Hero of a thousand faces. Man of a thousand lives.
Original title
The Pretender
Released
9/19/1996
Origin country
US
Genre
Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Production companies
20th Century Fox Television, NBC Studios, MTM Enterprises
Status
Ended
Number of seasons
4
Number of episodes
86
Raised in a secret facility built for experimenting on children, Jarod is a genius who can master any profession and become anyone he has to be. When he realizes as an adult that he's actually a prisoner and his captors are not as benevolent as he's been told, he breaks out. While trying to find his real identity, Jarod helps those he encounters and tries to avoid the woman sent to retrieve him.
Jarod and Miss Parker learn more about their pasts, as Jarod attempts to stop another Pretender from seeking revenge against the powers that be at The Centre.
Through a series of bizarre circumstances, Jarod and Miss Parker find themselves trapped together on a strange island in a life and death situation, out of which come some of the most important revelations about their pasts.
New York, New York - Miss Parker and Sydney find they had just missed Jarod helping a tanker ship in Alaska. Jarod is now posing as a doctor to uncover the truth behind an operation that resulted in a boy becoming paraplegic. Jarod also befriends a sicilian woman who has trouble with (ahem) bowel movements.
San Diego - California. Miss Parker and Sydney once again miss Jarod at the Y.M.C.A., who is now posing as a member of the Coast Guard trying to figure out the truth behind the death of a man who died at sea waiting for rescue. Jarod also befriends a hermit who lives out at sea and refuses to come back to land.
Arizona - Sydney and Miss Parker survey a wind farm in Baja, CA where Jarod was last seen testing aerodynamics. Jarod is now flying jets for Skyvionics, which is testing a defense contractor's new computer system, while trying to figure out why a test pilot died during one of the tests. Jarod also befriends Mr. Hollis, a conspirator who was involved in the Manhattan Project.
Las Vegas, Nevada - After spending some time studying mathematics and science, Jarod becomes head of security at a the Marquee Casino in Las Vegas. While there, he attempts to solve the mystery behind the death of a showgirl. Jarod also befriends a down-on-his-luck Elvis impersonator. Meanwhile, Sydney and Miss Parker resort to finding Jarod through the mob.
Los Angeles, California - Aiming to help a man wrongly sentenced for murder, Jarod becomes a lawyer and goes after the arrogant attorney protecting the real killer. Meanwhile, Sydney is trying to reach an agreement with The Centre to make a trade with Jarod: A piece of Jarod's past for some of the simulations.
Miami Beach, Florida - Jarod, suspecting corruption in a police department, becomes an officer himself to solve the death of a boy who had recently been reunited with his father. He also befriends an aging lady who's young at heart, but is afraid of losing her wildside due to her fading eyesight. Meanwhile, Miss Parker is spending time in jail for violating criminal code 369.7 - Unlawful Carrying and Possession of Concealed Weapon, thanks to a tip from Jarod. With her in jail, Jarod uses that window of opportunity to hire a private investigator to aid in finding information about his mother.
Chicago, Illinois - Miss Parker finds that she just missed Jarod posing as a High School biology teacher, and is then subjected to the flu virus. Jarod now poses as a virologist at an infectious disease laboratory trying to figure out the story behind the disappearance of another virologist. He also befriends Ben, a musician who is trying to prefect his musical talent on various instruments, although his neighbors don't care for it.
Baltimore, Mariland - Jarod investigates the mystery behind a hit-and-run death of a homeless man known as 'Christmas George' while simultaneously trying to identify a Jane Doe before Christmas. Meanwhile, Sydney anxiously awaits word from Jarod and Miss Parker gets her hopes up spending Christmas with her father.
Hudspeth County, Texas - Jarod pretends to be a skydiving instructor looking into the death of a survivalist who died on his annual trip into the desert. Jarod is also visited by Ernie Two Feathers, a man who may (or may not) be a spirit guide. Meanwhile, Miss Parker is given a birthday present from Jarod that leads her to information about her mother.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - Jarod works as a firefighter while investigating the murder of another smoke-eater; Miss Parker tries to seduce a married man.
Detroit, Michigan - Jarod poses as a member of the bomb squad, searching for a serial bomber who left a woman blind from one of his attacks. Meanwhile, the Centre puts Mr. Reines in charge of finding the person who's leaking information to Jarod. By utilizing Angelo, he puts Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots to the test.
