Covert Affairs Online

When I saw who the producers are, I must admit, I felt some trepidation. The Borne Trilogy was good (no self-respecting film lover could deny it), but hardly TV series material. All my trepidation flew out of the window less than five minutes into the pilot. I'm not an easy judge to please, but I must say, I'm hooked.

The characterization was fabulous. The writers laid the strong foundation of the friendship/confidant relationship that few shows have managed to convey, and it's just the pilot. I can't wait to see how it's built up. The last time I saw such a thing, it was in BONES, and that was in the middle of the first season.

Piper Perabo plays a smart, overachieving spy missing the stop-digging-yourself-into-a- hole complex. Her character is balanced by a great performance by Christopher Gorham as Auggie, your friendly neighborhood blind tech-guy, a comforting voice in the madness of the "Agency". To top off the show, you have their boss, a preoccupied career woman used to having to find her own way in a job traditionally held by men: Joan Campbell, played by Kari Matchett.

For those of you thinking it's just another ALIAS, you've got another thing coming, just as I did. The only things it's got in common with J. J. Abrams' hit show is the CIA and strong woman lead. It has the action of all the best action films of the decade and the reasonably- subtle humor of BURN NOTICE and CHUCK.

COVERT AFFAIRS is in it for the long-run. I don't plan on missing a moment of it. If it's canceled, it'll prove to be as big a mistake as canceling FIREFLY. Watch it. You won't regret it.

the whole show does not make any sense, main character is hired as a cia agent because of only one reason that she speaks few languages, she does not know or carry firearm which is surprising, she is not even good in hand hand combat...which really does not make any sense why she was hired in the first place.....in almost all the episode it feels like that she gets into the situation but some how she manages it ...which feels more of luck or the twisted story...how can be covert operations be so simple...usually the intelligence field operative are more highly trained for hand to hand combat and special fire arm training then other law enforcement agency. But this show fails to deliver anything ...its more of a family show for kids not a spy show...no to very little action...family drama in cia thats even hilarious ..that husband and wife are running cia and wife is using agency resources to spy on her husband.....crappy and unrealistic....

I really had hoped that this show would be as well done and fun as the recent USA slate (Royal Pains, White Collar,etc) but this show was mediocre at best and just plain bad at worst.

The bloated pilot was all set-up. All of this could have been done in the first half hour so we could get to the meat of the series, Instead we had 75 minutes of boredom and rehashing of spy movie and TV scenes.

Piper Perabo's Annie is as uninteresting as they come. The reason to take her out of training a and swear her into the CIA a month early is ridiculous. With all those pretty and young agents around, not one of them could speak Russian and play a prostitute? Really? I doubt that.

Christopher Gorham, who is always fin to watch, is doing his best imitation of "Mother" (David Strathairn)from the film Sneakers. Kari Matchett is wasted in the role of Annie's boss who is so insecure about her marriage that she uses illegal wiretaps to eavesdrop on her fellow CIA higher-up husband (Peter Gallagher). Hardly original.

Sorry USA, this is a dud. Unless there are major changes in the rest of the series I can't see any reason to watch. We've seen it all before - when it was done better.

Bland, mostly air, and refuses to go down.

These are people who are nice to look at, and that's it. I'm sure they're fine actors, but this show doesn't prove that, and just makes me wish Alias was still on the air. I couldn't care less about any of these characters, and the milquetoast mysterious romance that won't go away is just too obvious and plodding a device that within the first sixty seconds of the pilot you already know what happens in the last two minutes of the season. Ken Doll is coming back, and exactly when you least expect it. Yawn.

And your cover on your first assignment as a covert field officer? A conspicuous, sexy prostitute, of course. Because they don't draw any attention. Just blend right in.

Again, pictures would have been a lot more efficient.

The good news is that this was appealing in terms of actors and characters and relationships. But the storyline and plotting--ridiculous. To some extent it is another example of Hollywood chutzpah--petite blonde takes on most dangerous killer in the world. Right. In real life, he just puts a bullet in her head in the restaurant kitchen. And 1st day agent winds up violating rules and going off on her own? And why doesn't she just tell her boss about the clues in the first place? Right--it's Hollywood and every boss is stupid. It's hard to ignore the gaping holes in the pilot episode, but for all that it was still fun.

