COVERT AFFAIRS Fools the World

Article first published as COVERT AFFAIRS Fools the World on TheTVKing.

USA's Covert Affairs recently ended its fourth season. This year has been one of big change and high stakes, climaxing in a very important showdown. The finale, "Trompe Le Monde," which roughly translates as "fool the world," is a satisfying conclusion to that story, ending a major chapter for the series.

Annie (Piper Perabo) underwent much growth in seasons one through three, and she needed all of that development in order to be prepared for her ultimate mission in year four. Trapped in China, Annie is captured by Henry Wilcox (Gregory Itzin), who sells her to the Chinese in exchange for his own escape. But it isn't long before Annie breaks loose and heads after Henry, solo, with little support.

This is a huge test for Annie. In a foreign country with no easy exit route, she's cut off from not only her loved ones, but the help the CIA can usually provide. She does this for an extended period of time, letting the world think she is dead. Not many people have the emotional strength or the intellectual cunning to stay isolated and carry through a complex, long-running feat as Annie does.

The final scene between Annie and Henry is intense! Both the actors involved give amazing performances. They really do seem like great enemies, even as Henry doesn't really hate Annie, at least not fully. There's a real spark between them, not at all romantic in nature, but still a compelling chemistry. Very well done.

The China trip has taken its toll. Even as Annie shoots Henry dead, there is no look of relief or satisfaction on her face. She takes no pleasure in killing, even someone who deserves it as much as Henry. Instead, she appears exhausted, ready to rest. She's certainly earned a break, and after Auggie (Christopher Gorham), who never abandoned her, secures her passage, she sets off for home.

Which begs the question, what is next for Annie? By the end of "Trompe Le Monde," as every viewer knew would be the case, Annie makes it away from Asia, her goal accomplished. After such a trying journey, she can't possibly be expected to jump right back in at work, nor will she collapse into Auggie's arms, even if he did prove his love and worth. She needs time to recuperate.

Even after the healing takes effect, which will likely occur between seasons, one wonders what Annie might have to face. It's hard to imagine a more exciting, nail-biting arc than this one, and having gone so big, Covert Affairs has no choice but to reign it in a little. Perhaps there might be some lighter, fun installments to give everyone a chance to take a breath before launching into another epic tale?

Annie isn't the only one whose story is depressing in "Trompe Le Monde." One CIA leader, Braithwaite (Craig Eldridge), hangs himself in his office when he realizes he made a big mistake. While Covert Affairs does not shy away from action and death, it's still startling to see something happen in the government offices that is so tragic and depressing. Whether you cared about the character or not, and most won't, as even though he appeared in twelve episodes, he wasn't a big player, the sight of the dangling legs is still an effective picture.

In the short-term, there is much to be worked out at the CIA, besides removing bodies. Presumably Henry's misdeeds will now be brought to light, which should reset a few things, clearing the name of good people who didn't deserve to be punished. Arthur (Peter Gallagher) may have the opportunity to go back to work. Joan (Kari Matchett) has a baby to tend to, but also possibly an office to re-occupy. That is, if Calder (Hill Harper) steps back, which he seems willing to do, but politics could conspire against him.

It's likely Covert Affairs will work these machinations into the story, while still keeping the focus on Annie. This would be nice, as sometimes the supporting characters don't get enough story; Joan and Peter were barely in "Trompe Le Monde." If Annie can be involved in this game of musical chairs, it might be a fresh direction to go in, at least for a few episodes.

Covert Affairs will return to USA in 2014.

COVERT AFFAIRS Under Cover

Article first published as COVERT AFFAIRS Review Season 4 Premiere on Seat42F.

Grade: 86%

USA’s COVERT AFFAIRS is back t0night with “Vamos.” Annie (Piper Perabo) and Auggie (Christopher Gorham), now a couple, try to figure out what Henry Wilcox (Gregory Itzen) knows about Arthur (Peter Gallagher) that will bring him down. It’s a race against time, as Henry promises action will be taken by the end of the week. And it’s a challenge to see if Annie and Auggie can be romantic and still work together.

COVERT AFFAIRS is the latest drama in television to defy the old fear, often referred to as ‘The Moonlight Curse,’ and stick their leading guy and gal in a relationship before series’ end. As this is only the start of season four, COVERT AFFAIRS could potentially have a lot of life in it, going by the standard run of a USA show, and so it’s risking a lot to get rid of that “will they, won’t they?” tension and commit to them being together.

Yet, now that it’s become the popular trend to do it, and by and large this trend is proving the fate of the curse is the exception, rather than the rule, it could be risky not to have them together. Fans are growing frustrated of television writers who stretch out the chemistry for years, never letting it boil too hot, lest the characters might actually face their own emotion.

This is the era of character-driven stories, and in order for a show to fulfill its potential, the people on screen must grow and develop and change. Love is a powerful, driving emotion, one of the most important, and so it cannot be ignored, especially by a central protagonist. Thus, it is not only time, but necessary, to see if Annie and Auggie can work as a pair.

The primary problem between them, already evident in “Vamos,” is that Annie doesn’t listen to anyone or consider their opinions. She is head strong and rebellious. This is fine (sort of) when she is disobeying Joan (Kari Matchett) and the CIA because it’s not personal, and as long as she gets the job done well, they forgive her. But when feelings are involved, as they are with Auggie, it may present a problem.

Auggie likes Annie for her confidence and determination, but he hasn’t had that betray him so directly until now. He has faced it as part of his job, but not as a boyfriend. Being left alone in a foreign city or having her reluctantly agree with him, only for her to do the opposite that second he isn’t looking, isn’t the makings for a long-term bond. These are things they will have to work to overcome.

That being said, it’s great to see them out in the field together. Auggie doesn’t get out of the office enough, and in their current arrangement, it’s more believable that he will accompany her, especially when it’s not a stated mission. He is valuable support , and if she can learn to rely on him a little more, they will be a dynamic duo.

Annie is now working for Henry Wilcox, and that will be a problem, both for her, and for her friends. Henry has never been shown to be anything but up to no good. He is essentially threatening Arthur in “Vamos.” Who knows what he’ll ask Annie to do to help him take down his enemies? This is the makings for a difficult road for Annie, one where she will be torn in her actions between doing the right thing and fulfilling her obligations and protecting herself and others.

Of course, Annie put herself in this situation. She may have done it for the right reasons, but this is a decision she has made. Unfortunately, that makes everything a little contrived and a little predictable, which is what keeps COVERT AFFAIRS a bit inferior to, say, SUITS, which has more complicated characters. But it’ll still be fun to watch Annie run around and kick butt, the main draw of the show.

I’m not sure I completely buy Annie’s helping Arthur so vehemently. Is she doing it just out of loyalty to Joan or because of the guilt she feels for not always doing right by Joan? If so, this isn’t something we really see in this episode, which is a shame. Maybe Annie just wants to uphold justice, and that’s fine, but again, motivation isn’t really explored, and I feel like that’s a wasted opportunity.

