The TV Chick

USA Network has created many hit shows over the past couple of years. In fact, I’d say their lineup is one of the strongest on television (network or cable). They focus on shows with interesting premises, strong acting and good drama. Whatever they are doing, they are doing it right. Last year, White Collar premiered and I was instantly hooked. If you haven’t watched this show, the 2nd season premiere is tonight — what are you waiting for? The newest show to become a part of the USA Network family is Covert Affairs. I recently had the chance of visiting the set of the show and speaking with the lovely cast. I had an amazing time, but it was great because everyone was so excited about the show (including me!)

Piper Perabo plays Annie Walker, a new CIA agent who is brought into the line of duty to the Domestic Protection Division earlier than expected because of her language skills. She has an interesting past (one that is only touched upon in the premiere), a very caring sister (played by great Anne Dudek) and an ability to change her persona at the drop of a hat. Annie soon meets Auggie (played by the super talented Chris Gorham), a blind CIA agent/tech guru who takes her under his wing. A blind CIA agent is an interesting choice, but it is done in an extremely respectful way (Gorham even worked with the National Institute for the Blind) and there is no pity party going on here. He is Auggie — a charming womanizer who is a tech whiz — not blind Auggie. Their boss is Arthur Campbell (played by my favorite TV Dad Peter Gallagher), who is tough and has to deal with his equally tough CIA wife Joan (played by Keri Matchet). Let’s just say it’s not easy being in the same agency as your spouse, but it is encouraged by the CIA.

I thought the premiere was fun, action-packed and had the makings of a hit. Perabo is a great leading lady, and Gorham is a fantastic co-star. The pilot set up a lot of overarching themes and plots, and I can’t wait to see where they go. It also had Valerie Plame as a consultant and everything on the set looks very genuine. There aren’t garbage bags, there are burn bags for confidential documents. Little details like that, and the fact that the Executive Producer is Doug Liman (best known for his work on The Bourne Trilogy) makes this show feel very authentic. Granted, not everything you see on TV is going to be real, but the creative team clearly did their research and it shows.

I highly recommend Covert Affairs to anyone. It isn’t like any other spy show out there (although it’s being compared to Alias), and I predict it will have a ton of success. I certainly can’t wait to see what’s coming up next.

Be sure to tune in tonight at 10 pm to USA Network for the series premiere of Covert Affairs, which immediately follows the 2nd season premiere of White Collar.

And check out some pictures from the set of Covert Affairs: