The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Review: Lost in Memories (Episodes 1 & 2)

Apple TV+’s new limited series, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, debuted with the two-episode premiere of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Season 1 Episode 1, “Reggie,” and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Season 1 episode  2, “Robyn.”

The series follows Ptolemy Grey, an elderly man suffering from the increasing effects of dementia.

Haunted by snippets of memories he can’t fully understand, the version of Ptolemy that we meet is isolated in a barely livable apartment with only his great-nephew Reggie to look after him. 

The first two episodes set up what promises to be a tangled mystery that connects the past and the present. More importantly, it does a stellar job of introducing its main characters and making viewers care about them and their relationships.

A Traumatic and Mysterious Past

There isn’t much to say yet about the larger mystery that will undoubtedly drive the rest of the series. Like Ptolemy, we only have confusing flashes from his past that we can assume will come together as the series progresses. 

We actually get quite a bit of information about Ptolemy’s past. What we don’t get is much in the way of context tying those memories together. We know about a lost treasure, someone named Coydog, that there was a deadly fire, and that Ptolemy had a wife who died.

We don’t know what it all means yet, but it’s more than enough to intrigue viewers to want to stay tuned. The use of Ptolemy’s memory flashes to tease the mystery is an effective way to entice curiosity and get viewers to start theorizing about what’s to come.

More than that, though, it gives viewers a sense of Ptolemy’s experience as he struggles with his memories. It creates a feeling of confusion and disorientation every time these flashes intrude into Ptolemy’s mind.

It moves the narrative forward while also helping the audience understand the mental and emotional state of the main character. 

A Standout Performance from Samuel L. Jackson

Without question, one of the strongest parts of the series’ first two episodes is Samuel L. Jackson’s performance as Ptolemy.

It’s a different kind of performance than viewers are used to from Jackson. We get a glimpse of the Jackson persona we’re more familiar with during the series’ opening scene and while Ptolemy’s first treatment briefly restores his cognizance. 

Still, for most of “Reggie” and “Robyn,” this is a more vulnerable and subtle role for Jackson. Jackson breathes an endearing life into Ptolemy that easily charms viewers and immediately has us wanting to protect him. 

His anguish when he finds out that Reggie has been killed is palpable and heartwrenching, as is the loneliness and fear during scenes where he is alone in his apartment.

Equally as effective are the smaller ways Jackson communicates Ptolemy’s struggle with his cognitive deterioration.

The way he pretends to follow conversations, the vacant look in his eyes when he’s lost the thread, these are all things I remember seeing one of my loved ones do as they dealt with dementia. I’m sure I’m not the only one those little details will resonate with. 

It’s likely that as soon as Doctor Rubin’s treatment takes effect, we will see less of this version of Ptolemy. The character will transition more to the familiar, confident version of Ptolemy that investigates Reggie’s murder.

While that is necessary to move the story forward and even something to look forward to, hopefully, we still have a chance to see Jackson play those more vulnerable notes because he is excellent in those moments.

Strong Relationships

The series also does a beautiful job of establishing important relationships. Even though we only spend a short time with Reggie, we are immediately drawn into his relationship with his great uncle.

Viewers can feel the history and the genuine affection between them from their very first scene. 

We care about this relationship right away and, in turn, care about Reggie right away. Our quick investment in Reggie and especially what he means to Ptolemy makes his death — which is a significant plot point for the series — all the more devastating. 

The show’s most important relationship is Ptolemy’s relationship with Robyn, the orphaned teenager who starts taking care of him after Reggie’s death. Along with Jackson’s performance, that relationship is the highlight of the series so far. 

Much of this comes from the playful chemistry between Jackson and Dominique Fishback, who plays Robyn. They have a great rapport that elevates every scene they are in together. 

There is a warmth and humor in their relationship that comes in stark contrast to the hardness around them. You want to see them thrive together and be the source of trust and stability they both desperately need.

Their relationship is the emotional core of the show. Whatever else happens when Ptolemy gets his memories back, what matters most is the bond between these two and how it grows over the course of the series. 

Overall Impression

The first two episodes of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey are a wonderful character study.

We get the start of a mystery that be an important part of the series, but both “Reggie” and “Robyn,” spend most of their time developing characters and relationships. And, they do it exceptionally well. 

We can expect the future episodes to focus more on the mystery of Coydog’s treasure and Reggie’s murder. The tone of the show may even change as Ptolemy changes. 

Still, when it comes down to it, this is the story of two people abandoned by everyone else finding refuge and compassion in each other. That is what we’ll come back each week to see.

What did you think of these episodes of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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New episodes of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey stream Fridays on Apple TV+.

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