MARYLAND OAKFIELD PENITENTIARY - Jarod pretends to be a prison guard who is trying to prove a man on death row didn't commit the crime he's sentenced to death for. Meanwhile, Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots all get a clue that makes them believe they're now one step ahead of Jarod.
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA - Jarod joins the Navy to investigate the drowning of a ship's engineer, but he must outwit a security officer who doubts his credentials. Meanwhile, the latest lead on Jarod pushes Miss Parker to follow clues regarding the children her mother saved.
TOLUCA NATIONAL FOREST, OREGON - Jarod falls in love with his hiking partner while on a seach-and-rescue for a boy who disappeared in the mountains. Jarod also befriends a man named Big Bob who has many stooge-ish qualitites. Back at The Centre, Miss Parker reminisces about how she loved Jarod when they were children.
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - Jarod becomes a TV news cameraman to investigate a gang shoot-out that badly injured another cameraman. Jarod also befriends a man who lost his job and his family. Meanwhile, Sydney and Miss Parker get trapped in a condemned building.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - Jarod checks into a fellow paramedic whom he believes is responsible for a graduate student's coma. But he first has to outsmart a pushy, investigative tax official who won't stop digging up everything on Jarod. After their follow-up to a lead on Jarod, Sydney disappears from the Centre. He holes himself up with his twin brother Jacob using a technique Jarod discovered in an attempt to bring him out of his coma. Miss Parker is put in charge of finding Syd and when she does, to make matters worst, Mr. Raines commands her to do eliminate Jacob.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - During a hurricane, Jarod is getting revenge for the deaths of a refugee's parents. He figures no one will pursue him since, after all, he's in the middle of a hurricane. But he's caught off guard when Miss Parker suddenly shows up. Even further caught off guard when his revenge backfires. Meanwhile, Miss Parker recalls the Thanksgiving before her mother's death. But she's blocked out certain details and Jarod makes her confront them.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - Jarod takes the role of a U.S. marshal trying to find and protect a vital witness with information about drug bosses connected to crooked marshals. Meanwhile, Miss Parker puts Broots in charge of digging up any information on the children her mother rescued. And Sydney seeks counseling for his rage against Mr. Raines.
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - After completing a pretend, Jarod receives an email offering answers to his past. While investigating the lead, Jarod unexpectedly stubbles upon a dying hitman. When the hitman's last job comes calling, Jarod takes it. Meanwhile, Sydney and Miss Parker, following a lead from Jarod, attend a Twins Convention. And Broots covers for them from Mr. Raines.
WYOMING(?) - After a close call with getting caught by Miss Parker, Jarod stumbles upon a baby who was thrown into a dumpster. Jarod takes the child and nurses it until he can find his parents while avoiding sinister authorities. At the same time, Miss Parker, Sydney and Broots all follow clues that Jarod has dug up in reference to the meaning of SL-27.
FORT REXFORD, NEW YORK - Jarod becomes aware that Kyle, another pretender from The Centre, is on the run from the law. Eager to find him, he becomes an F.B.I. agent to aid the investigation. But he discovers that Kyle may have something to do with his mother. Meanwhile, Miss Parker and Sydney recruit Angelo to go through all of Jarod's red notebooks. They figure he can become Jarod and thus aiding in his capture.
UPSTATE NEW YORK - Jarod discovers more about his family through Harriet, and decides that he must return to The Centre to free his brother Kyle. Meanwhile, Miss Parker convinces Broots and Sydney in helping her find the answers to her mother's death and believes Kyle may be the key. Finally, Jarod gets the opportunity to reunite with his family, including his sister. But The Centre becomes aware of the rendezvous and intends to stop it.
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - Jarod morns the death of his brother. He then takes on the identity of a anatomy professor trying to find a boy who has been missing since Halloween of the previous year. Meanwhile, Miss Parker is startled to find that her father has disappeared and has been replaced by a Mr. Lyle. With him comes Brigitte, a myseterious girl who is more thorough in finding Jarod then Miss Parker. And Sydney, at Jarod's request, researches why there's no DSA for the last three weeks of October prior to his escape.
MIDDLETOWN, DELAWARE - Jarod intercepts the role of a real safecracker to help a man who's being forced to participate in one more heist. Jarod also starts to feel the need of a father figure and turns to Sydney. Meanwhile, Brigitte tries to take control over Miss Parker's role in the capture of Jarod.
