I just discovered this show and have watched about 7 episodes so far. Yes, it's a bit formulaic, but it's also a lot of fun. Each show is a new adventure for Jarod as he tries to uncover his past while righting the wrongs done to others in various guises--a doctor, a lawyer, a cop, a test pilot. A super genius, Jarod has the ability to quickly absorb huge amounts of information and intuitive understanding of other people. He can pretend to be almost anyone, but every persona he adopts retains his basic personality--kind, generous, wanting to help others.His former mentor Sydney and the sinister Miss Parker are always two steps behind him, the one trying to gently persuade him to rejoin the secret program where he grew up and the other trying to forcibly subdue him. They have a large, evil secret agency behind them with the ability to trace phone calls, watch the internet and otherwise spy illegally on Jarod to track him down. Each time they think they have outsmarted him however, it turns out that he was the one who outsmarted them in some unexpected manner.The Pretender is not really that deep; it's more lighthearted and enjoyable in a kind of James Bond way. I'm looking forward to many more excellent episodes.

From the dippy "red book" Jared creates and leaves behind to they pez dispenser, to the endless fruity toys and candy references, this series is a joke. The assassin broad with the great legs is playing her part WAAY over the top and is completely unbelievable. She can't even smoke right. Jareds expressions, his complete lack of acting ability and his martian looks complete with Mo Howard haircut... who is that guy? I'm just glad he's not polluting the airwaves with his abominable acting on any other show. This show should've been canceled after 3 eps. What a dog. Good riddance.