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.

...I love this show,( earnest acting & earnest scriptwriting), but the scripts, a la 'Breaking Bad' require a certain amount of investment in time, as they are very intricately written. Despite that it is a suitable replacement for suspense addicts(a la breaking bad)& a good introductory primer on the inner workings of "KGB-like' SOviet intelligence agency apparatchik. ALso, unlike 'Madame Secretary', w/ tea Leoni,you could even imagine this family living in your neighborhood. I also like to watch shows w/ unknown actors, a la Anna Gunn('Skyler WHite'of BB),instead of the usualHollywood A- listers,.....all in all, villainy always makes for a good show, the more villains the better. THE final act? hopefully, a second season for a great show.....

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 agree with a previous comment about the "Mom".... really don't like her AT ALL. It has real potential! So very many shows I like are being zapped, and for what??!?! Reality TV?? Singing, dancing, survivor type crap I can't believe any of my fellow Americans actually WATCH that stuff. Meanwhile, anything interesting, exciting, or "God forbid" challenging gets zapped.

I really hope the below is true!! "I believe this show does it as well as most others but I love the twist with the parents being Russian spies. Yes I know it has been done, The Americans. Before everyone jumps on me I am not saying they are in the same caliber as The Americans, but I think there will be room for this one as well.

"Intelligence Agency TV shows are quickly replacing those gawd awful reality shows and really aren't we all glad for that." !! YES WE ARE!!

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!