There are a couple of other things that happen in “Vamos,” including a big “surprise” development for two main characters, and a step backwards for the good guys. I feel like this premiere is in keeping with the established quality of the show, and fans should be pleased, even if one can justifiably wish it kicked it up just another notch, such as not making who is bad and who is good so obvious, playing more in the shades of grey.

COVERT AFFAIRS airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on USA.

Covert Affairs features a "Lady Stardust"

USA's Covert Affairs just keeps getting better and better. So much happens in the recent season finale, "Lady Stardust," that it will be difficult to cover it all in one, standard-length review. Instead, I am going to focus on a few key points, and feel free to add to the discussion by posting a comment below.

I love, love, love Eyal (Oded Fehr), and it has been such a pleasure to see him week after week this fall. Now that Annie (Piper Perabo) has repaid the debt of a saved life, disobeying her agency to rescue the friend that saved her when no one else could or would, it may be time for him to fade away again, until returning at some future date, as he is clearly a character that won't permanently go away until he's dead or the show ends. Then again, it may not be time for him to leave. Having quit his own government's agency, why not make Eyal a series regular, whether working for the CIA, or as a freelance consultant that Annie frequently goes to for help?

Annie has had a huge, dramatic arc this fall. She has faced every demon possible to throw at her, and been in far more than her share of tough spots. At times, she seemed completely alone, and one gets the impression that that has become her standard mode. With Danielle (Anne Dudek) gone, the transfers earlier in the season, and, later, Annie's tension with Joan (Kari Matchett), much effort was made to isolate the hero and see how she fared by herself.

The good news is, Annie came through with flying colors. Not only does she continue to save the day, complete her missions, and rescue her friends, she has a renewed confidence in her own judgment and abilities. She makes mistakes, but these are the exceptions, rather than the rule. She is well past the days where she simply follows orders. She gets to make decisions on her own, such as when she tells Eyal and Auggie (Christopher Gorham) that the CIA wants her to kill the terrorist Khalid (Haaz Sleiman, Nurse Jackie) in "Lady Stardust." They protest, so she runs off without them, but then has a better idea than killing, and so implements that. She's clever, calculating, and can play the long game better than anyone else, so she deserves her autonomy.

But now that we've seen her alone, why not see how she behaves as part of a couple, with a man who is always around? One thing Covert Affairs has avoided is giving Annie true romance. In season one, she had an absentee guy who played her, and it is flirted with earlier this season when she beds an asset, but ultimately, that ends in tragedy after a short time together, hardening her soul. Now, Auggie is laying his heart on the line, someone Annie already cares deeply about. Fans surely want her to give him a try, and with Auggie, it has to be more than a mere test. She must commit completely, or else it will fail. This could be a whole new frontier for Annie, one that requires bravery of a sort she hasn't yet had to exhibit.

While some have pondered what an Eyal / Annie pairing might be like, I think Auggie is better for her, and not just because their names start with the same vowel. Auggie is loyal and capable of assisting, and his strengths complement Annie's, whereas Eyal shares most of the same skills as Annie. What's more, even when Auggie disagrees with her, he trusts her decisions, and doesn't hold them against her later, while we've seen Eyal grow very frustrated with Annie's independent spirit. I mean, Auggie gets annoyed with her, too, but he handles it better. Auggie is the one she needs to be with.

Unfortunately, these happy connections may not extend from Annie to Joan and Peter (Arthur Campbell). She maintains allegiance to them seemingly more out of duty than affection, especially recently. It might be argued that Annie's superior instincts have picked up on Joan's problems, and this is why she doesn't trust her boss like she once did, but that seems too simple an explanation. People grow apart. That has definitely happened here.

Which could be why, when Henry (Gregory Itzin) shows Annie a file, she agrees to work with him. Did Henry reveal something bad about Joan or Peter, killing Annie's good will towards them? Or is she playing Henry, enticed by whatever he has offered, at least in the sense that she must get involved to stop him? Good cliffhanger, and a promise to bring back a fantastic, slimy bad guy more next year.

There is little doubt that Henry is a villain. He may be Jai's father, but the two share little in common. Even when Henry does something that might appear a little noble, like declassifying Jai's star or taking out a threat long believed by most to be dead, he has ulterior, less than laudable, motives behind it. Whatever he has offered Annie, there are obviously layers to it, and she would do well not to trust him, which she probably won't.

Speaking of Jai, call me crazy, but I am still not convinced that he is dead. I will continue to look for him to pop up until Covert Affairs bows out for good. The way things went down just seemed slightly off. I could be wrong, but I hope I'm not. I miss him.

"Lady Stardust" is an awesome season finale for a series that started good, but has become great! Covert Affairs will return next summer to USA.

Want to read some of my fiction? It's on my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Also, for the latest updates and article links, as well as commentary on episodes I don't fully review, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published on TheTVKing

Rockin' some more Covert Affairs

USA's Covert Affairs returns this week with "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" after a mercifully brief hiatus. Merciful because of the heck of a cliffhanger, with Annie (Piper Perabo) trapped in Russia, having just murdered Lena (Sarah Clarke). As season two picks up, it takes very little time for Annie to be caught and tossed into an underground secret prison.

Annie's torture scenes are light, this being basic cable, sticking mainly to psychological discomfort. I think that USA does a pretty fair job of making the threat seem real, though, even while shying away from gratuitous violence. Perabo's handling of an Annie on the edge, slowly losing her sanity over a period of weeks, changing into a much more hardened person, is extremely well played, and nuanced. There is a point where one wonders if she will ever escape, even while knowing at the same she will.

And then Eyal (Oded Fehr), with some remote help from Auggie (Christopher Gorham), comes to the rescue! It's a smart move, illustrating the realities of the CIA not being able to actually get to Annie, but bringing back a beloved recurring character who has a reason to want to protect our protagonist. His jailbreak of her comes a little too easy, and the two taking a sweet moment in the street right outside the building doesn't seem all that smart, but overall, it works, making for very intelligent storytelling.

Annie is Annie, though, and she can never do things the easy way. She gives away her passport to help someone else, making Eyal's job of getting her home all that much harder. Many men might give up from frustration, and it's telling that Eyal doesn't, hinting at some stronger connection that could easily turn into a full blown romance in the near future. Instead, he sticks by her, and through a series of action packed scenes, they finally manage to escape.

Why does Annie throw away such a helpful item to save another? No one would have blamed her if she had just gotten on the train with Eyal, and maybe they would have been able to do so before the military swarmed the station. Yet, this is what makes Annie a Hero with a capital H, setting her above everyone else. No matter what the circumstances, she is the best.

It's interesting that Covert Affairs makes the actual twist that gets Eyal and Annie out of the country blackmail, rather than guns blazing. A lot of "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide" is running around, but in the end, it's brains, not brawn, that saves the day. This episode, more than any before it, proves just how smart and tough Annie is, taking her to the extremes in both arenas.

