What is The Sympathizer about?

Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War's final days and subsequent displacement, The Sympathizer is a television series that intertwines elements of espionage, drama, and dark comedy. It portrays the journey of a conflicted half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy, known as the Captain. As the war concludes, the Captain is coerced to evacuate with his South Vietnamese allies but maintains covert ties to the North Vietnamese communists, providing them with intelligence from abroad. The series examines the Captain's ideological and personal struggles as he embeds himself within the Vietnamese refugee community in the United States, continuing his undercover mission. His existence is one of dichotomy and survival, balancing deceit with a quest for self-discovery. The Sympathizer features performances by Hoa Xuande as the resourceful and introspective Captain, alongside a diverse cast including Fred Nguyen Khan, Toan Le, and Duy Nguyễn. It also marks a significant acting commitment by Robert Downey Jr., who takes on multiple roles throughout the series. This adaptation of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel aims to shed light on the complex emotional and political landscapes faced by those caught between worlds.

The first episode of The Sympathizer aired on April 14, 2024 and the most recent episode to air was on May 05, 2024.