The Sympathizer continues its exploration of the Vietnam War and its aftermath in the latest episode, “Good Little Asian,” airing on HBO on April 21. The series, based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Viet Thanh Nguyen, offers a unique perspective on the conflict through the eyes of a North Vietnamese spy, the Captain (Hoa Xuande).
In this episode, the Captain and his fellow Vietnamese refugees attempt to settle into life in Los Angeles. However, their efforts are complicated by the presence of a suspicious General, who believes a mole has infiltrated their ranks. The Captain finds himself in a difficult position as he navigates his divided loyalties, a recurring theme in the series.
While the Captain works to identify the potential traitor, he reconnects with his former professor, Avery Wright Hammer (Robert Downey Jr.), who embodies the ugly American archetype. The Captain also meets Hammer’s assistant, the beguiling Ms. Sofia Mori (Sandra Oh).
The series has received mixed reviews so far, with some critics praising its ambitious narrative and strong performances, particularly by Xuande and Khan, while others find it underwhelming and tonally inconsistent. Despite this, The Sympathizer offers a fresh perspective on the Vietnam War and shines a light on the experiences of Vietnamese refugees.
The Sympathizer airs on HBO at 9.00 pm on Sunday, April 21, 2024.
