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.

Elementary proving to be more than typical CBS procedural

Article first published as Elementary proving to be more than typical CBS procedural on TheTVKing.

I was highly skeptical when CBS's Elementary premiered in the fall. We already have a great modern version of the Sherlock Holmes tale in the BBC's Sherlock, and CBS is not known for breaking new ground in their dramas, preferring to stick to a tried and true (and very boring) formula.

However, in recent weeks, the story told in Elementary has begun to deepen. There are hints early in the fall at something better, an intriguing character study forming, making the case of the week bits less important. This comes to a triumphant crescendo with "M." a couple of weeks ago, and continues this week in the post-Super Bowl episode "The Deductionist."

In "The Deductionist," Sherlock (Johnny Lee Miller) is forced to work with profiler Kathryn Drummond (Kari Matchett, Covert Affairs) when a serial killer named Martin Ennis (Terry Kinney, Oz) escapes. Kathryn is the one who catches the murderer the first time, but she also has a past with Sherlock, having slept with, and then publicly profiled, the brilliant detective. He feels betrayed, making him act irrationally and immaturely, forcing Kathryn into a competition, rather than a partnership.

There are few individuals who can shake up Sherlock, so that fact that Drummond does says something intriguing about her. Despite Sherlock's claims that what she does is worthless and false, I don't believe that Sherlock would get so upset were Drummond not extremely talented and capable. What she did to him hurt him, touching on something deep inside, and because he doesn't have the social skills to behave like an adult, this sends Sherlock into a spin.

Sherlock's instability continues when he finally tracks down Ennis. Rather than bringing police backup, Sherlock risks a one-on-one confrontation so that he can grill Ennis about the killer's own profile. It's reckless, much like Sherlock's actions in "M.," and it proves to Captain Gregson (Aidan Quinn) that Sherlock can't be trusted.

This could threaten Sherlock's continued work with the police. Yes, our detective is highly intelligent and helps put away the bad guys. But that has to be weighed with how Sherlock respects rules and procedures, as well as orders from Gregson. Without this structure, it puts everyone at risk, and Gregson can't allow his guys to get hurt just to keep Sherlock happy. The bad may outweigh the good Sherlock provides soon enough, and Gregson is growing wary of this.

Sherlock's main goal with Ennis seems to be to prove to himself that Drummond is wrong, thereby being assured that he does not have to worry about the fate she has predicted for him, total self-destruction. Here, we get to see one of Sherlock's greatest fears, that the same elements of his psyche that make him a genius could also lead to his downfall. It's a portrait of a scared man laid bare, and one viewers are unlikely to soon forget.

This is why I like Elementary. It goes beyond what one might expect at first glance, is willing to let Miller take risks with the character, and gives him writing that supports his sheer talent. Sherlock, unlike other crime show investigators, is not a replaceable cog in the system, but the entire reason this series exists. He is something special.

I did not expect the surprise of Drummond being stabbed in this episode. One doesn't assume that the villain to accomplish their goal, and it was a shocking twist. I almost wish that she had died, because it would have been even more unexpected, but I'm glad in retrospect that Drummond can return in the future, given the effect she has on our lead. And I like Matchett.

The B plot of "The Deductionist" involves Watson (Lucy Liu) being evicted from the apartment she sublets because pornography has been shot there, breaking her lease agreement. But with a little pushg from Sherlock, Watson is soon able to prove that her landlord is trying to pull a fast one on her, and negotiates a deal. She doesn't want the apartment back, but she ends up satisfied.

I like that Watson is very intelligent in her own right, and that she sometimes doesn't have to stay by Sherlock's side all the time. She is a fully developed person, rather than a one-note sidekick, and adds quite a bit to the overall success of the show.

I do have a theory that Sherlock is the one that hired Watson, not his father, having looked into her, and realizing that they would be good together, she being what he needs right now. This could explain a lot, would mean that Sherlock is well aware of her continued presence in spite of the fact that she was fired. It also sets them up for a big falling out when she learns of Sherlock's betrayal of her trust. Sherlock tests her all the time. Who's to say that her entire job thus far hasn't all been a test? This revelation would make a heck of a season finale!

My only real complaint about "The Deductionist" is the opening. Sherlock engages in a sting against a couple of prostitutes that rip people off. It doesn't really fit, and seems designed purely to hook in the football fan who might tune in after the big game. In that, it should serve its purpose, and because it might draw a few more viewers, this can be easily forgiven, as long as it's a one-time slip, and not a habit.

Elementary normally airs on Thursdays, including this week, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

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.

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.

"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.

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     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.

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     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.

Covert Affairs a different direction for USA

     USA's latest drama, which premiered last Tuesday, and continues tonight, is Covert Affairs.  It stars Piper Perabo (Cheaper By the Dozen, Coyote Ugly) as Annie Walker, a new CIA trainee that got to skip her last month at The Farm and get directly to work in the D.C. area.  Annie is wanted for more than her skills, although she doesn't seem to know it yet.  Two years ago she had a passionate three-week affair with Ben Mercer (Eion Bailey, Band of Brothers), whom her bosses want to track down, and who resurfaced to save her life near the end of the pilot.  What he is up to, or why the CIA is interested in him, seems to be a mystery that will string out for awhile.  It's a series that doesn't feel very-USA like, driven by plot as much as by characters, while their usual series mostly just rely on the latter.  That is not a complaint.  It's nice to see something fresh from the network.

     The pilot was pretty good, though there was a lot going on.  It's kind of like a not-quite-as-good remake of Alias, with a star that resembles that of Alias, but without the wonderful villains.  Believability isn't too bad, which is often a problem for shows like this.  Annie's family wasn't too involved or too annoying, another element that sets it apart from other USA dramas, that often bring family members front and center to the story.  Annie's sister, Danielle (Anne Dudek, House, Big Love, Mad Men) is a starring player, but her role in the pilot was limited to trying to send Annie up on a date.

     The cast is brimming with other television veterans, as well.  Christopher Gorham (Ugly Betty) is Auggie, an intelligence officer blinded in Iraq, but already well adjusted to his loss of vision.  He will make a fantastic best friend, and I would hope that eventually he might rank as a love interest.  He is much less geeky than he was in Betty, despite his job, and already seemed a good fit for Annie.  Annie's obvious suitor, Conrad (Eric Lively, 24: Redemption, The L Word), has not been slated to continue in the series, and will soon be replaced by Jai (Sendhil Ramamurthy, Heroes).  Lastly, Annie's bosses, husband and wife Joan (Kari Matchett, 24, ER, Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip) and Arthur Campbell (Peter Gallagher, Californication, The OC), seem to be as concerned with martial problems as they are bringing in Ben.  I couldn't tell from the pilot how they ranked in relation to each other, but Joan seems to be Annie's direct superior in her little group, while Arthur heads a department including Annie's workgroup.

     All in all, it's not a bad attempt, though not a great one, either.  It has plenty of potential, so we'll see how USA develops it before I decide if it's a show to invest in or not.  But as the network did dare to take a chance, they have me for now.  Covert Affairs airs Tuesdays at 10pm on USA.