Charles B

Absolutely engaging as action proceeds on several levels involving a complex matrix of characters and issues. Reminiscent of “The Sopranos” as the crime boss can at times be a sympathetic hero such that, at times, you root against law enforcement up to and including the US FBI, DEA and CIA. The principal antagonist, spy chief Mary Spalding, is both a consummate professional and, at the same time, rife with the flaws in character (drinking on the job, casual sexual relationships, seriously bending the rules) that one typically finds assigned to a male character in a similar role. Sort of a Dirty Harry with reincarnated as a beautiful woman. The only annoyance being the dated electronic equipment (flip phones and separate GPS units) but even that doesn’t deter from the intrigue and excitement. The other constant reminder of the age of the production are the PG-13 scenes from the strip club versus the similarly staged R++ scenes from The Sopranos. The dancers in “Intelligence” seem wholesome and girl next door types. You may be inclined to give up on the show halfway through S1E1 but please don’t. This show is way too good to miss. My only disappointment is that I can’t find any more of it after the end of Season 2.