The Agency

For anyone who loves games of cat and mouse involved in the spy world then The Agency is for you. It's not the best spy series that I've seen but it's definitely worth watching. Michael Fassbender is perfect for roles like this, as is Jeffery Wright. The two of them are incredibly underrated actors. Add in Richard Gere, Katherine Waterston and Saura Lightfoot-Leon and you have one of the most talented casts on tv. The show might start off slow for some but stay with it because it does pick up. It just takes its time as it builds its world and its characters but if you don't have the patience for slow burn, well told shows then this isn't for you. The Agency does a great job of showing the cost and the sacrifices it takes to be in this line of work. I hope we get several seasons of this.

A story that unveils the humanness of tradesmen and women in the most controversial business of all time. By the way the characters are built and portrayed any wild guess can be true. Great dim visuals for indoor scenes screams it's all business. Excellent work with camera and visuals. Great work with audio and background music. Intro music is very relatable and mood setting. Performances by the whole cast felt very natural, and it was well chosen group. This is not the regular spy drama we come across but rather a portrayal of the toll it takes for operatives to serve their countries while surviving.

In 'The Agency' three stories compete for your attention.

In one (and the primary story by far) a CIA operative is attempting to rescue another spy who is captured behind Russian Lines near the Ukraine border.

In another, that same operative is attempting to save the life of his lover; a Sudanese Economist.

In the third, we follow the efforts of a young woman, new to the CIA, attempting to move up the ladder and land a prestige spy-assignment in Iran.

What is interesting is that these three stories are not tied together, either in terms of plot or character overlapping. With one exception: the spy 'handler' / 'mother hen' played by a wionderful Katherine Waterston who is linked to each of the three plot-lines. Fiercely protective, fiercely effective, likely in love with our CIA Operative, she is the strong force behind the ten episodes.

For a TV Series, this series' overall production is excellent. Set for the most part in London, U. K. we see that city as both grand and dangerous; its boulevards and architecture perfect backgrounds for the malice and double-dealing behind its walls.

The series is a bit overly complex; particularly the attempt to save the American spy; there are too many Russian Generals involved, too many Russian names that look and sound too much alike to be easy distinguished. This, added to by the story's slow movement / advancement may leave the viewer frustrated. The young woman advancing up the CIA ladder is a story tight, easy to follow, and suspenseful; more interesting is that we're never really certain of her motives. Saving the Sudanese woman is the love interest every good story needs, and in this case, gets.

Michael Fassbender is believable as the worn out CIA Operative. Jeffrey Wright has just the right amount of righteous indignation as Fassbender's immediate superior. Richard Gere as Wright's boss; kind of wasted in a role anyone might have played. I will never forget Jodie Turner Smith as the regal and vulnerable Sudanese woman. Nor Saura Lightfoot-Leon. As the ladder-climbing young agent; terrific.

Here's a series with difficulties, pARticularly in its earlier episodes. And I would never fault anyone for giving up on it. But for those who stick around, I've got the feeling you'll find it worthwhile.

The Agency is a must watch for anyone a fan of spy thrillers. First of all, the cast is absolutely amazing. It stars Michael Fassbender, Jeffery Wright, Richard Gere and Katherine Waterston. That cast right there is reason enough to five this a try and on top of that it's a really good show too. I won't be surprised to see this show and most of the cast nominated for some awards come award season. The series is about a covert CIA agent (Fassbender) who is ordered to leave his undercover life and return to the field with his ex lover (Waterston) who he's still in love with. His love for her starts to interfere with his real life and the mission. If you're a fan of spy thrillers or a good mystery series then give this a try. You won't be disappointed.

Don't believe the reviews that claim this is masterpiece nor those that claim this is bad. This is thoroughly engaging drama that meanders into the psychological stresses of being an agent more often than not. If you are looking for shoot 'em ups, you're on the wrong train. There is action mind you but that is second to storyline which is as it should be. This is more along the lines of Tinker Taylor rather than James Bond. If that is your cup of tea you will enjoy it.

As others have said the cast is quite good with nary a weak link. There are some traditional tropes throughout relating to the spy game and its role in international intrigue but you can't have it all.