Michael Fassbender plays Brandon “Martian” Colby, a CIA officer who is told to leave his undercover life behind and return to London Station. When the love he left behind shows up again, the romance starts back up, forcing him to choose between his career, his real identity and his mission. The series is a remake of the French show The Bureau, and it moves fast through its 20 episodes across two seasons on Paramount+ with Showtime.
Trailer, via SHOWTIME.
Brandon Colby and His Double Life
Fassbender carries the weight of the whole story. He plays two sides of the same man — the careful agent and the man who still feels love. The tension between those two versions of himself drives every episode.
The Love That Comes Back
The show spends a great deal of time on the romance between Colby and the woman he left behind. Their reunion throws his entire operation into question, since his cover depends on staying hidden.
The Supporting Cast
Jeffrey Wright plays Henry Ogletree, and Jodie Turner-Smith plays Dr Samia “Sami” Zahir. Katherine Waterston plays Naomi Ford, and Harriet Sansom Harris plays Dr Rachel Blake. John Magaro plays Owen Lublin, and Saura Lightfoot-Leon plays Daniela “Danny” Ruiz Morata. India Fowler plays Poppy Cunningham, and Andrew Brooke plays Grandpa. Christian Ochoa Lavernia plays Grandma, and Reza Brojerdi plays Reza Mortazevi. Ambreen Razia plays Blair.
The Story’s Weak Points
The middle stretch drags in places. Some scenes feel like filler meant to pad out the episode count. The stakes, which are high by design, don’t always land with the force the story wants.
Comparing the Two Seasons
| Season | Date |
|---|---|
| 1 | December 1, 2024 |
| 2 | June 21, 2026 |
What Works
The show knows how to build suspense. It keeps the audience guessing about who is working for whom, and that uncertainty pays off in the final stretch.
What Falls Short
The pacing isn’t even. Some episodes move at a slow pace, while others rush through big reveals.
“Hurling them both into a deadly game of international intrigue and espionage.”
That line sums up the show’s aim. It doesn’t always get there, but when it does, the payoff is worth it.
The Final Word
The Agency is a solid entry in the spy genre. Fassbender’s performance alone makes it worth watching, even when the writing stumbles.
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