Spy Thriller “The Agency” Falls Short of French Original

The French spy thriller series, The Bureau, which aired from 2015 to 2020, has been remade for American audiences as The Agency, now available for streaming on Paramount+. Viewers will find a lot to appreciate in the show, especially Michael Fassbender’s powerful and vulnerable portrayal of CIA operative Martian, who comes back to London after a long undercover mission in Ethiopia, still holding onto feelings for a woman he met there.

However, when compared to the original French version, The Agency seems to lack that special something. The unique tone and storyline of the original, rooted in French culture and history, don’t quite translate to the American adaptation. The adaptation closely follows the French scripts in the first few episodes, even directly translating some dialogues, which gives it a bit of an undercover vibe.

One of the key charms of The Bureau was that it was not your typical American or British spy show. The focus on the French foreign intelligence agency, DGSE, provided a fresh perspective on the world of espionage. The Agency, on the other hand, seems to struggle with maintaining that distinct French essence while appealing to American viewers. The show incorporates high-octane action sequences into the storyline, deviating from the more subtle approach of the original.

The visual aesthetics of The Agency also gravitate towards a more polished and glamorous look, with stunning settings and attractive characters, as opposed to the practical and authentic feel of the Bureau. The differences are noticeable in the working environments of the two intelligence agencies – from the sleek London office in The Agency to the humble Parisian setting in The Bureau.

Overall, while The Agency tries to capture the essence of the French original, it falls short in staying true to its roots. Viewers who enjoyed The Bureau for its unique storytelling and cultural backdrop may find The Agency lacking that special charm. The show drops new episodes weekly on Paramount+, starting from November 29th.