Like many people, I followed with growing concern as we heard about all the delays in bringing CIA to the small screen.
Would this series work, or would it make us miss FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International more?
Well, the CIA Season 1 Episode 1 is here, and it makes it clear that this is a series to watch — and sure, there may be times you still miss the other FBI spinoffs, but not because of the quality of the series.
A Chemistry Made in Heaven
One of the reasons it took CIA so long to get off the ground was to find the right cast.
While Tom Ellis was booked, it took a long time to find his partner.
In fact, his partner went from female to male, as Nick Gehlfuss was eventually cast as Bill Goodman, the by-the-book FBI agent who would work with Ellis’ Colin Glass, a CIA agent.
At first, I was disappointed because I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to bring Vinessa Vidotto across from FBI: International to help bring closure to Cameron Vo’s story.
However, I can see why the character was gender-flipped, and I can definitely see why Gehlfuss was cast in the role.
The two men have excellent chemistry on-screen, and I think it works better with Colin’s charming demeanor and Bill’s straight-laced exterior, given that they’re both men.
It takes some of our tendency toward ‘shipping out of the equation.
I say some because with the chemistry the two have, I’m sure there will be people ‘shipping them, and I will totally get it.
However, if Bill’s character had remained female, there would be so much more of it, and I don’t necessarily watch for that because there’s so much drama attached to it.
As a show, CIA involves espionage and preventing crimes before they can even happen, and that’s what I’m tuning in for right now.
There’s also the mismatched partnership that I want to see more of, as Bill learns about the world of espionage and Colin tries to loosen him up.
In the pilot alone, we see how that can develop, as Colin offers Bill some advice. It’s not only keen but amusing, and that’s part of their charm.
It’s actually refreshing that Colin isn’t fighting against Bill working with the CIA. Instead, he knows he needs an FBI agent so the CIA can operate on U.S. soil, and he makes it clear he wants this new guy, who has come highly recommended.
There’s already a trust there for Colin, rather than the animosity we’re used to seeing with unexpected teamups like this.
It’s not like we haven’t seen how the relationship between the FBI and the CIA can work in this universe.
Just look at how things played out on FBI: International when CIA agents showed up.
So, seeing two teams who would usually be against each other just work together brings a sense of peace to the show.
It’s not the rehashed drama that makes me roll my eyes. I look forward to seeing how this relationship continues to develop.
A Team Willing to Work with Bill
It’s not just Colin, either. The entire Fusion Cell is willing to work with Bill.
They don’t gatekeep information, which helps make him part of the team.
Sure, there is a bit of distrust here and there, but more of it comes from Bill than from the CIA members, which makes sense.
Bill knows that the CIA is full of liars. He immediately runs into Colin and hears a lie.
However, Bill is able to put his initial feelings aside for the sake of the case, and he even admits he was wrong.
This continues to be a great way to show that there is hope in this team.
The problem is the end of the CIA Series Premiere, which introduces a much bigger story for the season.
There’s a mole within the Fusion Cell, and it’s up to Bill to figure out who that is.
We haven’t gotten to know any of the team members just yet, even to get an idea of who it could be, and part of me is already looking at the two women introduced.
Natalee Linz plays CIA Analyst Gina Rojas, who would be the perfect mole. She is always at that computer desk, so she will have immediate access to valuable information.
Then there’s Necar Zadegan, who plays Deputy Chief Nikki Reynard, whose position immediately makes her a suspect. The information she receives daily would make her a powerful mole for the other side.
The problem is that both women are way too obvious. For that matter, so is Colin. This suggests we’ll meet other potential ‘suspects’ in the next few episodes.
The idea of a mole in the CIA adds another layer of drama, and while it is somewhat cliché for an espionage show, CIA could take this in different directions.
It’s also not the main reason I’m tuning in, so I’m here to see how it develops.
With the way previous FBI shows have done similar storylines, I don’t think it’s going to be groundbreaking, but given the fact that I’m already eating my words about my worries about CIA, I’m willing to give it a shot to be surprised again.
Jeremy Sisto Is the Perfect Crossover Actor
While we know that there are other crossover moments coming between FBI and CIA, Jeremy Sisto’s Jubal Valentine was the perfect addition to the pilot.
He helped get FBI: International off the ground, and he’s been there for the Fugitive Task Force when needed — although Alana de la Garza did more of it on that show.
Jubal is there to ensure the FBI succeeds and to keep the people of New York safe. It doesn’t even matter which FBI agent he is working with; he is there to help them, and he does that with Bill.
It’s clear the two men have a history, which helps with some of the exposition on the Fusion Cell. It also helps with the ending, because Jubal shows just how much he trusts Bill.
He has faith that Bill will expose the mole, and he knows Bill can be trusted to see it through.
Sure, he shares a part of that as it is good for Bill’s career, but it’s more than that.
Jubal knows that it will push Bill outside of his comfort zone, which is good for him as a standalone agent and as a person.
“Directed Energy” shows just how much of a seasoned actor Sisto is, as well.
He comes in and makes you believe that Jubal has known Bill for years. There’s no question about it, and it’s a comforting foundation to launch the series.
I had worried, like many, that crossover events would take away from CIA’s ability to grow as its own entity, but there is enough in the pilot alone to show that it can find a balance.
Waiting until midseason to launch CIA Season 1 was a power move by CBS.
It allowed the creators time to find the story that they wanted to tell, and that shows in the premiere.
Now, I’m intrigued and looking forward to seeing how the chemistry between Ellis and Gehlfuss continues to grow.
For those who miss FBI: Most Wanted or FBI: International, I know there will be some bitterness toward this one, but I urge you to give it a chance. It has a feel of both shows while adding its own identity.
CIA airs on Mondays at 10/9c on CBS, and we’ll bring weekly reviews right here.
Now it’s your turn! What did you think of CIA? Was it worth the wait and the loss of two shows to get it off the ground? Drop into the comments below to share your thoughts!
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