I am a huge fan of USA's original programming. They have a great working model: a character-focused premise with interesting story lines. Burn Notice, Royal Pains, Psyche, Monk -- all great shows, some of my favorites. Unfortunately, "Covert Affairs" fails to live up to its predecessors.

There is nothing unique or new about the set-up of this show. Piper is a talented spy who is brand new to the CIA. She's not a double agent. She's not a spy burned. She doesn't have fake psychic powers or anything. She seems "special," but the audience is never really sure why.

For the pilot, the story kind of plotted along without much reason. It was slow. It was silly. It completely lost my interest. (To be fair, I only watched half the pilot, because I couldn't stomach more.) Expecting so much more from this network, "Covert Affairs" was more than anything a disappointment.

Covert Affairs is a show that starts interesting and with each season grows in it's entertainment and level engagement as the story line deepen and grow. Half way through season 5 I'm updating this review and my rating as season 4 took to a level few shows achieve with me. I like how they've taken us with a novice CIA agent at the beginning who gets progressively better with each season with her starting as a talented rookie she quickly raises her stock to a driven professional who has gone dark and from not carrying a gun to plugging the bad guys with regularity, and satisfaction (mine). The depth and intensity of the story grows right along with the character such that by the beginning of Season 4 each show is leaving me at the point where I can't stop and need to see the next episode to get more answers. Since I am streaming the show this only presents the problem of burning through the episodes to fast and being left without a favorite show to watch sooner than I would like.

Bottom line is if you like an spy based action adventure then give the show a chance and I think you'll enjoy the ride. It has flaws, but the purpose is to entertain and engage and with each additional episode it does just that at an increasing level. Unfortunately season 5 lost its way and the apex of the show turned out to be the season finale for season 4. At that point there was a wonderful plot just laying there for Annie to return to Augie and move upward and onward. Instead they changed the formula and destroyed the show. What more evidence is needed than barely caring to watch the end of season 5 and having it cancelled shortly thereafter. Sad to see so much potential wasted, would be happier to have had it shut down after the end of season 4 and lived with what could have been than to see what they did to it. Still love it. Look at SOA, 6 masterpiece seasons with a final season that I couldn't hardly watch. Still think it is a great show, but final season killed it. Well in this case the writers in season 5 truly did kill it as it is officially cancelled which is what actually got me to watch the last 3 episodes. Sad when so much was there.

There are some things that are just not very professional when making this movie. Let's start with the stunts, they look very cheap, some are just awful, especially when driving is concerned and not to mention gun shots that never hits the main characters, come on. And now Annie, who "speaks" some languages, she's like a miss know it all, she doesn't look like an agent who can take combat and be all lo-vie-do-vie, her accents when speaking a foreign language are awful, at least they could have prepped her before acting to loose the American accent, it's typical for most Americans that come abroad, but as an agent probably you have to pass all that. One more thing, the movie reflects perfectly the image of the CIA: deceitful, and driven only to killing people.

This is the first good spy-type series I've seen since 24 (looking forward to its return on FOX)and Alias (such fun with all the disguises, gadgets and mystic aspect). I was SO happy to have recently discovered Covert Affairs! This show is thoroughly entertaining if you enjoyed 24 and/or Alias. And - stop comparing - they're all different. I definitely enjoy the characters in this show. I am now into the 4th season and, even though there are some things that should be made logical with just a few sentences of explanation, and there is the inevitable craziness in all shows - like getting from the U.S. to Europe in just the right location in the middle of nowhere in - seemingly a few hours instead of a day - just in time for someone (like the elusive Ben, Eyal or Teo) to save Annie's life. Of COURSE, we're happy - big phew! And who cares if it's implausible - it's a TV show that needs to keep moving along. Purists will nit pick, but I would say anyone who likes this genre will find it totally intriguing entertaining and compelling. I always look forward to seeing what twist is coming up next. I hope it keeps going for years without the writers getting bored and killing off the best characters and ruining the series.

