Why Michael Fassbender and the Writers of ‘The Agency’ Should Be Considered for the Emmys

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Paramount+’s “The Agency” is more than just another espionage thriller.

This series, “The Agency,” stands out as a gripping, absorbing production that doesn’t conform to the conventions of ordinary TV. In an age where numerous shows are made for incidental watching, this one insists on capturing your full focus. Its fearless creativity, combined with exceptional acting and superior scriptwriting, positions it as a strong candidate for Emmy consideration.

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“The Agency” is a hard-hitting, engaging show that buckles traditional TV norms. In an era of shows designed for easy background watching, this one demands your complete attention. Its daring creativity along with outstanding performances and superior writing make it a potential Emmy nominee.

Featuring two-time Oscar nominee Michael Fassbender (“12 Years a Slave” and “Steve Jobs”) and Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Jeffrey Wright (“American Fiction” and “Angels in America”), this series revolves around Brandon Colby, alias Martian – a CIA agent whose undercover persona has so thoroughly seeped into his real life that even his personal relationships are entangled in the deception. When his lover, Samia (portrayed by Jodie Turner-Smith), gets imprisoned politically in Sudan, Martian is driven to unparalleled levels of betrayal as he strives to free her. The only way out? A plunge further into the very web he’s trying to extricate himself from.

The series was crafted and composed by Tony Award winner Jez Butterworth, along with John-Henry Butterworth, who are renowned for their work on the Oscar-nominated movie “Ford v Ferrari” and the sci-fi thriller “Edge of Tomorrow.” This show is a clever rendition of the highly praised French drama “Le Bureau des Légendes.

The first episode titled “The Bend” has been submitted for evaluation in the category of outstanding writing for a drama series. It embodies the unique style of storytelling by the Butterworth brothers, characterized by tension and subtlety, much like FX’s “The Americans.” While it may not immediately grab the attention of the TV Academy as “The Americans” did after several seasons, “The Agency” demonstrates a promising foundation that could potentially make it a slow-burning contender.

The show on Rotten Tomatoes has a respectable 68%, but it hasn’t received universally positive reviews. Nevertheless, what truly matters is that it’s an engaging, character-focused drama with depth, offering rewards for attentive viewers. This isn’t a series you can easily watch while multitasking; instead, it requires your full attention and delivers satisfying conclusions in return. In essence, it’s television that demands focus and offers rich returns.

Fassbender offers a compelling performance that’s filled with deep inner turmoil, where each action is meticulously planned yet brimming with raw emotion. Turner-Smith matches him with understated strength, demonstrating more impressive scene-stealing abilities following her notable roles in Disney’s “The Acolyte” and Apple TV+’s “Bad Monkey.

Once more, Wright delivers his signature weightiness to the screen, dominating through his deep voice and captivating aura. This time, he shares the limelight with seasoned actor Richard Gere, who consistently accepts difficult, intriguing roles, making it equally appealing and admirable.

Other shows, like “Bodyguard” on Netflix and “The Americans,” share DNA with the series you’re discussing. “Bodyguard” is a nail-biting thriller that received two Emmy nominations for best drama series and writing in its first season alone. While “The Americans” took time to gain traction, it eventually won over critics, earning 18 Emmy nominations throughout its run, including nods for outstanding drama series in its fourth and sixth seasons. The series concluded with Matthew Rhys winning an Emmy for best lead actor in a drama series.

In the midst of filming Season 2 in London, “The Agency” is undeniably a strategic long-term project for Paramount+. However, its Emmy-worthy aspects are already in place and ready. Although it might not stand out as the flashiest contender, it’s one of the most intriguing missions that voters should be eager to embrace.

See EbMaster’s Emmy Predictions:


Awards Circuit: Emmys

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2025-05-31 21:46