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.