This show reminds me a little of Alias. If you liked that you probably will like this. Although it is not as heavy as that it still is filled will female kick butt attitude. I love the fact that it feels like a light spy show that is just as fun as it is action-packed. Piper Perabo is fantastic as the lead and makes you want to be part of her spy crew. The storyline could use a little bit of work and maybe a bit more fleshing out but for the moment it is working fine.

This is a great show with lots of entertainment value. Don't write it off just because it seems a little far fetched or lacking in substance. The cast well and truly makes up for any shortcomings.

If you like Piper Perabo, you will probably like this show. Her character, Annie, is a CIA agent who hits the ground running right out of training. It helps that she is something of a prodigy--excellent with weapons, amazing at hand-to-hand combat, and a whiz with languages. Though she sometimes has to confront her personal fears, for the most part she is determined to tackle any problem by immersing herself in the heart of the matter.

I have watched this show from its inception and, seasons later, I am still interested. The character of Annie is multi-dimensional. By now, we know her romantic history, her personal quirks, and her weaknesses. Auggie is her personal handler and personal friend. He usually augments her in-the-field forays from HQ with his superior intelligence IQ, but he has been known to accompany her on location.

One thing I really enjoy about the series is the location filming. They film around the world, adding authenticity to the production.

For those critics who say the series is unrealistic (every series has them), well neither is Bond. But the writers know how to create stories that are filled with intrigue. And many of the show's story lines feel like they have been ripped from the pages of global news reports.

Great new show - good writing, excellent casting. Especially Oded Fehr - like to see more of him.

Just to comment on the criticism of the actor playing the blind operative - my mother was totally blind the final 21 years of her life (she lived to 92). No one knew, including some family members. She moved around without help as did her eyes - just like the character Augie - and showed expression as do many persons who become blind later in life. As I'm sure could be the case with some persons blind from birth.

I really appreciate this show's awareness of the fact that there are other languages and countries beyond America - something we need more of.

This show is turning out to be what I wanted Alias to be. The similarities can't be missed really. Strong female spy with big doe eyes and a b cup, wandering around in skimpy outfits somehow kicking ass in spike heals (this always bothers me so much. I spend so much of female led action shows just staring at the foot where in dismay) but also managing family and home, occasionally crumbling in the arms of a strong scruffy man. But unlike Alias this show avoids some pitfalls.

A. It doesn't over do it. Yes super spies are cool. Of course they don't exist but there is a limit to how much we can take as an audience before we go, "Alright that's just stupid." This show manages to juggle really high stakes life or death situations with some of the more tedious but still interesting aspects of being a spy. No prophecies. No ridiculous pseudo-science.

B. Real people. The problem with JJ Abrahms that this avoids is that people watch shows to watch real people do extraordinary things. But it's nice to know they're real people every now and then. The main character messes up. She looses fights. She does dumb things. She is laughed at for making obvious mistakes. It makes her human.

C. Augie. I can't stress enough that if you don't like this show at first, wait until Augie shows up. He sold it for me. He is a really talented actor and with out a doubt the most interesting and fleshed out character in the show. I only wish he had more screen time.

So if you watched Alias, but sometime around second season starting shouting at the TV, "Why are you doing this JJ!? What did we ever do to deserve this!?" then this is your show. And for now it's mine. Let's share it.

A fresh new spy drama ala Alias, but with a lead that is more the girl next door. This character is a lovable, soft family girl that seamlessly switches to a hard core savvy linguist and spy. The CIA leaders, staff and sidekicks are also very dynamic characters. Her family members are wonderful and validate the secret life persona.

The story line carries enough mystery, romance, drama, and action to keep the whole family interested. If the writing, directing and acting continue to hit high marks, this is a show to watch. It has the potential to be around for a long time. Enjoyable, fast-paced exciting entertainment.

Love, love, love Covert Affairs. Finally a TV show with strong female characters. Every week I am on the edge of my seat waiting to see what will happen next. Love the cast- they really did a great job choosing these actors. I want to be Annie! She is intelligent, strong, and gets the job done. I also like the type of boss Joan is- she keeps it together and then reveals that she is thinking what we want her to think and she does the right thing. I also like that the character of Auggie is a blind ex-soldier. Yes he is blind, but it is amazing how he approaches it. I am not sure what the future hold for this show, but I would definitely like it to continue on.

