We learn early on from CIA agent William Dean (Kene Holiday) that the fictional Martin Sole was created by the CIA to smoke out a double agent, Patrick Burke (Paxton Whitehead). Dean's partner, Alex Cain, was the body Jonathan found at the start of the show. Max recognizes, and Dean admits, they got the idea from a Cary Grant movie (North by Northwest). I hope people think Mr. Holiday looks like a "William"; I think he does.
Anyway, this episode was elevated by the fact that the villain was played by Paxton Whitehead, a wonderful English character actor, with a quintessentially British name. And, of course, Received Pronunciation English accents always add to a villain's portrayal. Well, any portrayal really, he was adept at comedy as well. I was sorry to read Mr. Whitehead passed away this year (2023), but he had a lovely, long, distinguished career, so we will be able to continue to enjoy his performances.
Anyway, this episode was elevated by the fact that the villain was played by Paxton Whitehead, a wonderful English character actor, with a quintessentially British name. And, of course, Received Pronunciation English accents always add to a villain's portrayal. Well, any portrayal really, he was adept at comedy as well. I was sorry to read Mr. Whitehead passed away this year (2023), but he had a lovely, long, distinguished career, so we will be able to continue to enjoy his performances.