SPOKANE, WASHINGTON - Jarod becomes a member of the emergency search and rescue team, trying to figure out the true cause of another member's supposed suicide-attempt. Jarod also tries to reunite him with his estranged mother. Meanwhile, at The Centre, a criminal behaviorist is brought in to interrogate and find the person who shot Mr. Raines' oxygen tank. Finally, Jarod utilizes a sensory deprivation tank to simulate closeness to his mother.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - Jarod takes on the role of a fashion photographer in order to stop a stalker who has already claimed the life of one of his victims. Meanwhile, Miss Parker follows Jarod's clues that lead her to Rock Cove, Maine and uncovers more information about her mother.
BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - Jarod becomes a plastic surgeon to find out who deliberately ruined the face of a bright young student. Meanwhile, at The Centre, Broots is paranoid that someone is following him where ever he goes. Brigitte offers help, but at a price.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - While watching the news, Jarod finds that one of his old simulations he preformed has just been utilized in kidnapping a witness in a murder trial against the Yakuza clan. Outraged, Jarod sets out to reverse the outcome of the situation he's created. Meanwhile, Miss Parker suspects the sale of the simulation came from Mr. Lyle, and begins to apply pressure in hopes of finding any other connections to Jarod.
LOST HILLS, VIRGINIA - Jarod becomes a Special Forces soldier to help the daughter of a Vietnam veteran get her father's name added to the War Memorial. Back at The Centre, Miss Parker reluctantly babysits Debbie while Broots is in Florida on an assignment.
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - After witnessing a man attempting suicide before his eyes, Jarod becomes a chemical waste expert to discover the facts to absolve the man's guilt. Meanwhile, Sydney seeks long-awaited vengence for the death of his family when a man shows up at The Centre.
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - Jarod becomes a special effects coordinator to find out why a stuntman was seriously injured during the filming of a beer commercial. Back at the Centre, following clues left by Jarod, Miss Parker begins her search for a Dr. Fenigor and a boy named 'Timmy'.
FONTANA, CALIFORNIA - Jarod takes to the wheel of an Indy race car to figure out what happened to a driver involved in a crippling accident. After a bizarre dream, Sydney runs to his ailing brother's side and holes both himself and Jacob up in a cabin with a consoling Miss Parker.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - Jarod takes on the role of paid escort to get close to a housing developer who has plans to displace a low-income neighborhood for a high-rise. Jarod also is hired by another woman, in a seperation period, who thinks her husband doesn't love her anymore. Meanwhile, Miss Parker, Sydney and Broots are following Jarod's latest trail, which leads them to a book (The Saddest Little Valentine) that Jarod has published.
TURNERS RIDGE, IDAHO - Jarod helps a troubled teenager by becoming an outdoor counselor. But back at The Centre, Miss Parker is grieving the anniversary of her mother's death. The day just gets worst when she's tipped off by Jarod that there's going to be an assassination attempt on her father. With only 2 hours to stop it and trapped in the Sub-levels, Miss Parker has to get to the tower before her father arrives by helicopter.
STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK - Jarod poses as a counterfeiter and undercover FBI agent trying crack a crime syndicate. Jarod also tries to clear the name of another agent who was framed after his cover was blown. Meanwhile, Mr. Lyle has resurfaced and The Centre is on edge. Miss Parker is temporarily taken off Jarod's case and called upon to use her old sweeper skills to dispose of Mr. Lyle.
LOCATION UNKNOWN - During the intervention of his current pretend, Jarod is caught off guard and beaten, resulting in the loss of his memory. Jarod is then rescued by Argyle, a smooth-talking con-artist. But his savior soon starts to wonder how this situation could benefit him. Meanwhile, back at The Centre; Miss Parker, Sydney, & Broots are put before a T-Board. There, they are interrogated to see just how dedicated they are in their search for Jarod.
CINCINNATI, OHIO - Jarod becomes a member of SWAT to find out the truth behind why another member died in the line of duty. Meanwhile, Sydney has Broots do some searching for him after finding a clue Jarod left. But Miss Parker interprets his secrecy as an aid in protecting Jarod and intervenes.
EL PASO, TEXAS - Jarod becomes a child psychologist to help a little boy, who witnessed the murder of a DEA agent, break out of his wall of silence. Back at the Centre, Mr. Raines is under tower review, thanks to Miss Parker. Things get worst for him when an old patient / project comes back to haunt him.
SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA - While waiting for his plane, Jarod meets a young man who is bumped to a later flight. Jarod offers an exchange of tickets to the boy, who thanks him for helping. But Jarod is horrified when he hears later that day that the plane has crashed. Guilt ridden, Jarod sets out to find the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, Miss Parker is put in charge of find out everything on Mr. Lyle. And with aid from Jarod; Sydney, Broots, and Miss Parker are going to get all the information they need.
SUNNYVALE, CALIFORNIA - After taking down a corrupt doctor, Jarod unexpectedly gets involved in a kidnapping when the father of the kidnapped ends up in the hospital. Back at The Centre, Miss Parker sides with Mr. Raines on the fact that Sydney is becoming too attached to Jarod. To the point, even, that it's complicating the search for him.
DRY RIVER, ARIZONA - Responding to an email he believes was sent to him by Sydney, Jarod finds himself in the hands of someone he once thought dead. Jarod also meets a boy who is in need of a heart transplant. Meanwhile, Miss Parker closes in on Jarod. But she's in for a surprise when she meets his captor.
DOVER, DELAWARE - Jarod tricks Miss Parker to meet him at a bank, where they come face to face with the mysterious Mr. Fenigor. But this arrangement gets complicated when there's a robbery the same day. When The Centre gets news that Jarod is trapped in this hostage situation, they close in and make sure he'll not slip through their fingers this time.
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - Jarod recieves a letter from an anonymous source and believes The Centre is going to kidnap another boy-genius. Sydney creates a serum that allows Angelo to become a normal person again, provided he takes all the doses at the right time.
BLUE COVE, DELAWARE - Jarod, along with Angelo (Timmy), try to find a way to rescue the kidnapped child. Miss Parker confronts her father about her discovery that she has a twin. Sydney plots to finally have his revenge against Mr. Raines, but his plan backfires...
PLEASENT WOOD INSTITUTE, MARYLAND - Jarod becomes a mental patient to uncover the truth behind the mysterious murder of another patient. Miss Parker researches the identity of her twin.
Jarod experiences the world of the bounty hunter as he seeks an American Indian activist who has a price on his head. In the meanwhile, Miss Parker learns more about her mother's death.
To save a teen-age victim, Jarod learns the skills of criminal behaviorists and comes face-to-face with the Blue Moon Killer.
Jarod poses as an arsonist to expose a corrupt attorney, but faces unexpected accusations when the attorney is found dead.
Jarod teams up with Broots to find the culprit in a shootout at the Centre's Data Annex, a former operative named Damon.
Jarod portrays a paroled convict to aid a widow; Sydney learns startling news while consoling an old lover whose husband is dying.
Jarod steals millions from the Centre, then poses as an arms dealer selling missile launchers to a weapons merchant in Venezuela.
Jarod takes on the role of a tracking expert to help find four teachers, including Sydney's son, Nicholas, who are taken hostage in the Appalachian hills.
Jarod takes over a criminal psychology class and teaches a lesson in committing a flawless murder before tracking down three suspected killers.
A blind man and his assistant piece together Jarod's personality so they can kidnap him.
Jarod helps a former CIA computer analyst who must assassinate a U.S. senator to free her children from a kidnapper; Miss Parker meets her new neighbor.
Jarod once again encounters Argyle, who is in need of help. Caught in the middle of a turf war, they work together to pay off Argyle's debt to some loan sharks.
Jarod challenges a pool hustler to get evidence linking the man to the murder of a young woman's father; Miss Parker tries to prevent Brigitte's marriage.
Jarod and Miss Parker recall a childhood incident where they and Angelo met a dying girl at the Centre.
Jarod races against time to locate the father of an injured boy with a rare blood disorder.
Jarod fills in for a radio talk show host who disappeared after a violent confrontation with a threatening caller; Thomas asks Miss Parker to relocate.
Jarod goes under cover to investigate a law firm that has a suspicious history of silencing witnesses; Miss Parker declares she is leaving the Centre.
Thomas is brutally murdered in Miss Parker's home by an unknown assailant; Jarod finds clues leading to a drug addict who later dies of an overdose.
The kidnapping of a young chess prodigy brings Jarod a little too close to his own demons -- and to the attention of an FBI criminal profiler. Meanwhile, Miss Parker gets unsettling news from Brigitte, and about Brigitte. The crossover continues on Profiler S03E19 Grand Master (II).