My only complaint with this part of the episode is, how come Annie's main captor (Goran Kostic, Grease Monkeys) shows up wherever she flees? He can only be so many places at once. Maybe he's just that good, but to guess correctly where Annie is going to go next over and over again? Come on! Why not have someone else catch her and hold her until he gets there. His omnipotence is completely unnecessary.

Back at Langley, the others are going crazy, not being able to reach Annie. While it is debatable whether a single operative would be worth so much hand wringing and planning sessions, there is no denying that Auggie, Joan (Kari Matchett), and even Arthur (Peter Gallagher) are taking her absence hard. They feel like they've lost a friend, and they all handle things differently. Arthur sticks to procedure, Auggie discretely, and without permission, goes through back channels to a foreign connection, and Joan pops pills.

It's a little sad to see Joan go down this path. Covert Affairs is a drama, and the characters are all going to go through challenges in their personal and professional lives. But she seems like such a strong female role model, and to see her reduced to something like this sucks. Of course, she'll kick the habit, showing her inner strength. Of anyone they could have given this plot to, however, it's too bad that it's Joan.

One thing that is said, and really sinks in, is that operatives cannot possibly understand what it means to be disavowed and on their own until it really happens. This is somewhat belied by Auggie's actions and Eyal's rescue attempt. But Arthur sticks to the rules and sits on his hands, not being able to come up with a "feasible" option, and if Annie's friends didn't have such fierce loyalty, they would have to let her go, too. Any normal operative, that's would have occurred. This is something way too close to happening in "Rock 'n' Roll Suicide," heightening the tension.

In summary, this mid-season premiere is a fantastic installment, with lots of danger, intrigue, and scary moments. It takes the characters to the brink of utter disaster, and almost makes one forget that, because it is a USA show, there's going to be a happy ending. Great acting, superb writing.

Covert Affairs airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! First posted on TheTVKing

"Let's Dance" with Covert Affairs

USA's Covert Affairs sort of reaches their mid-season finale this week, with three weeks off before returning to finish up the third year. The episode is called "Let's Dance," and takes place a significant amount of time after the previous installment, with Annie (Piper Perabo) somewhat healed from her gunshot wounds. Filled with rage at Nina Lena (Sarah Clarke) because Lena not only shot Annie, but killed Jack's Annie's love, Terri Simon (Richard Coyle), Annie takes off for Russia, where Lena is holed up.

I almost wish the previous week had been the mid-season finale. It would have been a neat ending, with Annie unconscious, dream-like sequences, and Auggie (Christopher Gorham) wrestling with his feelings by her bedside, while the CIA hunted an elusive Lena. Instead, "Let's Dance," which feels like a premiere, adds a coda with a different tone.

"Let's Dance" is a revenge story, pure and simple. Annie is filled with some dark emotions, and wants to make the woman who caused them pay dearly. This isn't a good idea, as is obvious to viewers. Auggie and Joan (Kari Matchett) tell her so. Heck, even the Russian named Dmitri, who she asks for help, tries to talk Annie out of her mission when he realizes how much hate she has flowing through her. Bottom line, if you can't turn off your emotions enough to keep a cool head, you will make a mistake that will likely cost you your life.

But Annie doesn't make a mistake. Our super hero spy not only finds Lena, despite Dmitri's betrayal (he falls in love with Lena... again), but shoots her dead. This is only slightly disappointing. After all, it feels good to watch Nina Lena be killed again. No one can argue that she didn't deserve it.

The lingering thought remains, though. What kind of episode would this be if it stayed more realistic, and Annie had screwed up? Not that Annie could be killed off; she's the main character. But there are other ways to show how everyone else is right in this situation, and Annie is wrong. Not only would that reveal a vulnerability that I'd really like to see in Annie, it could also keep Lena as a foe for, say, two more seasons (OK, I'm done with the 24 references)?

We also see that Annie can play the piano in "Let's Dance." This seems to stretch believability just a little too far. Annie has never been seen playing an instrument before, and she is supposed to be good enough to convince Dmitri to help her? Maybe she studied just for this trip, but come on! Even Annie can't learn that fast. It doesn't gel with what we know about the character.

That being said, despite a few things I would have liked to see changed, "Let's Dance" is a great episode. It's exciting, there are a couple of twists, plenty of action, some tender moments between Annie and Simon's old flame, and we get to see Annie being totally bad ass, which is never completely a bad thing.

At first, it seems odd that Auggie would choose now to try to tell Annie about his feelings for her, which he seems ready to do in this episode. However, upon reflection, this might be an OK time. True, both are still smarting over losing someone they loved, which might not leave them ready to start a new relationship. However, this is also the type of thing that can bond them, as they each understand how the other one is feeling. And fans are ready for Auggie and Annie as a couple to happen.

Joan has great moments, too. Even though Annie has requested a transfer from her department, and things have been strained between them lately, Joan sticks her neck out for Annie. She can't allow official CIA assistance to Annie's mission, of course, but she does offer some help and tries to convince Annie only to take a picture (which, admit it, is never going to happen), rather than risk her life. Joan is accused of favoritism for this, and the charge is probably accurate. That doesn't stop me from rooting for Joan anyway.

Covert Affairs will return in four weeks to USA.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Check out my website, JeromeWetzel.com! Firts posted on TheTVKing

"Hang On" for Covert Affairs!

Grade: 92%

USA’s COVERT AFFAIRS begins season three with a boom… literally. In “Hang On to Yourself,” Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) comes to Annie (Piper Perabo) with a secret, but before he can tell her what it is, Jai is blown up in his car. Annie and the others are shaken to their cores, but life and work goes on, and the mystery of who killed Jai will not be one easily or quickly uncovered.

Should Jai have been killed off? Obviously he is one of the most expendable members of the cast, and his departure paves the way to move other characters around into new positions. There has been a struggle for most of the series thus far to keep him relevant and involved in the plots. Plus, spy work is dangerous, and Jai does have a tendency to pursue things he shouldn’t. Yet, his death comes so unexpectedly, and leaves such a void for the other characters, that it seems very tragic.

Unless he’s really alive, and this whole plot is cheapened in a couple of weeks. After all, Jai remains in the theme song, which unfolds just after his offing. We also don’t actually see him in the exploding car, and a man in a suit follows Jai out of the restaurant, so it wouldn’t be too hard for Jai to be kidnapped, and his death faked. Hopefully, as much as he may be missed, this is not the case.

The biggest development of Jai’s passing could be Auggie’s (Christopher Gorham) promotion into Jai’s job. It’s a logical step for Auggie, and one that he will surely excel at. Given what Jai did last year, Auggie could be forgiven for holding onto a little animosity, even after Jai’s murder, making the job just a little sweeter. But primarily, this removes Auggie from the other main characters, and allows him larger plots with more focus, a welcome development.

