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After season 1's stellar success, becoming one of Netflix's Top 10 most-watched TV shows of all time, it's no surprise The Night Agent season 2 was greenlit. The thriller is based on Matthew Quirk's standalone novel of the same name, focusing on FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) who protects former tech CEO Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) while hunting for a mole in the White House. The Night Agent season 1 ended after adapting the original novel, leaving showrunner Shawn Ryan and team to take the reins for the story going into season 2.
The Night Agent is a suspenseful thriller in which a dedicated FBI agent becomes embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy after answering an emergency line call. Set against the backdrop of political intrigue, the agent uncovers a mole within the White House, posing significant risks to national security.
Release Date March 23, 2023
Character(s) FBI Director Willett , Cynthia Hawkins , Cisco , Peter Sutherland , Marine Corps Guard #1 , Mark Hale , Rose Larkin , Kelsey Snow , 13-Year-Old Maddie , Eli , Trooper Korman , Agent Carlson , Factory Owner , Chester , Bearded Worker , Sheriff Thomas , Zookeeper , Andrew , Male Patron , Marine #5 , Sarah Redfield , Chelsea Arrington , Maddie Redfield , Ellen , Dale
Creator(s) Shawn Ryan
Seasons 2
Story By Matthew Quirk
Showrunner Shawn Ryan
Taking place ten months after the events of season 1, The Night Agent season 2 sees Peter on his first Night Action assignment in Bangkok, tailing a potential FBI leaker. However, the mission goes awry just before he can get any answers, prompting him to go dark, even from the US government. One month later, Rose gets a mysterious call about where Peter is, prompting her to find him. Despite the Agent's wishes to keep her safe, the pair team up once more to investigate what happened in Bangkok, and its connection to a wider conspiracy full of familiar intensity.
The Night Agent's Action & Characters Continue To Be Its Strongest Assets
The Show Excels At Introducing Empathetic Faces
Just like season 1, The Night Agent's intense and action-packed scenes are the biggest highlight as Peter and Rose work to unravel a new conspiracy. There are moments where Peter is forced to fight, while others showcase the pair trying to escape from odds not in their favor. Rose is given much more to do this time around as well, since their time apart has given her a more specified skill she helpfully employs throughout the series. It makes their dynamic seem on equal footing this time around, showcasing how complimentary they are working together.
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The duo are joined by plenty of new faces as well, all of whom have some important role to play in the investigation. One important face is Peter's Night Action handler, Catherine (Amanda Warren), whose no-nonsense attitude is influenced by the Sutherland family's past. Another is Noor (Arienne Mandi), a worker at the Iranian mission to the United Nations, whose knowledge of important goings-on becomes an important asset as the episodes progress. The Night Agent cast expands in interesting ways with them, alongside other characters with key roles in the conspiracy.
But Peter and Rose also get plenty of time to shine, with their dynamics morphing and shifting as new challenges come their way. While this particular case is less complex and espionage-heavy contrasted with season 1's, it still requires them both to make some difficult decisions throughout. This leads to an interesting storyline with Rose at the center, as her assistance leads her to question aspects of the mission, driving a deeper story for her in the process. Other character stories permeate as well, revealing a multi-viewpoint scope similar to season 1.
A Less Engaging Story Is Balanced By Its Positive Elements
Season 2's Supposed Grand Scope Sometimes Gets Lost In Smaller Focuses
However, season 2 does have one major flaw, with the story not being as engaging as season 1's. While Peter and Rose are still trying to stop a dangerous conspiracy from unfolding, much of their investigation is sequestered to New York City. This makes the entire investigation feel small, something that isn't reflected by the expectations of the story. While it presents itself as having implications larger than the Big Apple, the scale isn't fully illustrated until much later into the season.
Luckily, the intense confrontations and twisted road Peter, Rose, and their allies follow does maintain interest, even if the story surrounding said interest has some shaky presentation.
Although this story decision gets clarified by the end, the series focusing on the same few major locations throughout makes it feel too circular in comparison to season 1. Giving the follow-up a different feel from its predecessor is commendable, but it also dampens the level of intrigue when compared to the previous conspiracy. Luckily, the intense confrontations and twisted road Peter, Rose, and their allies follow does maintain interest, even if the surrounding story has some shaky presentation.
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Despite some story presentation issues, The Night Agent season 2 is still a serviceable follow-up to season 1. Peter and Rose continue to be a perfect pairing, while new characters compliment their mission in both helpful and adversarial roles. This makes for plenty of thrilling scenes on par with season 1, with another complex story that makes for an entertaining installment in the growing series. With The Night Agent season 3 already confirmed, it seems the show will continue to provide plenty of original stories while maintaining the important elements of the original.
All 10 episodes of The Night Agent season 2 are now streaming on Netflix.
Pros
- Intriguing original storyline maintains the show's thrilling aspects.
- Characters new and old bolster the show, with a deeper focus on Rose.
- Peter and Rose's teamwork continues to entertain.
Cons
- Narrow focus makes large-scale dangers feel small and the story less engaging than season 1.
English (US) ·