A surge of spy shows is tackling the emotional turmoil faced by spies as much as the high-stakes espionage missions. Series like “The Agency,” “Black Doves,” and “Slow Horses” are exploring the human conflicts that arise from living a double life, where work and personal identity become blurred.
These shows are not just about espionage; they’re relationship dramas set in the world of spies. “I would call it a relationship drama that takes place in the world of espionage rather than a full-on spy show,” said Joe Barton, writer and creator of “Black Doves.”
In “The Agency,” Martin (Keira Knightley) works for an espionage-for-hire organization, assigned to cozy up to a rising politician. She falls in love with a sexy civil servant, but his murder raises questions about loyalty, identity, and the human toll of subterfuge.
Similarly, “Slow Horses” follows a team of British spy rejects who must navigate their identities after being consigned to dirty jobs. A former agent struggles with dementia, forcing him to confront his true self in the process.
These shows highlight the push-pull between public and private selves, transparency and obfuscation, in society today. “It’s about how we present ourselves in different forums and what we’re hiding, what we’re covering up,” said Joe Wright, showrunner of “The Agency.”
As the line between work and life becomes increasingly blurred, these spy dramas are tackling the emotional consequences of living a double life. By exploring the human conflicts that arise from espionage, these shows offer a fresh perspective on the genre, one that’s more focused on character development and relationships than high-stakes action.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/04/arts/television/the-agency-black-doves-the-day-of-the-jackal.html