How will Auggie’s moving on affect his co-workers? Obviously, this movies him away from Annie, which is a shame, given their remarkable chemistry and fantastic working relationship. COVERT AFFAIRS has promised more Annie / Auggie stuff in season three, so while “Hang On to Yourself” does separate them into different departments, their story isn’t over. Plus, without working so closely, perhaps they could finally be a couple. That would delight many a shipper fan.

Joan (Kari Matchett) has it even worse, losing both Auggie and Annie. Joan still has a whole department of other employees, to be sure, but these are her stars, the ones she utilizes quite often. Most of all, she is furious at Arthur (Peter Gallagher) for making these decisions without her, thus reigniting their marital woes. Sure, Arthur has the authority to move around Joan’s people without her permission, but a loving husband would at least consult her first, no matter how the chain of command may stand. Will this destroy the union they have rebuilt?

Annie, as mentioned, is no longer in Joan’s department. Her new boss is Lena Smith (Sarah Clarke, Twilight, Men of a Certain Age), who gives Annie a heck of a lot more freedom than Joan did. Annie is now encouraged to sleep with people in the field for intel, and not to check in every few minutes, or even hours.

This may make Annie a little more effective, but it also makes the job more dangerous. Without Auggie, Joan, or anyone else keeping tabs on her, how will anyone know if something happens to Annie? How will she get the things that she needs in the field? It doesn’t seem a very wise way to structure her missions.

To make matters worse, while Lena may seem nice enough, she has got to be evil. Her name rhymes with Nina, the villainous character Sarah Clarke played on 24. Lena’s department looks like CTU on 24, and the phones even ring with the same tones that they did on 24. Perhaps Lena is good, and someone is deliberately mucking with TV fans’ heads. But the parallels are uncanny, which seems to foreshadow a dark reveal for her character.

Luckily, Annie does have her mother sister, Danielle (Anne Dudek), looking out for her. It’s Danielle’s insistence that Annie take an umbrella with her in “Hang On to Yourself,” which Annie almost forgets in a booth, that keeps her out of harm’s way when Jai’s car explodes. Danielle also makes sure that Annie has a roof over her head and food in her belly. It’s extremely unlikely that Danielle is a sleeper agent, so her caring touches are for all of the right reasons. If Annie goes missing, Danielle will not sit quietly by. She will do something about it.

What a great opening for the new season, COVERT AFFAIRS! Watch more installments Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

An Interview with Suits' Gene Klein

Gene Klein (I Just Want My Pants Back) is a producer for two USA shows: Suits and Covert Affairs. The series could not be more different, which has to make working on both at once, despite the fact that the sets are right across the hallway from each other, a challenge.

Yet Klein seems completely relaxed as he spends time with us during a recent visit to the set of Suits. Not only does he provide his own discussion time, but also supervises some of the actors who come in, perhaps to make sure that they don't spill too much more than they are supposed to. He is easy going, having quickly rescheduled his time at multiple instances, all with good humor.

A little background about the two shows Gene works on: Suits is a story about a group of lawyers (one of whom does not actually have a law degree), as they face the morality and challenges of the job. Far from a case-of-the-week procedural, it's instead a character study and exploration of right and wrong, with long, ongoing arcs.

Covert Affairs is a CIA adventure, with a team of operatives spending time in the field and in the office, and even glimpsing into their personal lives. It is a little more structured, usually devoting a large chunk of each episode on a stand alone mission, which could take place anywhere in the world, and be heavy in special effects. But it also has character-driven plots that carry over from one installment to the next.

Naturally, since we are on the set of Suits, and that show is what brings us to Toronto, Suits is the focus of the conversation today.

The first thing out of Gene's mouth when he finally sits down is that he has been looking for a tux to wear into the room, a reference to the earlier visit by Gabriel Macht. It sets a wonderful tone, and certainly goes over well with this crowd. Gene takes his job seriously, and seems genuinely happy to be here discussing it.

The talk quickly jumps into the upcoming plot of Suits's second season. After all, we've only been getting brief teases from the stars, and Gene is the one to go to for the real scoop. Everyone wants to know who this Hardman is that will be coming into the picture, shaking up the dynamics of the law office. Gene will only say that Mike and Harvey will be at the center of Hardman's story, and that it will mean some serious changes for the characters.

Gene is more anxious to talk about the webisodes, which are entitled Suits Recruits. He reveals that they are mostly made up of scenes left on the cutting room floor. They aren't bad, but were cut because everyone is very aware of the comedy and drama balance of the show; they would have thrown off the overall flow of the episode or messed up the tone had they been left in. But they are good enough to see the light of day, and this seems like a good way to accomplish that.

Last year's cliffhanger is Mike's big secret (that he's not a lawyer) possibly being exposed to the boss. As huge as it is to have Jessica find out that Harvey and Mike have been lying to her, Gene points out that, at the end of the day, the impact is only that one more person has been brought in on the deception. That's not as huge as some may play it up to be. Gene is really looking forward to the day that Rachel, whom Mike will be helping prep for the LSAT this year, finds out.

Asked about what is in store for Mike and Harvey in the upcoming episodes, especially in reference to possible flashbacks, Gene easily explains the essential difference between the two characters. In Mike, viewers want to see what happens. Regarding Harvey, we want to see what made him the way that he is. Taking that into account, Harvey's back story is much more likely to be explored than Mike's. Though Gene does confirm a flashback episode is currently being written, which will include story for both.

Klein considers both Harvey and Donna parental figures for Mike. They like and care about the younger man for different reasons. But the fact is, they both care. As such, while their reactions may be different, they will both work to help him out.

He also talks about how Donna and Rachel do not have a past with each other. The beginnings of their relationship are unfolding right on screen in the now, which makes it exciting, to be in on the ground floor.

This is an indication of a larger trend. Everybody has a different favorite character on Suits, and the show doesn’t need to bank it all on one or two guys. While Harvey and Mike are the focus of season one, there is some serious talent in the other four main performers, and many people would like to find out more about the other members of the ensemble. This wish will soon be coming true.

Gene is quick to admit that music is essential to Suits. The creative team will be participating in Spotify this year, so it will be easy to get more information on what pieces are used in the episodes. Music is very important to the tone and story, and that includes the theme song. One of the writers in the writers' room even hums the theme song after they finish pitching the teaser each week!

Costumes are no less important, as clothes really do make the man (or woman). What of the titular article of clothing? Klein says that Harvey wears Tom Ford, while Mike wears different suits, true to his character.

The last tasty tidbit Gene has to offer is a big one! Episode 11 will air a mere three weeks after episode 10, as the schedule is currently planned. This means that, while there will be a cliffhanger in the mid-season finale, there will be a very short wait on the part of the viewers for resolution.

Thanks to Mr. Gene Klein for taking so much time out of his busy day for us! It was a great experience!

Suits returns this Thursday, June 14th at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Suits set visit articles! Article first published as An Interview with Suits' Gene Klein on Blogcritics.

