AceShowbiz - Beloved actor Patrick Dempsey is set to make a dramatic return to network television, taking on a complex and darker role in Fox's upcoming drama, Memory of a Killer. Known for his iconic portrayal of Dr. Derek Shepherd on Grey's Anatomy, Dempsey steps into the shoes of a hitman grappling with a devastating personal secret. The highly anticipated series just unveiled its first official promo, airing during tonight's World Series kick-off, building excitement for its January premiere.

Inspired by the critically acclaimed 2003 Belgian film De Zaak Azlheimer (La Memorie Du Tueur), Memory of a Killer casts Dempsey as Angelo Ledda, a professional assassin leading a perilous double life. While maintaining his fearsome reputation as an NYC hitman, Angelo also lives a quiet existence upstate as a Cooperstown photocopier salesman and devoted father. However, his carefully constructed world begins to unravel as he confronts an even deadlier personal secret: the onset of early-stage Alzheimer's disease.

This cruel diagnosis presents immense complications for Angelo, whose very profession relies on precision and recall. The stakes are further heightened by the revelation that his older brother is already lost to the condition, painting a grim picture of Angelo's future. Despite being exceptionally resourceful and considered the best in his field, he is about to face his toughest test yet, where every passing minute could mean the difference between life and death.

The plot thickens when Angelo suspects his wife's recent death was no accident. The wall between his two lives shatters completely when his pregnant daughter, Maria, becomes a target. Driven by a desperate need to protect his family, Angelo must delve into his extensive past hits, searching for clues that might identify whoever is threatening his loved ones. This perilous quest is compounded by his deteriorating memory, making the hunt for his mortal enemy a race against time and his own mind.

The series boasts a formidable supporting cast alongside Dempsey. Michael Imperioli (The Sopranos) plays Dutch, Angelo's oldest friend whose restaurant serves as a criminal front. Richard Harmon (The 100) portrays fellow hitman Joe, while Odeya Rush (Pantheon) stars as Angelo's daughter Maria, and Daniel David Stewart (Reacher) as her husband Jeff. Rounding out the cast are Peter Gadiot (Yellowjackets) as local police detective Dave and Gina Torres (9-1-1: Lone Star) as Special Agent Linda Grant.

Memory of a Killer is poised to be a redemptive narrative, exploring a man who, while losing his memory, begins to gain a conscience. Angelo is determined to prevent history from repeating itself, striving to save his family and make amends before his past, and his very identity, irrevocably fade away. The series was developed by Ed Whitmore and Tracey Malone, who also serve as executive producers alongside Cathy Schulman, Arthur Sarkissian, Martin Campbell, and Peter Bouckaert.