Allegiance

Initially I was very excited about this series because I love the spy genre. This series however is a loser. Writing is very bad. It often doesn't make logical sense or is sometimes just absurd. Some compare this to The Americans because it is also about Russian spies in the US. Allegiance is not in the same class as The Americans. Some of the actors, like Gavin Stenhouse are not ready for prime time, but even the better actors here are made to look bad by the bad writing. The central character Alex played by Gavin Stenhouse is a socially awkward naïve genius CIA analyst who doesn't come off at all as believable and is painful to watch. In a recent episode a romantic relation began with Alex and an attractive colleague. There is zero chemistry between the two. One minute Alex is so naïve and awkward that everyone would bet he's a virgin. The next minute he's James Bond going down on the girl. The whole production is amateurish.

Our family very much enjoyed this show and in my opinion the subtle differences from other shows. We hope that somehow another channel buys it and airs another season- thought the characters were interesting and plot was exciting- we felt the show could have grown. Too many reality and shows the same- at least this network show was a little different than the rest. Junk TV sells I guess but we enjoyed this show..We are not sure of how all the details of ratings go from live watches, to recorded or DVR but it's unfortunate to start something and then leave it hanging. It seems there are so many spots that might be available to run episodes to at least finish the show by either a second season or a small two to three part mini ending would be a neat idea. I feel leaving audiences with cancelled and unfinished shows turns them away. Our family wasn't able with the schedules to watch live, but very much enjoyed the week or two of watching a show each night-

Watchable if you have time to waste. Acting for the most is exaggerated and overplayed apart from a couple of actors. Too many stupid mistakes. Bad direction and a script that over uses surveillance instead of brain to progress the story.

I love Allegiance's original and astute writing. I can tell it is going to be one hell of a thrilling ride, with A list New York actor at the helm that will give it just the right authentic feel it needs. The pilot episode was fast paced, dramatic, suspenseful and artfully executed. Allegiance is high quality network TV. Also, I love Cohen and Davis, they are like Bogie and Becall together. And Stenhouse has such a wonderful Sherlock Holmes-like qualities when he is assessing data. I believe Nolfi has a big hit on his hands. Love, Love, Love this show! I don't see any similarities to The Americans other than the fact they are both about Russians.

Finally, a smart show that's well-acted without using violence, sex or gore to thrill the senses. There're too many TV shows that rely heavily on violence, sex and gore already. And don't even try to compare this to the Americans. Completely different shows with different plots. Only similarity between these shows is the Russian spy theme. I enjoy the Americans for what it is. And I also enjoy Allegiance tremendously for what it is: fun, entertaining, pure enjoyment--an escape to another family's troubles without me biting my nails off each episode. The naysayers will pour acid on this show. But just let go of your inner critic and simply enjoy a show for its pure fun and entertainment. It's rather up-lifting and refreshing, for a change these days, without a heavy theme or excess use of violence and sex. Love this show!