An Interview with Covert Affairs' Christopher Gorham

While on a recent visit to the set of USA's Suits, we got a surprise visit from Christopher Gorham! The series he stars in for the same network, Covert Affairs, houses its stages in the same building as Suits, and taking a break from filming some webisodes, Christopher is generous enough to stop by and speak with us.

For those who don't know, Covert Affairs follows several CIA agents on various missions. Gorham's character's name is Auggie, a veteran who is blind from a war injury. Learning braille and being set up with his own, customized computer station, Auggie is a master at monitoring events and helping out the central character, Annie (Piper Perabo), with just about whatever she needs it.

Today, Chris's visit feels a bit odd. After all, he's in his CIA wardrobe, complete with name badge, and he's sitting in the Pearson Hardman conference room. Admittedly, plenty of people with suits occupy the same space on a regular basis, but perhaps because Auggie is such a familiar character, it's a little surreal. Which is probably why the Suits guys won't let Gorham cameo in the background of their show, no matter how much he begs. That, and his dress clothes, paid for on a government salary budget, aren't quite up to the standard the high-paid lawyers at Pearson Hardman set.

But Gorham likes working near the Suits guys. While their schedules are typically different, they do get to cross paths from time to time, and the actor even recently enjoyed a dinner with Patrick J. Adams. It gives them a chance to talk about "lame actor stuff," which only other actors can really appreciate. It also might make the remoteness of Toronto, far removed from most television productions, seem a little less remote.

The first topic has to be the websidoes, as they are what brings Groham into work today. They are set a year prior to the first episode of Covert Affairs, following Auggie as he first becomes a handler, and only a little more than a year after he has gone blind, which means that he's still learning how to operate without sight. It will be a five episode serial, which a choose-your-own-adventure element. That's kind of brilliant, really, providing ample opportunity for repeat viewings, just to see the different ways the story could go. Of course, that will require a lot more filming than a standard series. Once the whole experiment is complete, a linear version will be made available for those not wishing to play the game.

The webisodes are just the dessert, though, and there's plenty of main course to talk about! Groham promises that season three will get much more serial, with an arc that takes ten installments to play out! Things will begin to get deeper for the characters, especially taking the time to explore the emotional stuff. There will also be a sense of urgency, coming after a huge, game-changing premiere that really kicks the story into high gear and sets a new tone! Being evasive, Gorham does say that things are not always what they seem, and there should be quite a few surprises. And pirates.

Speaking of the pirates, Auggie will encounter them in Africa. Fans might remember that last season ends with Auggie heading off to the far-away continent. Gorham promises that he is back before the start of season three, but will be making another trip there in the third episode. Auggie isn't leaving the series by any means; he's just expanding his world a bit.

Covert Affairs takes place all over the world, and this year is no different. Among the locales features in upcoming episodes, besides Africa, are Puerto Rico, Barcelona, Russia, and Cuba. Well, a stand-in for Cuba, at least, but the characters will be in the isolated island country. Even better, there was time while shooting in Barcelona to film some stuff for the webisodes, which increases their production value quite a bit over the typical internet fare!

Romance will certainly not be in short supply in the third season of Covert Affairs, especially where Auggie is concerned. Season two ended with Annie and Auggie finally realizing their feelings for one another. This will be explored quite a bit this season. In fact, episode three features the pair in bathing suits on the beach, while episode two sees them on a field mission pretending to be a married couple. Episode four has the two of them in Auggie's apartment, so you do the math on where this is going.

Auggie will have to balance Annie, though, with Parker (Devin Kelley), who he is not through with. So he should be getting quite a bit of action! Through Gorham vehemently denies that Auggie fakes his blindness just to get the girls.

The male relationships in Auggie's life aren't any easier. After the stunt Jai pulls on him in season two, they no longer like or trust each other, even if there still is some respect between them. Their rivalry will be explored further in season three, with some fallout coming for Jai's actions. Gorham says he has heard rumblings of an "interesting resolution," but declines to speculate on the specifics.

Chris is very grateful for the acceptance he feels from the blind community, he himself not being blind, but portraying a blind man. He gets plenty of interaction at Characters Unite events, and spends time with veterans, another category Auggie falls into. Because of the part, Gorham is a lot more tuned in to the needs of those various populations, even (jokingly) giving co-star Piper crap for not having braille menus in her New York restaurant. That has since been corrected!

Gorham was very relaxed and natural during the interview. He did seem to want to keep saying things he wasn’t allowed, but producer Gene Klein was (sadly) there to keep him in check. It was a fun and informative conversation. Thank you, Christopher, for your time!

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Suits set visit articles! Article first published as Talking with Christopher Gorham of Covert Affairs on TheTVKing.com

A Visit to the Set of USA's Suits

Recently, I was lucky enough to represent BlogCritics and TheTVKing on a visit to the Toronto set of USA's Suits, along with 18 other Internet media folks. This was an absolutely wonderful experience, getting a really cool view of things that few fans get the opportunity to see. The people involved, those organizing the trip, and those taking the time to sit with us for lengthy interviews, couldn't have been more gracious and generous. I would like to share some of the highlights of that visit with you now, and look for follow up articles from me soon that go more in-depth on some of the events mentioned in this article.

In the interest of full disclosure, I must mentioned that this trip was completely paid for by the studio. I did not have to shell out my own money to go, and for that I am extremely grateful. Television reviewing is a passion of mine, and I devote a lot of time to it, but I do not earn a living doing so. Not even close. Without the kindness of the folks organizing this trip, this is an opportunity I would never have been able to afford.

In spite of this, I will attempt to write with as little bias as possible. I am extremely grateful, to be sure, but also take my role as a journalist very seriously. I admit to a certain amount of wonder and enthusiasm during the duration of the event, but then, that's natural for someone who is a fan of TV in general, and Suits in particular. As such, the gushing comes from a place of personal joy, rather than because of bribery.

We flew into Toronto this past Thursday, arriving at the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown. The accommodations were very nice. There was plenty of time to get settled before gathering in the lobby for dinner. We walked across the street to a French restaurant called Zazou, where we were escorted up to a private dining room.

As we waited for things to begin, we got to know each other, exchanging names and websites, and pawing through our goody bags from USA. These people could not have been nicer. Many of them knew each other from previous events, but they were welcoming to a newbie like me, too. The organizers sat among us, enjoying and participating in our conversations, every bit as much a part of the group as those of us flown out to observe and write.

We were served an interesting cuisine complete with dessert and plenty of wine. Among the choices were the infamous frog legs, which I can now report do taste quite a bit like chicken, but with a consistency and texture closer to fish.

During dinner, we got the opportunity to watch the second-season premiere of Suits, which airs on Thursday, June 14th. The episode is called "She Knows," which should leave you with little doubt about what Trevor told Jessica just after the fantastic season finale ended last summer. The version we saw was missing a handful of scenes, which had just been filmed in New York, but what those scenes will contain is impossible to tell. It felt like a complete episode to me.

