Why Michael Fassbender’s “The Agency” Could Be an Emmy Nominee
Paramount+’s “The Agency” is more than just another espionage thriller.
It’s a sharp, immersive drama that refuses to play by the rules of passive television. In an era when many shows are designed for background viewing, “The Agency” demands undivided attention. That creative boldness — coupled with elite-level performances and top-tier writing — makes it a worthy contender for Emmy recognition.
Starring two-time Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave” and “Steve Jobs”) and Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction” and “Angels in America”), the series follows Brandon Colby (codename: Martian), a CIA operative so deeply embedded in his own undercover identity that even his personal life becomes part of the deception. When his lover, Samia (Jodie Turner-Smith), becomes a political prisoner in Sudan, Martian is pushed past the point of treachery in his quest to save her. The only escape? A deeper descent into the very world he’s trying to escape.
Created and written by Tony Award winner Jez Butterworth and John-Henry Butterworth — best known for penning the Oscar-nominated film “Ford v Ferrari” and the sci-fi thriller “Edge of Tomorrow” — the series is a clever adaptation of the acclaimed French drama “Le Bureau des Légendes.”
The pilot episode, “The Bend,” submitted for consideration in the outstanding writing for a drama series category, showcases the Butterworth brothers’ signature storytelling — tense and nuanced. Similar to FX’s “The Americans,” which took several seasons to gain traction with the TV Academy, “The Agency” may be a slow-burn contender, but the foundation is already strong.
The reviews haven’t been universally glowing, with the show maintaining a respectable 68% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, and more importantly, at its core, it’s an intricate, character-driven drama that rewards attentive viewers. It’s not the type of narrative that plays well in the background. It’s television that demands focus and delivers gripping payoffs in return.
Fassbender delivers a performance that simmers with internal conflict, every movement calculated yet emotionally charged. Turner-Smith holds her own with quiet power, continuing a run of scene-stealing performances following her roles in Disney’s “The Acolyte” and Apple TV+’s “Bad Monkey.”
As always, Wright brings his trademark gravitas to the screen, commanding with his baritone voice and magnetic presence. He is joined by veteran actor Richard Gere, whose continued willingness to take on challenging new roles is both welcome and impressive.
You can see the DNA of other taut, gripping series, such as Netflix’s “Bodyguard,” a high-stakes thriller that earned two Emmy nominations for drama series and writing in its single season. “The Americans” took longer to build momentum but eventually became a critical favorite, earning 18 Emmy nominations over its run, including nods for outstanding drama series in its fourth and sixth seasons. The series concluded with Matthew Rhys winning for lead drama actor.
With Season 2 currently filming in London, “The Agency” is clearly a long-term play for Paramount+. But its Emmy-worthy elements are already in place. It may not be the flashiest entry in the race, but it’s one of the most compelling missions voters should be willing to accept.