Jarod heads for Alaska to find his father, only to find himself trapped with a research team whose numbers are dropping rapidly -- and bloodily.
Jarod's reunion with his father is marred by news of the Centre's latest project -- a teenaged clone of Jarod himself. However, assassins from the Centre are hot on their trail.
Conclusion from part 1. Jarod and his father plan a rescue the clone created by the Centre's, while Miss Parker must face new truths from inside the Centre and more about her mother's murder.
Once again a prisoner of the Centre, Jarod discovers a plot to murder a team of nuclear researchers, giving him even more motivation to escape. Meanwhile, Sydney and Broots try to find Miss Parker and Miss Parker tries to find her father -- and figure out who to trust.
Jarod joins the Army CID to investigate the suicide of a soldier in POW survival training. Meanwhile, he gives Mr. Lyle and Miss Parker a taste of that training by trapping them together in a shipping container.
Jarod infiltrates a Goth con game to locate a missing girl. Meanwhile, a faceless wax head sent by Jarod leaves Miss Parker and company trying to fill in the pieces.
Jarod pretends to be a sex therapist to investigate a brutal assault on a doctor. Meanwhile, Broots tries to summon up the courage to reveal his feelings to Miss Parker.
Jarod finds himself on a road trip to help a mysterious young woman, whom he falls for. Meanwhile, he tells Miss Parker, Sydney and Broots to 'follow the yellow brick road'.
Jarod Pretends to be an extreme sports enthusiast in order to learn what happened to a comatose young man. Meanwhile, Miss Parker, Sydney, and Broots follow Jarod's "game show" clues, and find themselves investigating Mr. Lyle.
Jarod Pretends to be a psychologist to help a young girl found living alone in the wilderness. Meanwhile. Miss Parker finds out a Centre contract has been taken out on her father's life, leading her to look more closely at Mr. Cox.
Jarod tries to stop a hostage situation in a hospital. Miss Parker is confused by an encounter with her father.
On the anniversary of Thomas' death, Jarod challenges a haunted Miss Parker to resume her hunt for his killer. But the search leads back to her father and Brigitte, who is close to giving birth.
Jarod tries to track down the killer of a man who helped him escape from The Centre. Meanwhile, Miss Parker tries to help Sydney deal with his past. The crossover continues on Profiler S04E10 Clean Sweep (II).
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - After being contacted by Argyle, Jarod becomes a Las Vegas private investigator to save a showgirl in trouble with with the mob. Meanwhile, Broots and Miss Parker try to outwit Jarod by posing as a newlywed couple and checking into the honeymoon suite. But come sunrise, they find they've gotten more involved with each other then they ever have chasing Jarod...
Jarod becomes a bodyguard to reunite an undercover ATF agent and her daughter. Meanwhile. Miss Parker sets out to prove Raines' religious 'conversion' is nothing of the kind.
Jarod infiltrates a white supremacist group to stop the bombing of a Unity event. Meanwhile, Angelo fights his way through Jarod's past to find the old enemy currently threatening Jarod's life.
Jarod tries to help a Cambodian woman avenge the death of her family at the hands of a war criminal -- who is also an ally of Mr. Lyle. Meanwhile, Miss Parker tracks that connection from the Centre.
Jarod goes undercover as a junkie in a rehab clinic to help a woman regain custody of her son. Meanwhile, Miss Parker and company find Jarod's connection to the woman through her father and the Centre.
Jarod poses as an elementary school teacher to protect a young witness in a murder trial. Meanwhile, Miss Parker encounters a ghost from the past.
Jarod infiltrates a gang of burglars to discover which of them killed a little girl. Meanwhile, an email that isn't there leads Miss Parker to someone who might have answers about her mother's death.
Jarod follows the trail of a kidnapping, documented by a camcorder he finds in a pawn shop. Meanwhile, Miss Parker continues her search for Edna Raines, with Jarod's help.
Jarod finally locates his sister Emily, just in time to see her nearly assassinated by The Centre. Meanwhile, Miss Parker's search of the secrets behind her mother's death lead her and Jarod to the same place -- and a mysterious young man named Ethan.
Jarod finally locates his sister Emily, just in time to see her nearly assassinated by The Centre. Meanwhile, Miss Parker's search of the secrets behind her mother's death lead her and Jarod to the same place -- and a mysterious young man named Ethan.
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