The Sympathizer: All For One (HBO Sunday May 12, 2024)

HBO presents the fifth episode of its limited series “The Sympathizer,” airing Sunday 12 May at 9 p.m. This engaging espionage thriller is based on Viet Thanh Nguyen’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, offering a unique perspective on the complexities of the Vietnam War.

Created by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook and Don McKellar, with Chan-wook directing the first three episodes, the series centers on a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy known as the Captain (Hoa Xuande). Set during the final days of the Vietnam War, the Captain, embedded within the South Vietnam army, flees to Los Angeles as Saigon falls, seeking refuge among exiles.

However, his spying activities continue, as he secretly reports intelligence to the Viet Cong, navigating a web of intricate relationships.

The series features a notable ensemble cast, including Robert Downey Jr. in multiple roles: CIA agent and mentor to the Captain, Claude, and Professor Hammer, the Captain’s graduate school professor. Sandra Oh portrays Ms. Sofia Mori, a Japanese-American secretary with whom the Captain becomes romantically involved.

With its exploration of American imperialism and the war through a distinct lens, “The Sympathizer” presents a fresh take on spy narratives. The series has earned praise for its ambitious storytelling, although some critics find it overly intricate and stylized.

The Sympathizer: All for One airs Sunday May 12, 2024 at 9.00pm on HBO.