. Scott Caldwell (Gwen Porter), Stephen Tobolowsky (Dr. Alan Trader), Dennis Cruzado (Little Jarod), Peter Nenadovich (production assistant), Sheri Sutherland (set medic)
E2 Every Picture Tells A StorySep 28, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
San Diego - California. Miss Parker and Sydney once again miss Jarod at the Y.M.C.A., who is now posing as a member of the Coast Guard trying to figure out the truth behind the death of a man who died at sea waiting for rescue. Jarod also befriends a hermit who lives out at sea and refuses to come back to land. Jarod discovers fake dog poop.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Ashley Peldon (Young Miss Parker), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Marjorie Monaghan (Martha Poole), William Sanderson (Roy Abbot), Jacob Vargas (Javi Padillo), Elizabeth Heflin (Meg King), Stephanie Sawyer (Kimberly King)
E3 FlyerOct 19, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
Arizona - Sydney and Miss Parker survey a wind farm in Baja, CA where Jarod was last seen testing aerodynamics. Jarod is now flying jets for Skyvionics, which is testing a defense contractor's new computer system, while trying to figure out why a test pilot died during one of the tests. Jarod also befriends Mr. Hollis, a conspirator who was involved in the Manhattan Project.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Deanne Bray (Deaf Woman), Terence Knox (Tom Matthews), William Wellman Jr. (USAF General), Jake Lloyd (Ronny Collins), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E4 Curious JarodOct 26, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
Las Vegas, Nevada - After spending some time studying mathematics and science, Jarod becomes head of security at a the Marquee Casino in Las Vegas. While there, he attempts to solve the mystery behind the death of a showgirl. Jarod also befriends a down-on-his-luck Elvis impersonator. Meanwhile, Sydney and Miss Parker resort to finding Jarod through the mob.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Kara Zediker (Ivy), Gregg Henry (Peter Morgan), Paul Eiding (Bernie Baxley), Felton Perry (Buddy), Pamela Brull (Kitty Morgan), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney), Ericka Bryce Poniewaz (set medic)
E5 The Paper ClockNov 2, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
Los Angeles, California - Aiming to help a man wrongly sentenced for murder, Jarod becomes a lawyer and goes after the arrogant attorney protecting the real killer. Meanwhile, Sydney is trying to reach an agreement with The Centre to make a trade with Jarod: A piece of Jarod's past for some of the simulations.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Janet Hubert (Madam Director), Lawrence Pressman (Ben Sloane), Sean O'Bryan (Bradley DuMonte), Jonathan Osser (Younger Jarod), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney), Ericka Bryce Poniewaz (set medic)
E6 To Protect and ServeNov 9, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
Miami Beach, Florida - Jarod, suspecting corruption in a police department, becomes an officer himself to solve the death of a boy who had recently been reunited with his father. He also befriends an aging lady who's young at heart, but is afraid of losing her wildside due to her fading eyesight. Meanwhile, Miss Parker is spending time in jail for violating criminal code 369.7 - Unlawful Carrying and Possession of Concealed Weapon, thanks to a tip from Jarod. With her in jail, Jarod uses that window of opportunity to hire a private investigator to aid in finding information about his mother.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Pat Crawford Brown (Millie Reynolds), Steve Eastin (Cedar Point Sheriff), Kim Myers (Jarod's Mother), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney), Kevin Marshall Brady (Brady stand-in (uncredited)), Ericka Bryce Poniewaz (set medic)
E7 A Virus Among UsNov 16, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
Chicago, Illinois - Miss Parker finds that she just missed Jarod posing as a High School biology teacher, and is then subjected to the flu virus. Jarod now poses as a virologist at an infectious disease laboratory trying to figure out the story behind the disappearance of another virologist. He also befriends Ben, a musician who is trying to prefect his musical talent on various instruments, although his neighbors don't care for it.
