USA Network has unveiled a trailer for its upcoming new series, Covert Affairs, and it looks to be another keeper. (To see trailer, click here.) The series, which centers around Annie Walker, a CIA trainee who’s suddenly promoted to field agent, doesn’t premiere until July, but I’m already in and here’s why:
1. The cast. Even before this trailer popped up, I was intrigued by the casting. Piper Perabo — you still root for the Coyote Ugly girl, admit it! — plays Annie. Eion Bailey is her mysterious ex-boyfriend, who may have something to do with her sudden promotion. Bailey’s been in completely respectable shows like ER and HBO’s Band of Brothers, but I still remember him as Jen’s ex on Dawson’s Creek. Christopher Gorham, who charmed on Ugly Betty, is Annie’s guide through the world of the CIA. Annie’s sister is played by serial guest star Anne Dudek (Mad Men, House, Big Love, every show ever). And it just keeps getting better with Peter Gallagher (The O.C.) and Kari Matchett (24) as Annie’s CIA bosses, who also happen to be husband and wife.
2. A female heroine. After one boys-centered series after another (Burn Notice, Royal Pains, White Collar), not that I don’t enjoy them, and the lackluster The Starter Wife, I’ve been hoping USA would develop another female-driven show.
3. It looks like Alias-lite. And I mean that as a compliment. The trailer doesn’t look quite as serious and complicated as Alias, but it’s not as comedic and silly as Chuck can sometimes be either. Take Alias before it got lost in the impenetrable Rambaldi mythology, add some characters approved, breezy humor and you’ve got what appears to be a happy medium. Perabo even bares a slight resemblance to Jennifer Garner in her early Sydney Bristow years with her square jaw, pouty lips and all-American girl looks.
4. Gorham plays a blind tech ops expert. You totally want to see how well he pulls that off.
5. It’s USA. I’m a fan of their character-meets-procedural-with-a-dash-of big-picture lineup, so it looks like I’ll have another show to add to my already busy TV viewing schedule.
PopWatchers, are you looking forward to Covert Affairs? How much do you love this cast?
Don’t forget the genuinely entertaining In Plain Sight in your discussion of USA Network heroines.
absolutely Kyle! My fave show right after Burn Notice!
I was going to say, ummm isn’t “In Plain Sight” female led?
I liked this show when ABC did it and called it Alias.
I didn’t mind the Rambaldi heavy mythology all that much. Always was excited when some big revelation took place…although this looks solid…I still miss me some Sydney and Sloan.
Like Kyle, I kept waiting for the “In Plain Sight” shout-out (I’m assuming that’s the “other” female usa show you refer to).
Love the IPS and I’ll definitely try this one out. LOVE Kari Matchett.
I’m just happy to have my regular Christopher Gorham fix back. I’m still missing him from Jake 2.0 (Chuck, before Chuck) back when he was with the NSA.
Exactly! So of course he can “pull it off”
Awesome. Female lead, USA’s solid track record and the CIA equal a must-watch.
“White Collar” is like one of the best shows ever.
I’m in! I will follow Peter Gallagher’s eyebrows anywhere!
USA Network is just the best! Have yet to come across a show of theirs that I haven’t liked. Favourites are In Plain Sight (female lead, btw) and Psych! Definitely looking forward to this. I’m in!
When it comes to the USA Network, you have to go in thinking the show’s going to be good. I try every new show they deliver now and I haven’t been disappointed in a couple years. I will be watching.
My two favorite USA shows, Psych and In Plain Sight, were totally missing from this article! *sigh*
but yes, I am also looking forward to this show premiering!
Looks good…and the Sand-man is back. Sandy Cohen *cough cough* I mean Peter Gallagher back on a TV series. Good to see.
Sold! I can’t wait to see it. I love Burn Notice and I LOVED Alias. I agree that we needed a more “female”-centered action show. I can’t wait!!!
In as well. USA can do no wrong in my eyes. I’ll never get enough of Burn Notice and Psych!
If Christopher Gorham is there, so am I.
Absolutely *killer* cast. If there was a clincher, it’d be Dudek, but Perabo is charming as all get out. It should pair amazingly well with White Collar.