In this week’s episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is torn between love and duty when taking on “The Agency.” The excellent high-stakes espionage thriller culminates its first season with a finale airing on January 24 on Paramount+ with Showtime (read our review). Based on the French series “Le Bureau des Légendes,” the show follows a CIA operative’s struggle between duty and desire. The series stars Michael Fassbender as Martian, an undercover agent called back to London Station after years in the field. Romance reawakens when the love he left behind resurfaces, sending him into a dangerous game of love vs. international intrigue. The cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Katherine Waterston, Jodie Turner-Smith, Richard Gere, and more.
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Joining the podcast are Jeffrey Wright and Katherine Waterston, who play Henry and Naomi, two key figures in the series whose layered relationships with Martian reflect the show’s balance of personal and professional stakes. Wright, who has played his share of spies and operatives, spoke about what drew him to Henry and how the series offers a grounded perspective on espionage. “Henry intrigues me because he’s a by-the-books guy,” Wright explained. “He’s a company man, but at the same time, he’s human. It’s interesting to explore what that duality does to someone—how they shut off parts of themselves while navigating this very real and recognizable world. This isn’t James Bond—as much as I love having been a part of that franchise—it’s not fantastical. We’re drawing from today’s headlines, exploring geopolitics and the challenges of the modern world.”
Wright’s upbringing in Washington, D.C., also influenced his portrayal. “I grew up observing government employees like my mom, who worked as a lawyer for U.S. Customs for over 30 years,” he shared. “That gave me respect for people doing their jobs seriously and without much pretense. Henry is one of those people.” When asked about Henry’s dynamic with Martian, Wright described a relationship shaped by their contrasting roles. “Martian returns from the field—he’s been in Ethiopia, still grimy from the work. Henry, meanwhile, is stationed in London, managing from a higher vantage point,” he said. “They’re very different men, which adds a rich texture to their interactions.”
Katherine Waterston found herself drawn to Naomi’s contradictions and the opportunity to work with such a talented ensemble. “I love when characters don’t add up,” Waterston said. “Naomi does things that might not make sense, and that’s my job—to navigate when to reveal or repress those traits. That’s what makes her exciting to play.”
She also spoke highly of her co-stars, including Michael Fassbender, whom she’s worked with twice before. “Starting with that trust [with Michael] was a gift, and then there’s the thrill of working with someone like Jeffrey, who brings so much to every scene. The whole cast was an embarrassment of riches.” Waterston particularly enjoyed Naomi’s layered relationship with Martian, which mixes reliance, tension, and misdirection. “It’s a mix of trust and threat, which makes every scene feel like great tennis,” she said. “You never know what’s coming next, but you’re ready to volley.”
Wright also touched on his experience in Gotham, expressing excitement about returning as Jim Gordon for Matt Reeves’ upcoming “The Batman 2.” “Matt’s version of Gotham is so grimy and grounded, with a wonderful realism to it,” Wright said. “It harkens back to the cinematic realism of films from the 70s, like ‘Taxi Driver.’ I can’t wait to get back to Gotham.”
Wright confirmed that there had been discussions about the “Gotham PD” spinoff, which initially included a potential storyline for Commissioner Gordon before it was shelved. “It wasn’t centered on Gordon, but he would’ve popped in and out. Things shifted behind the scenes, but I’m looking forward to seeing more of ‘The Penguin’ series.”
Waterston even reflected on her work in the ‘Alien’ franchise and the possibility of revisiting her character from “Alien: Covenant” after Director Ridley Scott said he might return to finish the trilogy that started with “Prometheus.” “Even if Daniels bit the dust in that cryo-pod, I’d love to be a part of it,” Waterston said. “Daniels was a budding hero. She was discovering what it took to rise up but didn’t really get the chance. I’d love to explore that if given the opportunity, but even if I’m not involved, I’ll be there opening weekend with popcorn.”
“The Agency” finale airs January 24 on Paramount+ with Showtime. You can listen to the full interviews with Jeffrey Wright and Katherine Waterston below.
Bingeworthy is part of The Playlist Podcast Network, which includes The Playlist Podcast, Deep Focus, The Discourse, and more. We can be heard on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Soundcloud, and most places where podcasts are found. You can stream the podcast via the embed within the article or click on the lead image at the top page. Be sure to subscribe and drop us a comment or a rating, as we greatly appreciate it. Thank you for listening.
The Playlist Presents – Jeffrey Wright & Katherine Waterston’s Film/TV Recommendation Playlist
Jeffrey Wright’s Picks:
- “The Third Man” (1949)
- “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” (1920)
Katherine Waterston’s Picks:
- “The Dream Life of Angels” (1998)
- “In the Name of the Father” (1993)