Guest stars: Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Raphael Sbarge (Jeffrey Baytos), Matthew Carey (High School Student), Jon Polito (Ben Hansel), Jonathan Osser (Younger Jarod), Cara Rose (Cindy Florence), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E8 Not Even A MouseDec 14, 1996 · 43 min
Synopsis
Baltimore, Maryland - Jarod investigates the mystery behind a hit-and-run death of a homeless man known as 'Christmas George' while simultaneously trying to identify a Jane Doe before Christmas. Meanwhile, Sydney anxiously awaits word from Jarod and Miss Parker gets her hopes up spending Christmas with her father. Jarod sends a Christmas present or two.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Ashley Peldon (Young Miss Parker), Tony Plana (Det. Guerra), Michael Gilden (Elf), Wendel Meldrum (Dr. Lizabeth Drake), Kimiko Gelman (Dr. Kim Fugimora), Kelsey Mulrooney (Angel), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E9 MirageJan 4, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
Hudspeth County, Texas - Jarod pretends to be a skydiving instructor looking into the death of a survivalist who died on his annual trip into the desert. Jarod is also visited by Ernie Two Feathers, a man who may (or may not) be a spirit guide. Meanwhile, Miss Parker is given a birthday present from Jarod that leads her to information about her mother.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Robert Carradine (Sheriff Dwight Kunkle), Chris Ellis (Daniel Crockett), Kate Hodge (Carol Bates), Jim Haynie (Ben Miller), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E10 Better Part Of ValorJan 11, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Jarod works as a firefighter while investigating the murder of another smoke-eater; Miss Parker tries to seduce a married man.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Anthony Starke (Michael Patrick), Isabel Glasser (Lt. Nancy Gleason), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E11 Bomb SquadJan 18, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
Detroit, Michigan - Jarod poses as a member of the bomb squad, searching for a serial bomber who left a woman blind from one of his attacks. Meanwhile, the Centre puts Mr. Reines in charge of finding the person who's leaking information to Jarod. By utilizing Angelo, he puts Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots to the test.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Paul Dillon (Angelo), Reggie Hayes (Froman), William Lucking (Lt. Chomsky), Beth Grant (Mrs. Haring), Chaka Forman (Computer Sketch Artist), Earl Houston Bullock (Marlan Marcantel)
E12 Prison StoryFeb 1, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
MARYLAND OAKFIELD PENITENTIARY - Jarod pretends to be a prison guard who is trying to prove a man on death row didn't commit the crime he's sentenced to death for. Meanwhile, Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots all get a clue that makes them believe they're now one step ahead of Jarod.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Marshall Bell (Warden Michaels), Dean Norris (Tommy Larson), Brock Peters (Henry Cockran), Trevor Morgan (Kid), Sam McMurray (Morris Clancy), David Proval (Carl Will), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E13 Bazooka JarodFeb 8, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - Jarod joins the Navy to investigate the drowning of a ship's engineer, but he must outwit a security officer who doubts his credentials. Meanwhile, the latest lead on Jarod pushes Miss Parker to follow clues regarding the children her mother saved.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Christopher Allport (Lt. Cmdr. Chris Nashton), Leon Russom (Captain Paul Nagel), Leonard Lightfoot (Reb McElroy), Kevin Patrick Walls (Petty Officer Mike Baker), Jennifer Banko (Melina Pratt), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney), Dennis Cruzado (Little Jarod)
E14 Ranger JarodFeb 15, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
TOLUCA NATIONAL FOREST, OREGON - Jarod falls in love with his hiking partner while on a seach-and-rescue for a boy who disappeared in the mountains. Jarod also befriends a man named Big Bob who has many stooge-ish qualitites. Back at The Centre, Miss Parker reminisces about how she loved Jarod when they were children.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Ashley Peldon (Young Miss Parker), Chris Williams (Derek Kobey), Elpidia Carrillo (Nia), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney), Dennis Cruzado (Little Jarod), Jack Kehler (Big Bob)
E15 Jaroldo!Mar 8, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Jarod becomes a TV news cameraman to investigate a gang shoot-out that badly injured another cameraman. Jarod also befriends a man who lost his job and his family. Meanwhile, Sydney and Miss Parker get trapped in a condemned building.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Ashley Peldon (Young Miss Parker), Ron Yuan (Ken Watanabe), Michael B. Silver (Chris Rockwell), Gregory Itzin (Phil Campbell), Tony Pierce (Dave), Dwayne L. Barnes (D-Mac), Lisa Howard (Annie Lambert)
