The doors to the Central Intelligence Agency are now open. Never before have television cameras taped inside the C.I.A., giving us, the viewers, a chance to understand a little more about the secret shrouded place simply known as “The Agency.”
- Paul Wong
- Bellows, Roth and Patton.<br><br>Courtesy of CBS
The original pilot will not air tonight because of sensitive material involving a terrorist plot in London and direct references to Osama bin Laden. This episode was taped and written well before the events of two weeks ago but it is eerie to watch and not believe that the episode was inspired by the attacks. Whether or not the episode will ever be shown is still up in the air, but for now it”s been shelved. Instead, CBS plans to premiere a comparable episode in its place and continue forward with the series.
Gil Bellows (“Ally McBeal”) stars as over-worked agent Matt Calhoun. He continues to work even though his brother was killed in the line of duty. The details of the accident are unknown to us at this time but it is safe to assume they will present themselves as the season moves forward. Matt”s brother also left a grieving girlfriend (Andrea Roth, “Diagnosis Murder”) in the agency.
“The Agency” also welcomes a new member to their team in the form of a graphic artist (Paige Turco, “Party of Five”). Her skills include producing exact replicas of passport stamps and doctoring photographs used to solicit help from foreign diplomats. Will Patton (“Remember the Titans”) plays the agent who always looks for the gray within black and white parameters. He assists in intelligence and stays in contact with Matt to keep him informed. These characters, like the others, all work independently to showcase the range of activities that take place within the building. Other notable stars include Gloria Reuben (“E.R.”) and Rocky Carroll (“Chicago Hope”).
This show moves as a mini action film. That”s not surprising considering director Wolfgang Peterson”s credits include “Air Force One” and “In the Line of Fire.” The twists and turns involved in the drama make it compelling television to watch. The characters use simple dialogue to get their point across just as real people would. “The Agency” also has its share of explosions and daring escapes. From booby traps to bombs to gun fights, “The Agency” strives to demonstrate both the behind-the-scenes aspects of the C.I.A and the more public measures taken to keep the public safe.
“The Agency” stands as one of the finest new dramas of the new season. Now all of us can watch the most secretive agency in the world restore order. This may be our only chance because of the Agency”s idea of “everyday we”re not in the news is a day we won.”