The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Christian Review
There’s something hauntingly beautiful about The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey. It’s a show that doesn’t so much demand your attention as it quietly wraps itself around you, weaving its way into your thoughts long after the credits roll. Samuel L. Jackson takes center stage in this deeply personal and profoundly human series, bringing to life a man teetering on the edge of oblivion. But don’t let the slow pace fool you—beneath its unhurried surface lies a story teeming with meaning, heartbreak, and hope.
A Performance That Stays With You
Let’s start with Samuel L. Jackson because, honestly, how could we not? The man has played everything from Marvel superheroes to Tarantino antiheroes, but here, as Ptolemy Grey, Jackson taps into something entirely different. Fragility. Vulnerability. A kind of quiet rage against the inevitable.
Ptolemy is a man lost in the fog of dementia, his mind slipping away in fits and starts. Jackson’s performance captures the fear and frustration of this experience with stunning authenticity. There are moments where you see him struggle to remember who he is or where he is, and the pain is so palpable it’s hard to watch. Yet, Jackson also brings a surprising warmth and humor to the role. He makes you root for Ptolemy, flaws and all, because you see his humanity shining through even in his most broken moments.
The Unexpected Power of Dominique Fishback
But this isn’t just Jackson’s show. Dominique Fishback, as Robyn, might just steal it. Robyn is everything Ptolemy needs—a caretaker, a friend, a lifeline. And Fishback plays her with such quiet power that you can’t help but be drawn in.
Robyn isn’t perfect; she’s got her own baggage and her own struggles. But that’s what makes her so compelling. She’s real. And the way she steps into Ptolemy’s life, not out of obligation but out of genuine care, is a reminder of what it means to love your neighbor as yourself. In a world that often feels so transactional, Robyn’s selflessness is a breath of fresh air.
Themes That Linger
Memory and Identity
At its heart, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is a meditation on memory and identity. What happens to us when we lose our memories? Are we still the same person? These are questions the show grapples with in ways that feel both deeply philosophical and intensely personal.
As Ptolemy begins an experimental treatment that temporarily restores his memory, we see glimpses of the man he used to be. It’s both a blessing and a curse. The clarity allows him to confront past mistakes and seek justice, but it also forces him to relive painful memories. It’s a poignant reminder that our memories, for better or worse, are what make us who we are.
Redemption and Justice
The show doesn’t shy away from heavy topics, and one of the most compelling is its exploration of justice. Ptolemy’s mission to uncover a hidden treasure and set things right feels almost biblical in its scope. It’s a quest for redemption, not just for himself but for the people he’s wronged and the legacy he wants to leave behind.
There’s a beautiful parallel here to the Christian idea of redemption—that no matter how far we’ve fallen or how broken our lives may seem, there’s always a chance for grace. Ptolemy’s journey is messy and imperfect, but it’s also deeply inspiring.
A Show Rooted in Relationships
One of the things that makes Ptolemy Grey so compelling is its focus on relationships. The bond between Ptolemy and Robyn is the heart of the show, and it’s a dynamic that feels refreshingly genuine. There’s no sugarcoating here, no forced sentimentality. Their relationship is raw and real, marked by moments of tension as well as tenderness.
And it’s not just their relationship that stands out. The show is filled with small, beautifully observed moments between its characters—conversations that feel like they could have been pulled straight from real life. These interactions ground the story, making it feel less like a grand drama and more like a glimpse into the lives of real people.
Where It Falters
No show is perfect, and The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is no exception. Its deliberate pacing, while effective in some ways, can also be a double-edged sword. There are stretches where the story feels like it’s treading water, revisiting the same themes and plot points without much forward momentum.
The finale, too, is a bit of a mixed bag. While the emotional payoff is undeniable, the multiple epilogues feel somewhat unnecessary, diluting the impact of what could have been a more powerful ending.
But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. The show’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, and its flaws only serve to highlight how ambitious it is.
A Christian Lens
From a Christian perspective, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey offers much to reflect on. At its core, it’s a story about love—love that sacrifices, love that heals, and love that seeks justice.
Robyn’s care for Ptolemy is a beautiful example of what it means to serve others. She doesn’t do it for recognition or reward; she does it because she sees his worth, even when he can’t see it himself. It’s a reminder of how Christ calls us to love one another—not out of obligation, but out of a genuine desire to reflect His love.
The show’s emphasis on justice also resonates deeply with Christian values. Ptolemy’s determination to set things right, even at great personal cost, is a reflection of God’s heart for justice. It’s a reminder that our actions, no matter how small, can have a profound impact on the world around us.
Why It’s Worth Watching
The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey isn’t an easy watch, but it’s a rewarding one. It’s a show that challenges you to think, to feel, and to see the world through someone else’s eyes.
For all its flaws, it’s a series that stays with you, long after the final episode. It’s a story about the things that matter most—love, memory, justice, and the legacy we leave behind. And in a world that often feels so fragmented, it’s a reminder of the beauty and strength of human connection.
Rating: 8.5/10. A richly layered, emotionally powerful series anchored by unforgettable performances from Samuel L. Jackson and Dominique Fishback. It’s not perfect, but it’s deeply moving and well worth your time.
