“The Agency” promises intrigue, espionage and CIA secrets, bolstered by a heavyweight cast and high-gloss production values reflective of its premium cable berth on Paramount+ With Showtime.
Unfortunately, beneath the polished exterior lies a reheated platter of worn-out tropes that already felt tired 10 years ago. Harried technicians stare anxiously at garbled video calls on their computers while agents rush between their offices, exchanging clipped, clichéd dialogue in hushed whispers. It’s a storytelling shorthand we’ve seen far too many times for it to feel new or compelling.
Indeed, recent history has seen a veritable bumper crop of TV spy fare pop up.