The Agency (2001 TV series)

The Agency is an American action-spy television series that followed the inner-workings of the CIA.^[1] The series was aired on CBS from September 27, 2001 until May 17, 2003, lasting two seasons.

The series, which premiered soon after the 9/11 attacks, was created by Michael Frost Beckner and was executive produced by Beckner, Shaun Cassidy Productions, and Radiant Productions in association with Universal Network Television and CBS Productions. The program was allowed unprecedented access to the actual CIA headquarters, thanks to a partnership that began in 1996 when the CIA hired one of its veteran clandestine officers, Chase Brandon, to work directly with Hollywood studios and production companies influence its public image.^[2]

The series was controversial in its exploration of contemporary international affairs and its treatment of the ethical conflicts inherent in intelligence work. Beckner's pilot script, written in March 2001, posited a re-invented CIA tasked with a "War on Terror" after Osama bin Laden's Al Qaeda terrorist organization plots a lethal attack on the West. The pilot was to premiere at CIA headquarters on September 18, 2001, and set to air on CBS September 21, 2001.^[3] The actual 9/11 attacks convinced the network to hold the pilot and instead air a later episode.^[4] That first episode was broadcast later as the fifth episode of the first season.

In advance of the September 11 attacks, film director Wolfgang Peterson, an executive producer of The Agency, said that post-WW II, the ideas of good and evil are no longer as clear. "Everywhere in the world, the C.I.A. is still involved in missions. It is sometimes difficult to tell who is on the right side and who is on the wrong side.''^[2]

It was one of three new series, including Alias, and 24, to highlight the CIA. All three premiered following the September 11 attacks. Alias and 24 were considered hits, but CBS cancelled The Agency after two seasons.^[2][4]

In its review of the series,The Los Angeles Times noted: It’s hard to remember a time in U.S. history when public attention was more sharply focused on issues of domestic security, civil liberties and the role of U.S. intelligence agencies. A prime-time dramatic series on the CIA could contribute mightily to public understanding--if rigorously independent and unencumbered. Unfortunately, that’s not the approach CBS is taking with The Agency..." ^[5]

• Gil Bellows – Matt Callan (season 1)
• Daniel Benzali – Deputy Director Robert Quinn (episodes 14–44; recurring previously)
• Beau Bridges – Senator/Director Tom Gage (episodes 14–44)
• Rocky Carroll – Carl Reese
• David Clennon – Joshua Nankin
• Ronny Cox – Director Alex Pierce (episodes 1–10)
• Jason O'Mara – A.B. Stiles (season 2)
• Will Patton – Jackson Haisley
• Gloria Reuben – Lisa Fabrizzi (episodes 1–13, 21–22)
• Richard Speight, Jr. – Lex (season 2; recurring previously)
• Paige Turco – Terri Lowell