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‘CIA’ on CBS Network
One of the most successful creators and producers in the television industry is Dick Wolf, best known for his “Law & Order” franchise about aspects of the criminal justice system that has been around in various iterations since 1990.
Working in the realm of law enforcement series, Wolf has co-created and executive produced the police procedural “FBI,” which also became a franchise with spinoffs for two additional series, “FBI: Most Wanted” and “FBI: International.”
Wait, there’s more. Wolf also co-created and executive produced the “Chicago” franchise with three series dedicated to stories about firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel based in the Windy City.
Even though at an age where most people have long retired, Dick Wolf is not slowing down. For the current television season, his latest American police procedural is “CIA” on the CBS network.
The basic premise of “CIA” is the teaming of a Central Intelligence Agency case officer with an agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, based in New York City, working together to investigate domestic threats to the United States.
According to the law, the CIA’s jurisdiction is focused on threats outside our nation’s borders, and it has no domestic law enforcement function, nor can it collect information about U.S. persons, including citizens, resident aliens, and corporations.
Given the constraints on CIA involvement on American soil, it’s interesting that CIA operative Colin Glass (Tom Ellis “Lucifer” series) comes into the picture after a crime in a New York office building wipes out workers dealing with computer systems.
The FBI is on the scene with Special Agent Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss) and others, and then Glass shows up because he’s got some mysterious connection to dealing with an apparent terrorist plot.
Unable to operate solo for an investigation, Glass needs to work with the FBI, and that’s when New York CIA deputy chief Nikki Reynard (Necar Zadegan) and FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charger Jubal Valentine (Jeremy Sisto) pick Goodman for the assignment.
To say that Goodman is not thrilled to be teamed with Glass is an understatement, mainly since Goodman recognized the CIA agent from the crime scene and had some doubts about him being trustworthy.
The feeling seems to be mutual because Glass works alone, operating without any boundaries, whereas Goodman not only looks like a “Boy Scout with a briefcase” according to Glass, but his modus operandi is to adhere strictly to the rules. They likely won’t be sharing beers after work.
The first meeting between Glass and Goodman does not get off to a good start because the CIA agent identifies himself as working for DOD and tells the FBI agent that he has “a clearance so high you need a ladder to reach it.”
FBI’s Jubal Valentine informs Goodman that he’s been selected to join an elite CIA-FBI Fusion Cell, which takes on tricky situations where the U.S. government needs to use a lighter touch with counterterrorism and diplomatic flareups.
Fair to say that Goodman doesn’t seem thrilled when he asks how long his posting will be, and Valentine can’t say but assures that his agent is honored to take on this assignment.
Arriving at the CIA’s secret location, Goodman wants to set aside their differences to work the “case,” only for Glass to tell him that it is an “op” and not a case. To the CIA, FBI’s job is just to close cases.
What happened at the New York office turned out to be a “directed energy attack” against a defense contractor involved with secret government work, and now the CIA fears that one of its assets may be involved with the theft of documents.
From this point on, the story turns on standard spy fare with the unconventional CIA agent having to get along with the by-the-book FBI agent, clashing at times on methods, even though Goodman loosens up a bit to go with his gut.
During a CBS press conference for TV critics, executive producer Mike Weiss said he did not know what CIA people would expect from the show, but one of the benefits of a CIA show is that “a lot of the activities are secret, they’re shadowy.” That’s what viewers are looking for.
There’s no doubt that “CIA” is a formulaic spy thriller, and that’s perfectly fine with the dynamic established between the uptight FBI agent being a stickler for following the rules and the roguish CIA operative as the opposite with his disdain for bureaucratic norms.
Espionage stories hold a special appeal for many. That would explain the popularity of the James Bond franchise. Showtime’s long-running drama “Homeland” focused on CIA counterterrorism. The British spy thriller “The Night Manager” is drawing interest on AMC.
That the FBI agent is tasked with finding out if there is a mole within the CIA is almost reason enough to give “CIA” the leeway to continue down the path of intrigue. This seems to be working because a second season has already been given the green light.
Tim Riley writes film and television reviews for Lake County News.