Episode 7 of The Agency opens with Samia in a dangerous position—her family’s lives are threatened if she tries to step out and visit Paul again. The tension is palpable as she shakily calls Martian, letting him know just how unsafe she feels. Martian’s response is calm but filled with a sense of urgency, promising to handle the situation. Yet, the noose around both their necks is clearly tightening. It doesn’t help that things are also rocky between Martian and his daughter Poppy, whom he warns to stay inside for her own safety. But, of course, Poppy does what any teenager would do and sneaks out anyway. It’s a relief when an agent, acting on Martian’s orders, steps in to help Poppy avoid being spotted by Beijing’s surveillance team.
The focus then shifts to the mysterious Operation Valhalla. We’re introduced to General Volchok, who’s running a mercenary group that specializes in high-stakes operations for the highest bidder. The operations range from Syria to Libya and Iraq, and these mercenaries have a terrifying reputation for war crimes. But what really struck me is how elusive they are. With troops spread across the globe and a deep sense of paranoia, they’re a near-impossible target. Henry explains that cracking Valhalla won’t be easy, and with legal issues complicating things further, it feels like the team is up against an insurmountable wall. Still, Martian is determined to find a way in, even if it means sending an “asset” into enemy territory. That asset? Alexei Orekhov, the man we’ve seen tortured earlier in the series. It’s hard not to feel for Alexei—his situation is bleak, and it seems like he’s being forced to choose between two awful options: cooperate or face a terrible fate in Belarus.
I couldn't help but feel the weight of Martian’s decisions. In a scene with Henry, Martian manages to avoid direct questions about his past with Samia, but the cracks are starting to show. There’s a sense that he’s on the edge of a breaking point—his loyalty is being tested, and his feelings for Samia might be clouding his judgment. What struck me most was the conversation between Martian and Poppy. He’s still lying to protect her, telling her everything is a drill and they’re safe. But it’s clear these lies are starting to eat at him, and I’m wondering just how long he can keep up this facade.
At the same time, Naomi is starting to question Martian’s relationship with Samia. Dr. Blake plants a seed of doubt, suggesting that Martian might be compromised, and I found myself agreeing. There’s so much history between Martian and Samia, and it’s hard to believe that doesn’t affect his actions, even if he tries to distance himself. Naomi digs deeper, finding old interviews that show a potential romantic connection between them, which feels like a big revelation. I’m fascinated by how this dynamic plays into the larger plot. Martian is playing a dangerous game, and it seems like everyone is starting to realize just how much of a personal stake he has in all of this.
Meanwhile, Danny’s subplot continues to be a wild ride. When she finds out she won’t be going to Iran, she doesn’t take no for an answer. She resorts to threatening another researcher, which was brutal but kind of a reflection of how deep she’s sinking into this world of manipulation and power games. Watching her make these choices is tough, especially knowing how much she’s been pushed by the mission. It adds a lot of complexity to her character—she’s no longer the bright-eyed researcher, but someone who’s starting to embrace the darker side of the agency.
The episode ends with Samia finally arriving at the college to meet Martian, who is ready to reveal everything. I’m not sure if she’s ready for the truth, though. I’m equally anxious and excited to see where this leads, especially since love seems to be the one thing that could unravel Martian’s entire world. But at the same time, I’m wondering if Samia is really who she says she is, or if she’s playing a larger game of her own.
As things continue to escalate, The Agency is really starting to shine. There’s a constant sense of danger that keeps me on the edge of my seat, and this episode brought that tension to a whole new level. Martian’s personal struggle with Samia is one of the most compelling parts of the show for me. Watching him try to protect those he loves while balancing his duty is heartbreaking, and I have no idea how this is going to play out.
The subplot with Danny was a bit of a gut punch for me—her actions feel almost tragic, as if she’s losing herself in the mission. The show does a great job of weaving these personal stakes into the larger, more complex plot with Valhalla and the Russian connections, keeping things dense and full of intrigue. There’s a lot of uncertainty about whether Valhalla will be brought down, but it’s definitely shaping up to be a thrilling ride.
I’ll be eagerly awaiting the next episode to see where things go from here. This has easily become one of the best thrillers on TV right now.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
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