The Night Agent

I can't remember the last time a show surprised me by how much I liked it like The Night Agent did. I didn't know much about it but saw it was the #1 show on Netflix for a while and thought the trailer looked pretty good too. Then after reading the mostly positive reviews from both critics and audiences alike I was sold. It not only met my expectations but surpassed them in every way. It may get slow in some parts but for the most part it's very entertaining. It has a cast of mostly unknowns but Gabriel Basso is definitely the break out star here. His performance in this will definitely lead to more starring roles. I'm so glad this has already been renewed for another season.

This is a fast moving and fun action series that keeps you engaged. To enjoy it, you cannot be too analytical or expect any logic to how the events unfold. Suffice it to say that events happen only to suit the narrative and keep the action moving along at a rapid pace. Some events lack context, while others seem to be included solely to pad the script and stretch out the time to get it to the required number of episodes. The fight sequences seem to be very "Kung Fu" styled, complete with sound effects. From how the first season ends, it's clear that they are hoping to have continuing adventures for a second season. The lead character seems to be a hybrid version of Jack Reacher, 007 and Superman rolled into one!

Season 2: This is pure and unmitigated rubbish. It can only garner a 4/10 rating as it makes no sense at all. None of the events bear any relationship to the real world of espionage, but instead is more like a parody or comedic version of that world. Who gives a civilian so much say in a CIA operation? The type of decisions made as the plot unfolds indicate that the writers have no clue how government agencies like the CIA or the FBI operate. The fact that there is to be a season 3, change the writers if the show is to be successful!

Season 1 was enjoyable enough. Season 2, however, descends into stupidity, particularly after episode 7. It's plagued by poor, often immoral decisions, inconsistent character development, illogical plans, and a distinct lack of realism and plausibility. The characters' actions often feel amateurish, even childish at times. The acting is uneven, with some particularly weak performances (notably Rose, Chelsea, and Dr. Wilfred). Furthermore, the dialogue frequently comes across as pretentious, often eliciting laughter or annoyance rather than the intended effect.

While the season does offer some well-executed action sequences and a few surprising plot twists, and a few times evokes the feel of Homeland, as the season progressed my only desire was for it to end.

Season 1: 8/10 Season 2: 4/10.

Absolutely loved the first series, the characters all made sense, their actions were believable and everything just slotted in to place nicely, whilst constantly keeping the viewer guessing.

I was so excited for the second series but almost stopped watching it part way through due to my utter frustration revolving around Rose's character.

The level of madness surrounding both her perceived entitlement to top secret / classified information and Operations is staggering, almost as infuriating as the level to which people in certain positions pander to her.

Either sign her up, or pack her bags.

But the character's level of whine has pretty much put me in the position of now completely losing interest in a third season (unless they decide to remove the character....)

I have to say that I came away impressed with The Night Agent. I actually liked the first season so much that I couldn't stop watching and binged the entire season over the course of a weekend. Then the second season came out and I was hoping for more of the same. While I thought the second season was worth watching it wasn't nearly as good the first. The series is about a rookie FBI agent (Gabriel Basso) who gets assigned to the basement of the White House to guard a phone that never rings. Until one night it does. What follows is an action packed conspiracy thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout the series. I know this series has been killing it on Netflix as both seasons did very well and among their most watched shows ever. I saw they plan on doing a third season and I can't wait to see where this show goes.