True Lies Season 1 Episodes 12 and 13 Review: Lying Truths / Waking Dreams

True Lies Season 1 Episodes 12 and 13, “Lying Truths / Waking Dreams,” is a clashing, last-ditch effort to make a statement with this TV adaptation.

In some ways, these final two episodes offer the most potent combination of action and drama. The story also repairs some of the damage done by its one-off missions by doubling back to previous storylines and forgotten family threads.

One episode exemplifies everything that works with this action comedy, and the other showcases its more significant shortcomings.

Ironically, the standout episode of this two-part conclusion is not the finale. “Lying Truths” is an excellent example of how True Lies can fire on all cylinders effectively.

After a season of stand-alone episodes, the episode expands on previously established Omega lore, circling back to the teen hacker, Max, and the secret operation hellbent on taking the Omega Sector down.

Bringing Max, a relatively one-note character, back into the fold to drastically alter the dynamics of this team is exactly what these do-or-die missions need.

Plus, it is a brilliant move to reveal Max is dating Dana. Not only is the setup plausible and Harry’s choking fit hilarious, but the romantic connection forces the double life of spy and suburban parent to collide.

The Max and Dana conflict forces Harry and Helen to juggle their Omega and parenting duties spontaneously, leading them toward a formidable outcome.

It gives this episode plausible courage to juggle comedy and action as the hacker business and the Taskers’ trash talk clash wonderfully.

The hacker storyline also forces Gib into the field undercover, which shakes up the dynamics of the entire team in fun ways as they are forced out of their comfort zone.

Throw in a killer soundtrack, a few slow-motion scene mashups, and some silly Luther and Maria scabbles over a dog, and this episode is the harmless action romp with meaningful character developments we deserved to see all season.

True Lies coasts off the victories of the penultimate episode by letting the conflict from Harry’s failed takedown flow right into the final episode.

Continuity is something the show could have used more of, so it is appreciative to see “Waking Dreams” pull in most of the conflict from the previous episode.

The issue with this finale is it is way too ambitious. The episode carries itself as if this unveiling of the big evil villain enterprise has been a season-long venture and not a brief mention three episodes ago.

The choice to open on a random flashback scene is jarring, and leaning into the intensity of drama-based action is an off-putting tonal change.

The issue here isn’t entirely this last-minute antagonist reveal. As much as we don’t know this woman, it is easy to buy into her hatred for Omega Sector.

One of this show’s biggest pet peeves for me was the reckless plot armor it waved around in this action premise, shooting every bad guy and clinging to gun violence to solve every mission. So to have the antagonist of this finale call Tasker’s organization out on its villainy for executing the opposition on-site is rather fitting.

The part about offering these fleeing operatives protection from Omega, rather than just revenge, is a nice touch.

Ultimately, the brainwashing segments that plague this conclusion are too much. Seriously, the cringe radiating off these scenes is nauseating.

This two-part finale relies too much on the incoherent storytelling that doomed True Lies from the start.

The sudden, overwhelming attempt to make this fun action romp into a deadly spy thriller comes off cheap and undermines the actor forced to carry the traumatic performance.

Harry Tasker undergoes extensive brainwashing in under one episode to the point he is ready to kill his teammates. But recovers just as quickly.

It is a bold finale that underlines the show’s most significant problem: it is so confident we will suspend belief that it takes little care to make this premise believable. This action comedy asks too much of its viewers, from the vague spy agency interworkings to the non-existent backstories.

It expects casual viewers and, in return, neglects to do the bare minimum to entertain them.

Yet someone how it opens up a can of its most meaningful storytelling in the final moments, showcasing that when the lies are stripped away, and the team opens themselves up to being vulnerable, magical relationships can be formed.

By being honest, the Tasker can find happiness in a community that sees them for who they are. It’s a sweet ending to this complicated show.

This TV show never felt like it cared to be a TV show. So, unfortunately, True Lies is not a series that needs saving. However, this cast’s potential and plucky comedic chops will be mourned.

What did you think of the series finale of True Lies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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True Lies is available to stream on Paramount+.

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