‘CIA’ sticks to the usual procedural plot in latest expansion of ‘FBI’ universe

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I want to start by thanking CBS for providing just one episode of their new show, “CIA,” which is a spin-off of “FBI.” These days, with so much streaming content, reviewers often need to watch many hours of a show before writing a review – sometimes up to ten! While it’s ideal to see as much as possible, only having one hour to watch actually allows for more time to think and write.

This often leads to discussions about what could happen, especially with broadcast TV shows. Episodes are frequently completed very close to their airdate, and producers continue to make adjustments throughout the season, sometimes adding or removing characters. For example, the new show “CIA” apparently underwent significant changes during production, both in terms of cast and crew, hinting that the creative team wasn’t entirely sure of the show’s direction. The number of creators listed – five, similar to how many songwriters are credited on a popular song today – suggests a lack of a single, clear vision.

We can reasonably predict the show’s future because it’s part of an established franchise created by Dick Wolf, known for “Law & Order” and “Chicago.” It also shares similarities with the network’s “NCIS” series. History shows these kinds of shows often evolve and grow over time. From the initial previews, it’s clear this show offers familiar, conservative entertainment – it relies on proven formulas and portrays an America facing dangers that feel different from the complex, often unbelievable issues we encounter in real life. While the nation is depicted as being in peril, the threats are less about everyday realities and more suited to fictional storytelling.

Okay, let’s talk about this new series. It’s built on a classic setup: two completely different personalities thrown together and forced to collaborate. Think of it as a modern ‘Odd Couple,’ but with spies. We’ve got Colin Glass, played by Tom Ellis, a very laid-back CIA agent, and Bill Goodman, Nick Gehlfuss as an incredibly by-the-book FBI guy. They’re stuck in this totally unique, two-person CIA-FBI task force – which conveniently means the writers have free rein to do whatever they want with the plot! Honestly, you can tell everything you need to know about these two from their appearances – Colin’s leather jacket versus Bill’s suit, his scruffy beard against Bill’s clean-shaven look – and how those choices reflect their very different approaches to solving crimes. It’s a familiar dynamic – these mismatched pairs always find a way to work together, almost instinctively. And thankfully, ‘CIA’ delivers on that promise, getting these two mostly on the same page by the end of the first episode.

Colin has a cool, classic James Bond style, making him the more appealing partner unless you prefer someone with an all-American, Boy Scout personality. He’s not ordering shaken martinis, but in one scene, he meets a stunning Russian agent in a steam room to exchange secrets. Their conversation is a clever back-and-forth of questions, each implying they’re equally skilled at gathering intelligence. Bill, however, a more traditional thinker, is wary of Colin’s unconventional approach.

Nekar Zadegan, known for her role in “NCIS: New Orleans,” plays Nikki Reynard, a deputy chief at the New York station, and Natalee Linez joins the cast as Gina Gosian, a tech-savvy analyst. Jeremy Sisto reprises his role from “FBI” as Bill’s supervisor, who has a secret mission for him that will likely be a major plot point throughout the season. It’s highly likely the team will gain another regular cast member, and they’ll probably provide some comic relief.

I won’t spoil the story, but it features a super-fast weapon, stolen programs, motorcycle chases, and the classic race against time. It’s more like the over-the-top action of “Moonraker” than the realistic feel of “Slow Horses.” The way the heroes ultimately defeat the villains is a bit illogical, relying on spy-movie tropes rather than real-world tactics. But it’s a TV show, and “CIA” understands what audiences expect from their spy stories.

As to the question of potential, of course it has some.

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2026-02-23 14:32