A full review of "She Knows" will be forthcoming, but suffice it to say, the questions left hanging last season are addressed almost immediately. What's more, there are far bigger things going on than that, which completely changes the game for the characters. Sure, there will be lasting repercussions to what "She Knows," but that's not even close to the whole story. More plot is packed into this hour than most shows do in an entire season! And all six main characters get their moments to shine, not just Harvey and Mike.
With full bellies and lots of discussion having been had over the twists and turns of a great hour of television, we returned to our hotels to get some sleep before the next day's set visit.

Late the next morning, after a great breakfast buffet in the hotel, we boarded a bus and were driven outside of the city to the television studio where Suits is made. It isn't much to look at as your drive up. Surprisingly, it sits in a huge warehouse where you can also drop off your recycling, and a roller derby team practices. But the place is huge! And what they've done inside is amazing!

The first place we were escorted to is the Peason Hardman conference room. Apparently, this set has been completely revamped for season two, with a reception area and elevator bank added so that those scenes will not have to be shot on location anymore. Extra glass let us see the elevators right from the table, and the magnificent backdrop of the city skyline hung behind us. From our seats, we could only see set, so if one didn't look around the corner at the lights, or too closely at the painting, one could easily believe they were in an office building downtown!

Working from the conference room all day (the electric outlets can be used!), actors were brought to us for group interviews. Articles will be written about each interview individually, but for now, a few highlights.
First up was Patrick J. Adams, who stars as Mike. He could not have been nicer. Patrick actually seems a lot like Mike, in personality, anyway, and he appeared to enjoy spending time with us. He really is terrible at impressions, and he is definitely a geek, referencing Lost and Star Trek during the interview. Not only did he stay for nearly half an hour in the conference room, and posed for a group photo, but he also offered us a tour of the set!

I'll go into more detail in a separate article covering the set tour, but again, here are some highlights. Besides the elevator bank, the sound stage we were on included a new bathroom piece, with interchangeable stalls and urinals, Rachel's new office, the file room, and another office who belongs to someone I cannot name at this time without spoiling something big, which I will do in other articles. Patrick then jumped on a skateboard and led us to another stage, where they had constructed a full courtroom for season two, not far from where Mike's apartment is housed!

If you look at the picture I've included, that's me reflected in the glass behind Patrick while he gives us the tour!

On the way back to the conference room, we bumped into Max Topplin, who plays recurring character Harold. He was just exiting the third sound stage, where he had been filming some webisodes. He followed us back to the conference room, and got to tell us a few things, including what his role will be going forward. An energetic and entertaining young man, Max really matched the spirit of enthusiasm the rest of us felt at being there!

Then, lunch! It was quite a trek to find the lunch room, but the spread was fantastic. There were many options, and in copious amounts. Tucked away in the basement, it wasn't as glamorous as dinner the night before. But the folding chairs and tables were spruced up with tablecloths and flowers, so that was nice!

Returning to the conference room, there was a total surprise! See, in the same building, as we walked down the corridor, we could see that Covert Affairs was being filmed right across the very big hallway. Those doors were closed to us, but someone came through them for a visit. Christopher Gorham, who plays Auggie, was filming webisodes for that series, and stopped by in full costume! He talked about location shooting, the positive impact he's feeling from the blind community, being a sighted actor playing a blind man, and what's next for Auggie and Annie! One gets the feeling he would have said more, but he kept stopping himself, and asking input on what he was allowed to reveal from producer Gene Klein.

Later, we would actually get to talk directly to Gene, who works on both Covert Affairs and Suits, which was very exciting! Not only did he gives us some teasers about both shows, but he also talked further about the webisodes, and shared stories from the writer's room. Among the topics covered with Gene were the show's music and clothing brands.

But directly after Chris, Meghan Markle and Rick Hoffman gave us a few minutes in between takes. They had just come from the set, where Rick had been screwing up all his lines while feeding to Megan, who was the one actually being filmed! Gene later told us that Rick nailed everything when the camera turned to him. Rick and Megan have a great chemistry, with Rick joking a lot, and sort of staying in character, albeit being much nicer than Louis is.

A little while later the room went absolutely wild when Gabriel Macht showed up wearing a tuxedo! At first, he claimed he was not filming, this was simply what he wore every day, but when pressed, he admitted otherwise. Gabriel's interview took a more serious tone than the others, with him really thinking about, and analyzing, his character. In fact, he kept saying I, then correct himself by saying Harvey. It was very clear just how important and dear this role is to him.

During a break, we were allowed to visit the third set, where filming had been going on earlier. We saw Jessica, Louis, and Harvey's offices, Donna's desk, the associates' bullpen where Mike works, and the library. It was incredible to see the level of detail that went into each piece, from doctored photos to business cards to Jessica's very, very uncomfortable chair! Not only that, but most of the books in the library were real, and there were a heck of a lot of them!

By this time, the day was feeling long, not helped by the fact that the "outside" lights had been turned off in the conference room, making it appear to be night. But things picked up when Sarah Rafferty, on her day off, no less, came to see us! She reveled in her character of Donna, and actually got a few spoilers from the reporters, based on things others had said earlier! She mused that Donna should date George Clooney and Brad Pitt, or at least characters those actors play. The biggest spoiler we learned from Sarah? Donna is not always right, and viewers will soon get to see this in a big way come episode five of the season!

After Sarah left, Gina Torres was the final visit of the day. She was well worth the wait, though! Perfectly poised, she exhibited a warmth her character doesn't always display. There was such a gravitas she exuded just by being in the room! She discussed her character at length, and wished Jessica would just get some already and loosen up!

Then, we weary reporters emerged from the studio to discover that, contrary to how it felt the past couple of hours, it was still bright daylight outside! Boarding the bus home, where we would be turned loose on our own until our return flights, most the next day, there was a sense of exhaustion and satisfaction. What an experience! I do not believe it is one any of us will soon forget!

Writing this, less than an hour before I check out and fly home, I must again thank all of those involved for putting this together! USA, 360 Media, and the tireless work of Terry, Justin, Jennifer, Amanda, and all the rest really went to great lengths to put this trip together. I am extremely grateful. It was an amazing experience!

I look forward very much to watching Suits this coming summer. Keep an eye out for my set visit and interview articles, as well as reviews of select episodes, including the season premiere. This trip gave me so much to write about, and I will be providing a steady stream of content about Suits for the next couple of weeks!

Watch Suits on USA, returning for season two on June 14th!

Read all of my Suits coverage and reviews here.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! A shortened version of this article was first published as A Visit to the Set of USA's Suits on Blogcritics

"Letter Never Sent" to Covert Affairs

     In the season finale of USA's Covert Affairs, "Letter Never Sent," Annie (Piper Perabo) takes a much needed vacation to Stockholm. Danielle (Anne Dudek) finds out that her husband has been cheating on her, and Annie allows her to come, too, only to learn once they get there that Danielle has been communicating with an old flame in the area. But then Joan (Kari Matchett) asks Annie to complete a simple mission, which soon goes horribly wrong, and Annie and Danielle are running for their lives. Meanwhile, Auggie (Christopher Gorham) looks into a cure for his blindness, and Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) is called in for questioning.

