There has been a proven source of thrills and excitement that appears immune to the vagaries of our culture; the murky and mysterious world of international espionage. Since the sixties every possible form of spy story has held an unshakable place in the imagination of audiences around the world. Usually the one in the middle of the action is a dashing, debonair man, equally at ease in a formal tuxedo or a pair of swim trunks. Sure, there have been a few occurrences of female spies working to save the day; Modesty Blaze and Emma Blaze come readily to mind although younger readers may have to ask your father or check Wikipedia for details on these references. Believe me; your dad is going to remember these women well. One of the recent entries into this field is a television series shown on the USA cable network; ‘Covert Affairs’. This is by far one of the brightest, most refreshing variations not only of the female spy but it helps redefine the espionage series in general. I was initially attracted to the show because I have been a fan of its star for awhile but such attraction would fade quickly if it weren’t for the slick writing, smart direction and, of course, exceptional acting. The network catchphrase used in their cross promotional commercials is they are the network for characters. This series goes a long way to substantiating this claim. The dhow works not because of the situations depicted; the daring missions or the usual collection of high tech gadgetry. The success of the series likes in interesting, believable characters that the audience can readily become emotionally vested in. this is vitally important to sell the sell the suspense; caring about what happens to the protagonist. The series manages to stay clear of most of the soap opera accoutrements that seem to plague most recent series. There is a touch of interpersonal entanglements necessary to fill out the characters as fully developed people but the writers never use these plot devices to carry the entire weight of the story. What you get here is an interesting show that breaks the mold and reinvents a genre. This is part of USA’s summer lineup so as this DVD of the first season is released we can prepare for the sophomore season. Several basic cable networks run fresh episodes of series intended to carry us through the summer; this is one of the better examples of what can come from this tactic.

Annie Walker is starting out on the next stage of her life as a trainee for the Central Intelligence Administration. After taken a vacation that end along with a torrid love affair Annie is ready to move her career towards an analytic desk assignment but her special skill set makes her a candidate for a career path she had not thought possible at this point in her life. Annie is recruited for the clandestine branch of the CIA; the Domestic Protection Division (DPD. This is very much a field assignment much more dangerous than the typical career path. As it turns out one of the main reasons for Annie’s rapid ascent is her ex boyfriend happens to be a target of interest. Of course even with that going for her it would be impossible to give her such an assignment if she was not proficient to work in the field. Annie is fluent in seven languages and was rated top of her class in most of the physical aspects of training including evasive driving. Right from her very first assignment Annie proves she is resourceful, ingenious and able to think her way out of most situations. This is one of the best aspects of the series. For once it is an action oriented show that is not dependent of an endless stream of mindless violence. For once a series on television expects the audience to pay attention to the story and think. In this case the importance is placed on why things happen with an emphasis on what goes on behind the scenes. Many spy vehicles depict some of what goes on in headquarters but in this show it is critical to understand the all important motivation of the characters. Annie has the suitable assistance back at home base; after all even James Bond had help in the office. Annie’s direct superior is Joan Campbel (Kari Matchett) who manages the DPD and is married to Arthur Campbell (Peter Gallagher), Director of the National Clandestine Service. Their marriage is far from trouble free; they are in counseling. This plot device offers the only persistent soap opera element to be found here. Annie’s handler is Auggie Anderson (Christopher Gorham) He is an experienced field agent who works inside after being blinded on a mission in Iraq. As Annie is plunged into a world that frequently spins out of control Auggie is the one grounding factor in her new life. To friends and family Annie all they know is her cover, working in acquisitions at the Smithsonian Museum. This affords her excellent rationale for poking into odd places in any one of a dozen countries. This story is also given to Annie’s older sister, Danielle (Anne Dudek). She is married with kids and lets Annie live in their guest house. This provides a realistic devise to help the audience further identify with Annie as a young woman face the most unreasonable challenges. The series is incredibly easy to get into, more so than most shows on the current television schedule. There is an enjoyable feel to this show that will draw you in and hold your attention.