The Agency Episode 10 Review: I'm Scared For Martian After The Action-Packed Finale's Game-Changing Decision

Warning: This article contains SPOILERS for The Agency episode 10

The Agency season 1 has come to an end. Having now finished all ten episodes of Michael Fassbender’s spy series, I have to say that this is a show that definitely grew on me. The Agency started out slower than I was expecting it to, and while I did not instantly connect with its characters as I hoped would be the case, I came to care about all the members of Martian’s team as the season went on. Thankfully, the season 1 finale gave them all the perfect resolution to their storylines while also setting up season 2.

Release Date: November 29, 2024
Network: Paramount+ with Showtime

Last week, The Agency episode 9 set the scene for the bombshell finale. Martian flipped a Valhalla officer and that led to the CIA’s operation to retrieve Coyote finally getting a major win. Danny also caught a flight to Tehran, completing the first leg of her mission. However, the moment that most intrigued me was Martian’s decision not to betray his agency to save Samia. I thought he did the right thing, even though he loved her. That said, while Samia’s fate appeared to have been sealed, the finale revealed that was not the case at all.

Michal Fassbender’s Martian Makes A Decision He Can’t Come Back From

The Agency Season 2 Will Feel Like A Whole New Show

The Agency‘s season 1 finale had a couple of major storylines to follow. Fassbender’s Martian flash-forwards were finally explained and the answer to the question I had waited to be revealed throughout the season was not at all what I expected it to be. Hugh Bonneville’s James Richardson was the character interviewing Martian in his hospital bed. Before that, the episode focused on just how much Martian really loved Samia. I thought Fassbender’s character had realized he could not let his feelings for her cloud his judgment in the last episode, but I was wrong.

It was interesting to see how the character went to great lengths to find a way to get Samia to safety, making moves that will fundamentally change the show…

The Agency‘s season finale story for Martian was almost all about his decision not to reveal CIA secrets to Osman in exchange for Samia’s safe return to London. I was shocked when Martian denied Osman’s request even though it meant Samia would die. However, episode 10 revealed that Fassbender’s spy could not live with that decision. It was interesting to see how the character went to great lengths to find a way to get Samia to safety, making moves that will fundamentally change the show, and it all goes back to Hugh Bonneville’s British agent, the calculating James Richardson.

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Martian tries to strike a deal with Richardson to become his mole in the CIA in return for Samia’s safety. After having said no to Osman’s demands in episode 9, Martian’s decision showed just how desperate he was. I have to praise Fassbender’s acting. Richardson leaves after pretending he is helping Martian, and Fassbender delivers a devastating performance without saying a word as Martian breaks down in fear of Samia’s fate. Later, Richardson is responsible for Martian’s accident, all a ruse to set up the conversation seen in the season’s flash-forwards, with Martian shockingly becoming a mole.

The CIA Gets Coyote Back & Felix’s Goal Is Accomplished

The Events Lead To The Agency’s Most Action-Packed Episode

Keeping most of its effective action scenes for the end of the season as a way to pay off the storylines that were built up before was the perfect choice. Getting Coyote back was the CIA’s biggest mission, and I was glad to see it had a happy ending, all while roping the characters from Felix into the action. Before suffering a motorcycle accident (caused by Richardson), Martian made moves that helped the CIA. He got Owen into the room to assist in the Coyote extraction and adjusted plans for the kill zone.

If there is one complaint I can make about the finale, it is related to Volchok.

I loved that The Agency‘s finale had a good balance of calculated moves and unexpected events. This kept things fresh, as it became hard to pinpoint where things were headed. If there is one complaint I can make about the finale, it’s related to Volchok. The Valhalla boss had been built up throughout the season as a master strategist and a frightening figure. However, I thought he was killed rather easily. I understand he was betrayed by someone from his inner circle, but I expected more from Volchok in the finale.

Aside from that, I thought it all played out perfectly. Felix’s mission ended up being completed alongside Coyote’s rescue, and I was happy to see that Charlie got home safe. It sure was bittersweet to see Martian receive a hero’s welcome after his accident, as his CIA peers celebrated his role in retrieving Coyote, while he has now become a mole for the British. That is the storyline that makes me wish season 2 was ready to be released. When The Agency returns, I will also be excited to follow Danny’s mission now that she has arrived in Tehran.

All episodes of The Agency season 1 are now available on Paramount+ with Showtime.