     On the surface, "Letter Never Sent" is a rip-roaring good time, and a hell of a finale. There is plenty of action, and plots for every single main character, which is not the status quo. However, there is something very strange brewing under the surface of the Stockholm arc. Annie just happens to be heading to the one place Danielle has an ex she's been talking to? Or does Danielle have these exes all over the world? And, of course, Annie can't go anywhere without getting drawn back into the spy business, because she's aparently the old capable field agent the CIA has. Also, Annie and Danielle make a great escape from her would-be-beau's home, and leave him a dead body in the yard to clean up and explain. Thanks, girls!

     That, aside, though, it really is a fantastic episode. Dudek is a fine actress, who is often way underused on Covert Affairs, so it's gratifying that she is drawn into the action this week, no matter how big a stretch it takes. It's also unfortunate that she looks into the cheating-for-revenge route, but it's not unrealistic, and allows for some good sisterly chemistry, including a judgy Annie who does not approve of Danielle's behavior. Danielle now gets to see just what her sister does, and is unlikely to continue to give her much trouble about the job, as evidenced by her invitation for Annie to move back in.

     Jai is an enigma for awhile. He comes to Langley to do a job, but is shoved into the background, and soon disappointed by his lot. A little scheming gets him a Special Projects job, but it doesn't seem to mean much, and few have any respect for him. Then he fails a lie detector test and comes under suspicion. Rather than redeem himself by doing the right thing in "Letter Never Sent," as viewers would expect, he goes the alternate route. Jai grows even more manipulative, turning in his father, Henry (Gregory Itzin) for illegal activities, and protecting Arthur (Peter Gallagher). This protection is not out of the goodness of his heart, but rather, a set up so he can go after Joan's job. It's wicked, and depressing, and some really, really great writing.

     Poor Auggie. Upset over Parker's (Devin Kelley, The Chicago Code) move, he tries to better his own life by having his blindness healed. But he isn't a candidate for any of the procedures that might work. It seems he feels life is passing him by, his handicap rendering him unable to do many of the things he wants to do. He can't even drive his dream car, the '67 Corvette he keeps in his garage. At the end of the episode, he gifts the vehicle to Annie. This seems to be a sign that he has given up in a lot of ways, and will no longer be trying or hoping for a cure. It's a sad moment, made even worse when he comments on how he can "literally see" the smile on Annie's face, which isn't smiling at all. Again, poor Auggie.

     On the bright side, the chemistry between Annie and Auggie has never been better than in "Letter Never Sent." Which means, after a suitable time to get over Parker, perhaps Auggie will have a new love that could brighten his world. Whether he ever gets to see again or not, Auggie has a lot going for him, and he can be happy, though it may not seem like it at this time.

     Covert Affairs will return in 2012 on USA.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Covert Affairs DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

"The Wake-Up Bomb" explodes all over Covert Affairs

     USA's Covert Affairs returns for a fall run with "The Wake-Up Bomb." On assignment in Venice, Annie (Piper Perabo) loses her target package. Taking things rough, she returns to the states, and indulges in a bit of alcohol. At the restaurant, she meets a charming Spanish chef (Santiago Cabrera, Heroes, Merlin). The next day, by coincidence, Joan (Kari Matchett) assigns Annie to watch the chef. It's really his brother (Matias Padin, Nya tider) who's the villain. Meanwhile, Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) makes a play that results in a major promotion, using his father, Henry (Gregory Itzin), as a pawn.

     Jai is turning out to be quite interesting. After being wasted for most of the first season, a fact that does not escape the character's own notice, Jai begins rebelling in season two. With his reputation way down, the only way he sees to raise it again is to trick Henry. Considering there is little love lost between father and son, and the son appears to be in the right, it's hard to blame Jai for his actions. Pretending that he is ready to testify on the hill about Henry being the leak, and quietly making sure his father knows this, Jai is named Director of Special Projects, and gets his own office. Henry actually reacts quite well when he realizes the truth, thinking Jai is finally showing promise. It's that twisted logic that proves Jai is better off without Henry's influence. Hopefully his future activities will help bring Henry down.

     Annie also has family problems, and also because of lies. Annie hopes that apologizing to Danielle (Anne Dudek), after giving her time to cool off, might reverse her sister's decision to kick Annie out of their home. It doesn't, but that's a good thing. Many series would let the status quo reset, but not Covert Affairs. Annie is setting up new digs, and it looks like while Danielle will forgive her sister, opening the door to a renewed relationship, she isn't going to let Annie back on the premises anytime soon. This is understandable, because Danielle has her kids to worry about. It's also realistic, making the case for great chemistry between the girls. Great job, writers.

    Of course, the highlight of almost any episode is any Annie / Auggie (Christopher Gorham) interaction, and "The Wake-Up Bomb" is no exception to this rule. Annie finally begins setting up a safe house, something Auggie has encouraged for awhile. She does slip up and tell him the general part of town it's in, even though he insists no one must know the location, including him. It isn't really a slip up, though. More, Auggie is Annie's closest friend, and the guy she trusts most. His housewarming gift of a bottle opener is as sweet as it is funny. Would the two of them hurry up and get together already? They could certainly handle more than a platonic relationship.

     The case of the week in "The Wake-Up Bomb" is pretty cool. With Annie open for a new relationship, her chef buddy seems promising. Their chemistry is great. Except, she isn't allowed to date a foreign citizen. And he is a reformed criminal with a brother who isn't so reformed. So, instead, we get an interesting story, with a few twists, and guest starring character that have a bit of depth. This raises the story to a higher level, and boosts Covert Affairs as a better series. With plots of the week at this caliber, it helps keep the show a tolerable procedural. Well, that, and above serial stories are pretty good, too.

     The only very weak point, and granted, it's a biggie, is that Annie just happens to hang out with the chef the night before he is assigned as her target. Seriously? Come on! Coincidences that big just do not happen.

     All in all, Covert Affairs is growing into a better series than it began as. If it continues this trend, it will quickly become a must-see show, something it isn't quite at yet, but on its way to. Watch is Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Covert Affairs DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Covert Affairs plays "World Leader Pretend"

     "World Leader Pretend" is the summer finale of USA's Covert Affairs. As Annie (Piper Perabo) helps Chinese citizen Shen Yue (Benedict Wong, Moon) defect, he is poisoned. Annie searches for who is responsible, even as Shen Yue slowly dies. The emotional impact of what happens to her asset spurs Annie to tell her sister, Danielle (Anne Dudek), about her real job. Danielle doesn't take it well. Meanwhile, Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) grows increasingly unhappy with his position in the agency, but Joan's (Kari Matchett) solution isn't to his liking, either.