Excellent show and deserves a revival and it being cancelled on a cliffhanger was insult to injury

This is a flashy, modern, well-done show with lots of pretty girls and boys and costume changes and chase scenes and shoot-outs. Piper Perabo is always a treat. Good, wholesome, mindless summer entertainment that's sure to be a hit.

If, like me, you were expecting an improved version of, "Alias", forget it- "Covert Affairs" has as much sophistication as a "Three Stooges" short or a "Road-runner" cartoon. Watching the pilot, you can see and hear the producers saying to one another, "Just remember how 'Alias' had to be dumbed-down so people could follow it, we don't want to make that mistake."

Edit: I couldn't even watch the whole 2nd episode. I dug out my "Alias" DVD's (I just finished season 3) and now "Covert Affairs" seems even more lame.

Of course all that occurs here is 100% ridiculous , not possible,total fiction even science fiction but thats the beauty of Covert Affairs.Although sometimes I wonder why anyone would present the CIA as been operated by a married couple like it was their own souvenir shop. However,every chapter stands on its own, although there is a thread that goes between all chapters.This is fast paced chain of events,where we are taken to actual locations around the globe.There is suspense, mystery, romance , nice entertaining sometimes funny 45 minutes.Christopher Gorham is amazing in his character a a Blind Ops tech Handler Auggie Anderson.he is indeed amazing.,Gregory Itzin is again the slimy crooked manipulative character , just like in 24!

My God I was at the edge of my seat for the entire program. I am trying to figure out why I did this and then it hit me…the show lasted way too long. Covert Affairs is a concoction of mundane plots and overbearing stars who seem to always be so skilled at leading potentially good programs to early demises. Pretty much a menu for most short-lived programs, this mixture requires a main character who is not a only good looking blond, but also a rookie, and of course she knows more than anybody else in the show. Sprinkled around the edges of this romp are politically correct villains and a fare share of professional victims who are just so smart it baffles the mind...and according to this show, the they're in charge of our nation's security. Wowzers...I am sure the worker-bees feel quite secure knowing their bosses handle crisis by preferring to whimper about their own personal perceived shortcomings than cover the backsides of their operatives. This show is just as much a fail as many other new programs are hitting the market these days. It has potential but PC trumps storyline. I doubt it will get itself out of the cute little hole it has thrown itself into. This show is very appealing to many, and I am happy for them. I am not that impressed, but I do wish it luck.

An excellent Season 4 stretches the range of this already-fascinating series: with good writing, and some fine acting --

Perabo is great to look at and a very good actor -- I could watch her face for hours, as she works through her emotions, she has a really fine range. 

Itzin too, though: he is by far the greatest entertainment in the show for me, after Perabo. From his initial entry to his latest scenes, Itzin's body carriage, gestures, and most of all the expressions in that fabulous face, then the wonderful voice and mellifluous accent -- villains require pathos, and Itzin's villain definitely provides that, his Richard III would be wonderful. 

Teo Braga and Calder Michaels -- Cardona and Harper, like Itzin, are able to grab center-stage with their personas in every scene they do. Particularly Cardona, up against the spectacular Perabo, his dark furies complement her glamor and personality beautifully, you can feel both the strains and the warmth building between those two, dynamic tension, nothing in drama can be better than that. I hope there's much more done with them: Bring Teo Back!

The casting generally has been done really well, and I really like the acting. Joan and Arthur steady everything -- Braithwaite does a good job of being sinister, I can't wait for him to get the nose-punch he deserves, maybe from Auggie or even Annie? -- Oded Fehr is wonderful, he manages a sparkle which literally brings Annie to life when she and we need it, and I agree with the comment someone else made here that we need Eyal back for some Season 4 comic relief. Tony Curran would be great for that purpose too.

The only disappointment for me has been Dudek: her character and acting both were embarrassing and out-of-place -- I know she has her fans, and her role must too, but that flouncy dress she wore in Stockholm was nauseating, which I guess was the point there -- I'm glad that's over, tho. 

The story is great. I never cared whether the Battlestar Galactica would find Earth, & I don't want to see an ending here, I'm just really enjoying the ride.

