Patrick Dempsey's dark thriller "Memory of a Killer" struggles with a low 20% on Rotten Tomatoes, disappointing fans despite its intriguing premise.
- January 28, 2026
AceShowbiz - Patrick Dempsey's latest television venture is struggling to make an impact, according to initial reviews on Rotten Tomatoes. The dark crime thriller series, Memory of a Killer, has debuted to a disappointing low score, disappointing both fans and critics alike. In this show airing on Fox, Dempsey takes on the role of Angelo Doyle, a hitman who grapples with the challenges of early Alzheimer's while trying to maintain his criminal career and family life. As the first reviews start pouring in, Memory of a Killer is officially marked by a lackluster reception, holding just 20% on Rotten Tomatoes based on its initial five reviews.
This score reflects a notably negative first impression from critics, most of whom have universally criticized the series. While several reviews acknowledge the show's potential due to its intriguing premise and Dempsey's compelling performance as a conflicted hitman, the consensus points to a significant flaw: the series is deemed formulaic and fails to distinguish itself from the multitude of similar thrillers available.
In this latest role, Dempsey returns to television after a break from leading projects, having previously portrayed Aaron Spencer in the acclaimed series Dexter: Original Sin. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Dr. Derek Shepherd in the long-running medical drama Grey's Anatomy, where he played the romantic lead opposite Meredith Grey until season 11. Memory of a Killer marks his first lead role in quite some time, creating anticipation among his long-time fans.
Notably, Memory of a Killer is adapted from the Belgian film The Alzheimer Case, which adds a layer of depth to its narrative. The series was co-created by Ed Whitmore, known for his Emmy-winning work on Waking the Dead, and Tracey Malone, who has previously contributed to projects like the miniseries Born to Kill. Despite the promising credentials of the creators and the rich backstory, the show has been unable to resonate with critics, resulting in what appears to be Dempsey's most poorly received television project to date.
As the series unfolds, it remains to be seen whether it can recover from this harsh critical reception or if Memory of a Killer will fade into obscurity amidst the crowded landscape of crime dramas.