Famous for her roles in films such as “Basic Instinct” and “Casino,” actress Sharon Stone returns to television in her first leading role as Vice President Natalie Maccabee in “Agent X” following years of numerous stints portraying supporting characters.
“Agent X,” produced by William Blake Herron of “Bourne Identity,” is very reminiscent of the popular film. Heavy on the action, the premiere follows Maccabee, who takes over the Senate seat of her late husband. She subsequently experiences a surge in political capital and prowess, before naturally assuming the position of Vice President of the United States.
It is no secret that the vice presidency is often viewed as a ritualistic position — the notion exists that Vice Presidents do not wield as much power as they are believed to and has been depicted in various television shows. However, “Agent X” speaks against this notion: according to a secret passage in the Constitution, Maccabee is tasked with protecting the nation at all costs and spearheading a secret task force that handles cases U.S. intelligence services cannot. She works alongside John Case (Jeff Hephner), otherwise known as Agent X.
“Agent X” runs like a television adaptation of the “James Bond” and “National Treasure” franchises, and fans of those films will possibly enjoy picking out similarities. Much like other TNT shows, action is an important aspect of “Agent X,” and the show delivers.
However, “Agent X” could further develop its dramatic facets. The premise, within itself, is incredibly far-fetched and even laughable, causing the drama to become lost at times. The acting is decent but could be better, as goes for the dialogue.
There are some well known and familiar faces, and the show does not need to rely on Stone’s star power; James Earl Jones portrays Chief Justice Caleb Thorne and Olga Fonda from “The Vampire Diaries” stars as Olga Petrovka, a Russian contortionist and Agent X’s fellow spy and assassin. The show makes good use of Petrovka’s contortionist skills in the action scenes, which are exciting to watch. The relationship between Maccabee and her wise and all-knowing butler turned advisor, Malcolm Millar (Gerald McRaney), is heart warming, and Hephner as Agent X is as charismatic and smooth as one would expect from a spy. However, “Agent X” is going to need more than that.
The show is very aware of its ridiculous plot line, and viewers who aren’t absorbed in the show may even expect the actors to laugh along with them. If “Agent X” wants to be taken seriously, it need not dwell so much on the plot but make use of it, and turn it on its head. If the acting and dialogue improves, the bizarreness of its premise could potentially be overlooked. “Agent X” has potential. It could be a triumphant return and a hit for Stone and the rest of the cast — that is, if creators want it to be.
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