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Episódio
Temporada
The Pretender
19967
DramaMistérioSci-Fi & Fantasy
Estreia
19/09/1996
País
Estados Unidos
Produções
20th Century Fox TelevisionNBC StudiosMTM Enterprises
Criado em uma instalação secreta construída para experimentar crianças, Jarod é um gênio capaz de dominar qualquer profissão e se tornar quem for preciso ser. Quando percebe, já adulto, que na verdade é um prisioneiro e que seus captores não são tão benevolentes quanto lhe disseram, ele foge. Enquanto tenta descobrir sua verdadeira identidade, Jarod ajuda aqueles que encontra e tenta evitar a mulher enviada para buscá-lo.
About
Quick guide
A kidnapped genius escapes a secret laboratory, using his skills to help others and find his identity.
Jarod is a child of the mysterious Centre, a secret research facility that trained him in everything he needed to know. After breaking free, he travels the country, assuming jobs from doctor to detective to save people from the injustices the Centre has engineered. While he seeks answers about his past, he is pursued by former allies who must bring him back. The show blends suspenseful mystery with a touch of sci‑fi and moral questions about freedom, loyalty and the misuse of science.
What to know
- The Centre is a fictional research hub that trained Jarod as a genius.
- Jarod can master any profession overnight to infiltrate and expose crimes.
- Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots are former Centre agents hunting Jarod.
- Each episode follows a standalone justice mission tied to Jarod’s past.
- The series balances action with investigative storytelling.
- Jarod’s backstory is revealed gradually over four seasons.
- The show ends on a cliffhanger, continued in two TV movies.
- The series is known for its complex character dynamics.
Watch if
If you enjoy smart, mystery‑driven stories with a good mix of action and moral complexity, especially ones featuring a protagonist who uses his genius to outwit a powerful organization, The Pretender will keep you engaged. The show’s blend of suspense, science‑fiction twists and character depth
Skip if
If you prefer light, procedural dramas with clear-cut villains and a straightforward plot, or if you dislike shows that linger on psychological and political subtexts, you may find The Pretender’s slow reveal and complex backstory too dense for your taste.
investigation heavypsychological elementssuspensefulpolitical themesdark tonemature themes
Premise
Jarod, a genius raised in the secretive Centre, escapes to pursue his own path. Using his ability to become anyone, he takes on jobs from doctor to lawyer to expose injustices. His escape triggers a relentless chase by former mentors who want him returned. The narrative weaves action, mystery, and ethical questions.
Main Characters
Jarod is the enigmatic lead whose mastery of any profession drives the plot. Miss Parker is a former operative torn between duty and protecting Jarod. Sydney, a psychologist, balances loyalty with growing doubts. Broots, the tech expert, provides support and occasionally aids Jarod in his missions.
The Centre
A covert think‑tank that used children like Jarod for experiments. It orchestrated crimes and manipulated the media, using data from the Digital Simulation Archive (DSA). Its leaders are shrouded in secrecy, and its influence extends into political and corporate realms.
Jarod’s Skills
Jarod can instantly acquire complex skill sets—medical, legal, engineering—making him a one‑man threat to the Centre. His rapid learning, combined with an unshakable moral compass, allows him to set traps for villains and provide justice where the system fails.
The Chase
Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots form a relentless pursuit, each bringing unique tactics. Their methods range from investigative sleuthing to high‑tech surveillance. The tension builds as Jarod evades capture while revealing more about the Centre’s dark deeds.
Themes
The show tackles freedom versus control, the morality of science, and the complexity of identity. It questions whether a person can truly escape the past and whether justice can be served by those who were once part of a corrupt system.
Legacy
After four seasons, the series ended on a cliffhanger, later continued in two TV movies. The franchise spawned novels and graphic novels that expand the universe. It remains a cult favorite among fans of smart, character‑driven thrillers.
Similar vibes
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FAQ
20 Q&A
What is The Pretender about?
The series follows Jarod, a child raised in a secret facility, who escapes and uses his ability to master any job to expose injustices while evading his former mentors.
Who is Jarod?
Jarod is the protagonist, a genius trained by a covert research center, who can quickly learn any skill and uses it to help people and uncover the truth about his past.
What is The Centre?
A fictional think‑tank that recruited children for experiments, providing them with advanced skills and later using them for covert operations and illegal projects.
Who are Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots?
They are former Centre agents tasked with recapturing Jarod. Miss Parker is an operative, Sydney is a psychologist who raised Jarod, and Broots is a tech specialist.
How does Jarod escape from The Centre?
During adulthood, Jarod discovers the Centre’s dark activities and uses his training to break free, immediately going on the run while the Centre sends agents after him.
What is the DSA?
The Digital Simulation Archive stores recordings of Jarod’s training simulations and other Centre data, making it a key asset that both sides want.
Is the Vitruvian Man symbol used in the show?
Yes, the Vitruvian Man is the symbol associated with the Pretender franchise, representing the balance of skill and humanity.
Are there other Pretenders besides Jarod?
The series hints at clones and other trained children, but Jarod remains the primary focus and the only one fully developed in the TV run.
What does PHQ stand for?
PHQ stands for Pretender Headquarters, a fan‑made website and role‑playing community centered on the show’s lore.
What happened to the show after season four?
The series ended on a cliffhanger; two TV movies followed, continuing the story but leaving some questions unanswered.
Where can I watch The Pretender?
The first two seasons are available for purchase on digital platforms, and all four seasons are sold on DVD. Limited streaming options exist for the early seasons.
Does Jarod have siblings?
Jarod has a complex family background with potential siblings and a clone, but details are revealed gradually through the series.
What is Miss Parker’s first name?
The show never confirms Miss Parker’s first name; fan theories exist but remain unverified.
How does Jarod’s impersonation work?
Jarod rapidly learns the necessary skills and background of a profession, adopting the persona and using that identity to infiltrate and uncover hidden truths.
Is there a sequel or reboot?
Two television movies were made after the series, and the creators have published novels and graphic novels expanding the universe, but no full‑length reboot has aired.
What is the plot of The Island of the Haunted?
The movie follows Jarod and Miss Parker as they investigate a supernatural case that intertwines with the Centre’s secrets, adding new layers to the story.
Does Jarod help people throughout the series?
Yes, each episode features Jarod using his skills to assist those wronged by the Centre or other corrupt actors, balancing personal quests with altruism.
Why is Jarod pursued by his former mentors?
They fear that his knowledge and freedom could expose the Centre’s crimes and jeopardize their operations, so they attempt to bring him back.
What themes does the show explore?
It delves into identity, morality, freedom versus control, and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation and surveillance.
How many episodes are there?
The series has 86 episodes across four seasons, plus two related TV movies.
