Common Sense Media Review
By Polly Conway, based on child development research. How do we rate?
age 14+
Language, sex in stylish but snoozy spy thriller.
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Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Agency is a spy thriller series starring Michael Fassbender (Alien: Covenant) and Richard Gere. It follows a CIA operative returning from a long undercover mission. While the show is a slow-burn espionage tale and isn't exceedingly violent, there are tense car chases and explosions. Language includes frequent use of words like "s--t," "f--k," and "p---y." Characters kiss and have sex, with bare backs shown but no full nudity. A sober character is made to drink as part of a major plot point, and others pour themselves whiskey to relax.
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Language
a lot
Frequent use of "s--t," "f--k," "p---y."
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Sex, Romance & Nudity
some
Characters kiss and have sex; bare backs but no full nudity.
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Violence & Scariness
a little
Tense car chases, explosions.
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Drinking, Drugs & Smoking
a little
A sober character is made to drink. Another pours himself a glass of whiskey in the evening.
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Positive Role Models
a little
Martian tells his daughter his job is mostly to make friends with people, not kill them.
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Diverse Representations
a little
Higher-ups in the CIA are mostly White men, but Black actor Jeffrey Wright plays an important role in the organization. British actor Jodie Turner-Smith has Jamaican heritage and plays an African professor of anthropology.
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Positive Messages
very little
The CIA and its reports attempt to work for the greater good; however, their methods are not without complications.
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Agency
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What's the Story?
CIA agent Martian (Michael Fassbender) has just been pulled out of a six-year undercover mission in Addis Ababa. He wasn't happy to leave his girlfriend, acclaimed professor Sami Zahir (Jodie Smith-Turner), behind. At the same time, a fellow operative disappears in Belarus after last being seen drunk, which is unusual because he's a long-sober alcoholic. The big shots at the CIA's London headquarters, who include Henry (Richard Wright) and Bosko (Richard Gere), are worried. Martian finds himself challenged by the spy life's constraints, and sneaks away to see Zahir, who also happens to be in London. Will this indiscretion lead to further subterfuge? How is Russia involved? And how much does THE AGENCY know?
Is It Any Good?
This solid but somewhat lifeless spy thriller plays by the rules, even when its characters don't. The Agency isn't bad, but with such a powerhouse cast, it's surprisingly standard-issue. Its most electric scenes are between Fassbender and the radiant Smith-Turner; otherwise, it feels a lot like something we've seen before.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the life of an undercover spy. What are some of the sacrifices they have to make? How does Martian deal with it?
How do spies serve their countries? Do you think this is a fair way to maintain national security? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : November 29, 2024
- Cast : Michael Fassbender, Richard Gere
- Network : Showtime
- Genre : Action
- TV rating : TV-MA
- Last updated : November 26, 2024
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
The Agency
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