Follows a world of even deeper intrigue and subterfuge, with characters fighting their own battles as they grapple with existential threats to the nation and the world.Follows a world of even deeper intrigue and subterfuge, with characters fighting their own battles as they grapple with existential threats to the nation and the world.Follows a world of even deeper intrigue and subterfuge, with characters fighting their own battles as they grapple with existential threats to the nation and the world.
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- 1 nomination total
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Summary
Reviewers say 'The Agency' garners mixed reactions. Many commend the strong cast, especially Michael Fassbender, and the intriguing spy plot. However, critics argue it falls short as a remake of the French series 'Le Bureau des Légendes,' lacking depth and authenticity. Some cite writing and pacing issues, while others appreciate complex characters and political intrigue. Production values and cinematography receive praise, but the overall reception is divided, with many recommending the original series.
Featured reviews
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.
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.
One of the best shows I've seen in years. It started out a bit slow, but after a few episodes I was so hooked that I binged all 10 episodes in one day.
It's rare that you finish a show and you're actually sad that it ended. I could have easily watched more of this. Hope there's another season coming in the future.
It's not perfect, there are a few small things that annoyed me, but overall a very good experience watching this. The only thing that really bothered me was the Dr. Blake character. She seemed out of place and I thought her acting was not up to par with the rest of the cast. It also made no sense for her to be always in the room when talking about highly secretive operational stuff.
Anyway, Michael Fassbender was amazing as usual and I've always liked Richard Gere, so this is easily a 9/10 for me.
It's rare that you finish a show and you're actually sad that it ended. I could have easily watched more of this. Hope there's another season coming in the future.
It's not perfect, there are a few small things that annoyed me, but overall a very good experience watching this. The only thing that really bothered me was the Dr. Blake character. She seemed out of place and I thought her acting was not up to par with the rest of the cast. It also made no sense for her to be always in the room when talking about highly secretive operational stuff.
Anyway, Michael Fassbender was amazing as usual and I've always liked Richard Gere, so this is easily a 9/10 for me.
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.
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.
10 episodes of slow, intellectual bliss about the never-failing CIA and its crew of spooks. Has the odd blip of speed, but mainly a plodding, stubborn show of incredible entertainment.
An absolute stellar cast mixed with wonderful writing create a show well worth watching. Fassenger carries the weight as the star whose fallen inove and teying to balance his private life with the job. Along with Wright, Gere, Waterston, Margaro and Turner-Smith, who all provide great characters, the story is full of informative moments and surprising turns.
Who knows who the good guys are is an interesting question throughout the series, never letting up right up to the final second. Totally clandestine and beautifully mysterious for those who love the spy genre.
An absolute stellar cast mixed with wonderful writing create a show well worth watching. Fassenger carries the weight as the star whose fallen inove and teying to balance his private life with the job. Along with Wright, Gere, Waterston, Margaro and Turner-Smith, who all provide great characters, the story is full of informative moments and surprising turns.
Who knows who the good guys are is an interesting question throughout the series, never letting up right up to the final second. Totally clandestine and beautifully mysterious for those who love the spy genre.
"The Agency" Stars Through the Years
"The Agency" Stars Through the Years
From X-Men: First Class and "The Acolyte" to The Cotton Club, check out the TV and movie roles of "The Agency" stars Michael Fassbender, Jodie Turner-Smith, Richard Gere, and more.
Did you know
- TriviaThe Agency is an American adaption of the French series The Bureau (2015) or the Le Bureau des Légendes.
- GoofsDuring dialog from Martian in a discussion with Dr. Blake, the acronym "OBE" is incorrectly explained as "Overtaken By Events". In US Government agencies, including those in the Intelligence Community and Department Of Defense, the correct/official explanation of the acronym "OBE" is "Overcome By Events".
- Crazy creditsThe opening credits presents the characters and scenes from the series interspersed with mirror panes. The former Director of Counterintelligence at the CIA, James Jesus Angleton, also known as the "poet-spy", described the Intelligence game as the "Wilderness of Mirrors", which was a phrase borrowed from a poem by T.S. Eliot called Gerontion (The title is Greek for "little old man," and the poem is an interior monologue relating the opinions and impressions of an elderly man, which describes Europe after World War I through the eyes of a man who has lived most of his life in the 19th century). In the world of Intelligence, in the the search for truth, it is hard to tell the difference between reality and a reflection thereof, an illusion if you will, as if one were in a "Hall of Mirrors".
Details
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- 1h(60 min)
- Color
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