E16 Under The RedsMar 22, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - Jarod checks into a fellow paramedic whom he believes is responsible for a graduate student's coma. But he first has to outsmart a pushy, investigative tax official who won't stop digging up everything on Jarod. After their follow-up to a lead on Jarod, Sydney disappears from the Centre. He holes himself up with his twin brother Jacob using a technique Jarod discovered in an attempt to bring him out of his coma. Miss Parker is put in charge of finding Syd and when she does, to make matters worst, Mr. Raines commands her to do eliminate Jacob.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Lanei Chapman (Julie Thorton), Taylor Negron (Max Vargas, Tax Official), Kevin Cooney (Mr. Chambers), Kim Myers (Jarod's Mother), Dorothy Fielding (Mrs. Chambers)
E17 KeysApr 5, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
MIAMI, FLORIDA - During a hurricane, Jarod is getting revenge for the deaths of a refugee's parents. He figures no one will pursue him since, after all, he's in the middle of a hurricane. But he's caught off guard when Miss Parker suddenly shows up. Even further caught off guard when his revenge backfires. Meanwhile, Miss Parker recalls the Thanksgiving before her mother's death. But she's blocked out certain details and Jarod makes her confront them.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Harve Presnell (Mr. Parker), Ashley Peldon (Young Miss Parker), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Leslie Jordan (Pat), Kiami Davael (Simone Bien Aime), Jeremy Roberts (Efram Bartlett)
E18 Unhappy LandingsApr 26, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - Jarod takes the role of a U.S. marshal trying to find and protect a vital witness with information about drug bosses connected to crooked marshals. Meanwhile, Miss Parker puts Broots in charge of digging up any information on the children her mother rescued. And Sydney seeks counseling for his rage against Mr. Raines.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Cindy Pickett (Dr. Shafton), Marisa Ryan (Helen Diggs), Bradley Gregg (Eugene Diggs), Zachary Browne (Young Kyle), Ellen Travolta (Dara's Mother), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E19 Jarod's HonorMay 3, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - After completing a pretend, Jarod receives an email offering answers to his past. While investigating the lead, Jarod unexpectedly stubbles upon a dying hitman. When the hitman's last job comes calling, Jarod takes it. Meanwhile, Sydney and Miss Parker, following a lead from Jarod, attend a Twins Convention. And Broots covers for them from Mr. Raines.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Harve Presnell (Mr. Parker), Gailard Sartain (Tug Beaulieu), Maury Sterling (Donny Beaulieu), Virginia Capers (Mr. Herbert's Former Assistant), Kyle Colerider-Krugh (Building Manager), Peggy Doyle (Clare Dumont), Alex Wexo (Young Sydney)
E20 Baby LoveMay 10, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
WYOMING(?) - After a close call with getting caught by Miss Parker, Jarod stumbles upon a baby who was thrown into a dumpster. Jarod takes the child and nurses it until he can find his parents while avoiding sinister authorities. At the same time, Miss Parker, Sydney and Broots all follow clues that Jarod has dug up in reference to the meaning of SL-27.
Guest stars: Harve Presnell (Mr. Parker), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Paul Dillon (Angelo), Mike Starr (Axe), Lisa Rieffel (Jeanette Connelly), Natalie Canerday (Christine), Scott Burkholder (Det. David Geary)
E21 The Dragon House (1)May 17, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
FORT REXFORD, NEW YORK - Jarod becomes aware that Kyle, another pretender from The Centre, is on the run from the law. Eager to find him, he becomes an F.B.I. agent to aid the investigation. But he discovers that Kyle may have something to do with his mother. Meanwhile, Miss Parker and Sydney recruit Angelo to go through all of Jarod's red notebooks. They figure he can become Jarod and thus aiding in his capture.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Harve Presnell (Mr. Parker), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Paul Dillon (Angelo), Kelli Maroney (Reporter), Linda Carlson (Harriet Tashman), James Tolkan (FBI Special Agent Korkos)
E22 The Dragon House (2)May 17, 1997 · 43 min
Synopsis
UPSTATE NEW YORK - Jarod discovers more about his family through Harriet, and decides that he must return to The Centre to free his brother Kyle. Meanwhile, Miss Parker convinces Broots and Sydney in helping her find the answers to her mother's death and believes Kyle may be the key. Finally, Jarod gets the opportunity to reunite with his family, including his sister. But The Centre becomes aware of the rendezvous and intends to stop it.
Guest stars: Ryan Merriman (Young Jarod), Harve Presnell (Mr. Parker), Richard Marcus (Mr. Raines), Sam Ayers (Sam the Sweeper), Paul Dillon (Angelo), Linda Carlson (Harriet Tashman), James Tolkan (FBI Special Agent Korkos), Zachary Browne (Young Kyle)