Dick Wolf’s Newest Thriller Reverses Its Core Premise After Just 16 Episodes

Warning! Spoilers ahead for CIA season 2.When CIA premiered, its core premise was FBI agent Bill Goodman, the fish-out-of-water, getting assigned to a joint task force with CIA agent “never plays by the rules” Colin Glass. CIA was a spy show, but it was also an odd-couple buddy comedy that veered away from Dick Wolf's tried-and-true ensemble-drama formula, making the first season a delightful watch (despite a few minor issues). However, CIA season 2 has already reversed that core premise just 16 episodes in, which is far too early for that sort of thing.

CIA’s second season started strong with an FBI crossover, but now it seems to be suffering a bit of an identity crisis — or at least the two main characters are. The Colin and Bill of season 1 have all but disappeared, leaving characters in their place that aren’t nearly as much fun. It’s a confusing switch-up for the series’ sophomore season, and it has not only changed the core premise but promises to change the future of the show as well.

CIA Reverses Colin & BIll's Roles In Season 2

In CIA season 1, Colin was deep undercover, playing the role of a partner and potential father to his oblivious asset and her son. He was fine breaking some rules, and he preferred to do things his own way. He was also witty and sarcastic, and the perfect foil for Bill. Bill, on the other hand, came into the task force as a more reserved counterpoint who didn’t approve of doing things other than by the book. He had a normal, boring home life, including a (real) fiancée. His stability versus Colin’s chaos worked like a charm.

Bill admittedly loosened up over the course of season 1, but when season 2 premiered, Bill seemed like a different character entirely. He was darker and more inclined to break the rules; he’s barely given any pushback this season when it comes to things that might not be 100% regulation. That could be due to his grief over his father’s death and the discovery that his father worked for the CIA — he’s definitely less focused on the job as he searches for clues about his father’s past. However, it’s a pretty stark reversal, even for grief.

Meanwhile, Colin is far less chaotic and amusing. In fact, he’s seemingly almost forgotten how to do this spy thing, given that in season 2, episode 4, he barely managed to pull off his cover as a psychiatrist. He did such a poor job hiding that he was a spy that his date (asset) clearly grew suspicious by the end of the evening. He still does things his own way, but he seems more okay with following the rules, too. Colin is a shadow of who he was in season 1.

Colin’s personality changes could be chalked up to Toni's return, since it hit him so hard. However, the show hasn’t really linked Toni’s return to anything happening in Colin’s life. Toni has been underutilized so far this season, with Colin not even having contact with her really until episode 3.

What Colin & Bill's Revamped Roles Mean For CIA's Future

It’s difficult to tell what Colin and Bill’s revamped roles might mean for CIA’s future. Right now, Bill's changes could blow up his home life with his fiancée, who’s upset he's keeping secrets from her. Plus, if he shares anything he learns about his father’s time in the CIA with his mother, that’s a whole new can of worms. On the job, he might get better at this spy thing, but it also seems like he’ll keep going down the path of letting go of the rules.

Colin’s new demeanor seems to be leading him into a toxic relationship with Toni—and since it’s still unclear where her loyalties lie, that could lead to trouble for him at his job. His sudden lack of spy skills will likely land him in more dangerous situations, which could be good for the show, as it would add more excitement, but personally be bad for him.

CIA’s future is unclear, since it has turned its characters on their heads. Currently, season 2 isn’t as good as season 1, and while the changes in Colin and Bill’s personalities might help things along eventually, they’re a hindrance right now.