I avoided this show for a while, thinking it would be shallow or something, but I've been pleasantly surprised. I've just finished watching season 4, and the show has become progressively more intense. At the beginning, Annie is too naive and idealistic to be an effective spy. Numerous episodes in season 1 end with Annie having a heart-to-heart talk with her sweet older sister. But Annie finds that she can't compartmentalize her life. The writers wisely move the sister out of the show. At that point, the plots begin to intensify with a larger narrative connecting each episode.

This is obviously a show that requires the viewer to give a great deal of artistic license. If you are able to do that, you will be rewarded with suspenseful story lines and a growing appreciation for some terrific characters. Annie becomes more realistic without losing her heart. Her handler, Auggie, has an incredible backstory that enriches his character. Her bosses, Joan and Arthur deal with the politics of the CIA in an intelligent manner. Joan is a particularly impressive character. She always remains poised despite intense pressure, and she never gives ground to those who attempt to intimidate her.

There are other great characters as well, and my favorite by far is the Mossad operative named Eyal. The relationship between he and Annie becomes quite profound, as they come to the rescue for one another on numerous occasions. Season 3 is my favorite so far (still yet to watch season 5) because of Eyal's presence in numerous episodes. If you stick with the show to this point, you will be richly rewarded with some first rate television entertainment.

USA is my favorite network. Of the networks 7 shows, I watch 5 of them (Psych, Burn Notice, Royal Pains, White Collar, and now Covert Affairs). When I first heard about Covert Affairs, I didn't think it'd be good. I figured I'd still give it a chance though, and it turned out to be good. Though it's my least favorite of the 5, it's still a show that I plan on following through out it's run. The characters are great, though I wish they'd get the supporting characters involved more. I know it's based around Annie but I think the other characters should have more to do than help her from the head quarters. Anyway, there's my little review.

"Covert Affairs" rates a solid 7-8 stars for me based on one thing: It's an entertaining show, plain and simple.

Is it packed full of intrigue, suspense, and plot twists that will bend your brain? No; in fact, I'm pretty sure my fellow heist/thriller film fans will see every "shocking new development" coming a mile away. Is the acting superb? Not particularly, but it's far from awful. Are you going to believe in the characters' stories and expertise? Unlikely. However, that does not make the show any less fun to watch, and even after I really disliked much of the pilot, I've tuned in every week.

Two random fun facts: The main character's name, Annie Walker, is cleverly derived from a "24" character/actor name, and each episode title is a Led Zeppelin song title.

Two cautionary caveats: The relationship between the CIA director and his CIA-employee wife is horrendous, overworked, and an absolute distraction, and the "love story" following Annie Walker and her long-lost spy lover is also teetering on the edge between inanity and lunacy. I really hope the show tones down both story lines A LOT, or this show is destined for cancellation.

All that said, I recommend this show and think that if you can suspend disbelief as you would for a made-for-TV movie, you're likely to really enjoy the ride...

For those reviewers bashing this show because it's not Alias, I think you're missing the point. Yes, the show is spy themed, but it's much more character driven. Piper Perabo's character is learning that being a spy is going to take a toll on her family life, and there is also a good conflict building between the Campbells regarding their failed marriage. I prefer to think of it as a spy show with heart, and honestly it's much better written than many of USA's other action-adventure shows, simply because it has developed some pretty deep characters with only a few episodes.

I think the closest match you'll find in terms of a previous show is Jake 2.0. Christopher Gorham who played the lead in that show happens to play Auggie in Covert Affairs. I've often wished that Jake 2.0 was never taken off the air, or was at least given a second season. In a way I feel like Covert Affairs is filling that void.

Covert Affairs is fast-paced, funny at times and charming in a way. This drama provides a less cynical view of intelligence work compared to other similar dramas. Though having the habit of blasting maudlin pop ballads to signal Annie's moodier moments it has action scenes — particularly a hotel room barrage of sniper fire in the pilot episode — of first rate. The series is not as taut or intense as "24" or the "Bourne" trilogy but works on the whole and when the nation seems nostalgic for cold war simplicity, this espionage drama answers the call. Action sequences — gunfire, car chases and hand-to-hand combat — but also emotional turmoils. Acceptable overall.