      It seems that the CIA isn't sure what to do with Jai. He is an extremely talented agent and son of a high ranking official, but they bounce him around, and can't decide where he will be most useful. He isn't enjoying working under Joan, but promoting him into the Phoenix office, as he is told will happen in "World Leader Pretend," doesn't get him excited either. Jai's issues seem to mirror Covert Affairs's, as they don't quite know how to use Ramamurthy. The former Heroes star has mostly been confined to moping about how unhappy he is this season. Not exactly thrilling drama. Either the writers are planning some great development for him, and this meandering approach is a tactic, or he is poised to exit the series, which would be a shame. Either way, viewers will have to wait until next season (or half season) to find out.

     More gratifying is Joan and Arthur's (Peter Gallagher) renewed relationship. While they fought for much of season one, Arthur now appears to have Joan's back completely. Not only that, he makes efforts, such as cooking her a romantic dinner and writing down his feelings, as a way of apologizing in a recent episode when he thinks he might have stepped on her toes. He is putting effort into showing her how much he cares, and she welcomes the positive attention. As interesting as their tumultuous pairing might be, it is far better to see the strength of the power couple when they are united.

     It is time to bring Danielle into the know, and while it takes a sad circumstance to convince Annie to do so, it's something she is considering already, at least partially because of a friend's advice. Auggie's (Christopher Gorham) support of the choice is invaluable. While Covert Affairs hesitates to start up anything romantic between Annie and Auggie, their deep level of concern for each other, especially on his end, indicates there may be something there. It is certainly worth exploring. How many more seasons will fans have to wait before this issue is raised on screen?

     "World Leader Pretend" marks a big turning point for Covert Affairs. Thus far, Danielle is on the outside of everything. Now, the information she gets is limited, but at least she doesn't still believe the lie about Annie working for a museum. It's not perfect, but it's a start. It's time to wait for the mission that Danielle will surely get involved in.

     It's inevitable that Covert Affairs will be compared with Alias, which is the gold standard of a great spy show. For now, Covert Affairs is still lagging. Bringing in a civilian is an Alias-esque plot turn. Unfortunately, CA is still largely a spy procedural, lacking the depth that serials carry. USA occasionally flirts with serial elements, and Covert Affairs would be wise to include more of them.

     Is anyone else amused that the actor playing the Chinese traitor, in the eyes of his home country, in "World Leader Pretend"  is named Benedict?

     Covert Affairs will return to USA soon.

     If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter!

     To buy Covert Affairs DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Covert Affairs - "World Leader Pretend" on Blogcritics.

Covert Affairs - "Begin the Begin"

     For those hoping for a happy ending between Annie Walker (Piper Perabo) and Ben Mercer (Eion Bailey) on USA's Covert Affairs, the season premiere delivers, for the first ten or so minutes. Then they are running from gun fire, and soon after returning to the states, Ben disappears, being sent on an off-the-books assignment for Arthur (Peter Gallagher). Arthur is working with Joan (Kari Matchett) on his defense. Danielle (Anne Dudek) reveals her garage is broken into while Annie is out of town, sparking suspicions in Annie that whoever did it is after her. Annie helps a Russian tennis player who is being forced to kill her lover. So it's a busy episode.


     Having a lot going on is not unusual for a season premiere, except this hour is divided very unevenly. Maybe a third of the episode is for Ben's arc, continuing the events of the cliffhanger. Then there is only a sliver for Arthur's ongoing story of getting in trouble with the agency and possibly losing his job. About half the episode is a case of the week, which is much smaller than such a bit would normally be, and is wholly unnecessary for an episode that features larger, ongoing developments.

     It is confusing that USA feels the need to sandwich in such unconnected events, as even the best procedurals on network TV take a break every once in awhile from their formula. USA does not. Since Covert Affairs is vasttly different from most USA shows, maybe it's time to let a series on the network take a few more chances.

     Rather than forcing the tennis scenes, how about a refresher about what is going on with Arthur? It's been quite awhile since season one aired, and it's hard to remember exactly why he is in trouble, or how he can get out of it. Bringing in the lawyer gives the show a good excuse to rehash some of the back story on the issue, but they do not, disappointingly.

     Also nice would be to get Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy) more involved. Arthur turns him away as soon as Jai asks questions. Jai only provides support and backup for Annie when she needs it. While this is a common type of character for series in this vein, Ramamurthy is a capable actor who can handle his own plots. It is a waste to regulate him to such a minor role. Get him involved in Arthur's trial, give him his own missions, or put him and Annie together romantically. At this point, anything to beef up Jai's part will be welcome.

     Other than those minor complaints, it is a fairly intense episode. There are good action scenes, and the larger stories do get to move along somewhat. It will not be remembered as a top episode, but a fairly satisfactory one to fans of the series.

     The case of the week about the Russian girl is actually pretty interesting, and Annie gets to break a few rules to help her, which is usually fun. There are some unexpected twists, and the whole thing is relatively realistic and full of danger. While not addressed in the episode, it also serves as a distraction for Annie, who wants to know what is going on with Ben, but can't get anything out of her boss about it.

     Anyone thinking Ben and Annie would be together this early in the show obviously does not watch these types of shows on television, or USA series at all. Procedurals are notoriously slow at locking main characters into relationships, and if they do take that leap, it will be many years down the road, once story ideas begin to dry up. It's a risky move, as it suddenly puts two characters in a box and limits what they can do. Anytime one is in danger, the other has to have feelings about it. It is brilliant and enjoyable if done properly, and can single-handedly kill a series if done incorrectly.

     Auggie (Christopher Gorham) remains the most interesting character on Covert Affairs. In "Begin the Begin," Auggie whines about not getting to finish his beer, but also helps Annie on her secret mission. He has just the right blend of compassion and humor that Gorham delivers with finesse. Whether with Annie at a bar, or behind his computer, being the most productive, heroic blind man on the planet, Auggie always steals his scenes. More Auggie-centric episodes would be much appreciated.

     Still unknown is why Danielle even qualifies as a main character. Completely in the dark about why everything goes down, she merely stands around in Annie's rare at-home scenes. This week, Annie tricks Danielle into getting her children out of the house so the CIA can see if the break-in has been done for dark motives. It's a cute bit, but not one memorable nor necessary, especially as the "bad guys" turn out to be a couple of harmless kids. At least if the house is being threatened, Danielle may have something to do. Even better, Danielle should soon figure out what Annie's real career is.

     The opening credits have finally been changed to include all of the main characters, which number six in the second season. This is nice, as only three were included in season one. It's still an odd sequence, with live action mixing with cartoons in a strange way. It's actually quite a great piece, artistically, but it arguably does not fit well with the series. Which is too bad, because the series that does fit that song would be pretty darn good.

     Covert Affairs airs at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesdays on USA.

     To buy Covert Affairs DVDs and streaming episodes, please click here.

Article first published as TV Review: Covert Affairs - "Begin the Begin" on Blogcritics.