What is Martian struggling with in The Agency? Explained
By The Agency episode 9, Martian has to face several challenges that will test his resilience. His cover identity as "Paul Lewis" is compromised by Osman, a Sudanese intelligence agent, whose pursuit jeopardizes his operations and family. Osman's closeness to Martian's daughter, Poppy, heightens his fears.
Martian's troubles deepen as he fails in a bid to recruit Dr. Samia Zahir, and she leaves, leaving him to make amends for the emotional wreckage. Meanwhile, his bosses, Henry Ogletree (Jeffrey Wright) and James Bradley (Richard Gere), question his decisions, weakening his position within the agency.
On top of that, the mission to rescue the captured agent, Coyote, continues to be filled with high-stakes complications.
The spy thriller The Agency made its premiere on November 29, 2024, on Paramount+ with Showtime, promising a new take on the genre by approaching the realities of espionage rather than high-octane action. Adapted from the French series Le Bureau des Légendes, it explores grey areas that intelligence agents must navigate daily within today's complicated geopolitical world.
As The Agency comes to its season finale with episode 10, Overtaken by Events, the intertwined arcs of Martian and other key characters reach critical junctures.
Martian’s professional life collides with personal relationships in The Agency
Martian’s professional life and personal relationships collide repeatedly throughout The Agency, as his duties as a CIA operative bring significant challenges from the start of the series. In episode 1, The Bends, Martian returns to London after a six-year undercover mission in Ethiopia, where he operated as Paul Lewis.
He attempts to reconnect with his estranged daughter, Poppy, while being briefed on the disappearance of Coyote, a captured CIA operative whose predicament threatens covert operations. In episode 2, Wooden Duck, the CIA decides to compromise Martian’s cover to aid in locating Coyote, bringing unforeseen consequences.
This jeopardizes his relationship with Dr. Samia Zahir, whom he had grown close to during his mission. Martian struggles with the agency’s decision and understanding the national security implications.
Episode 3, Hawk from a Handsaw, shows Martian analyzing Coyote’s operational patterns while his relationship with Poppy grows strained as she begins uncovering aspects of his covert identity. A psychological evaluation questions Martian’s ability to balance his dual lives effectively.
In episode 4, Quarterback Blitz, Martian risks exposing himself further by targeting KGB operative Mikhail during a diplomatic meeting in London to gather intelligence on Coyote. By episode 5, Rat Trap, Osman, a Sudanese intelligence agent, grows suspicious of Martian’s Paul Lewis persona.
Martian endures a staged beating to maintain his cover. Meanwhile, CIA recruit Daniela completes a simulated abduction test.
In episode 6, Spy for Sale, Martian uncovers an online auction suggesting Coyote is alive but held by the Russian mercenary group Valhalla. The stakes rise further as Martian learns he is under surveillance by Chinese agents collaborating with Osman. Episode 7, Hard Landing, sees Martian proposing Samia’s recruitment as a CIA asset, despite personal ties.
This leads to revealing his true identity, threatening their relationship. In episode 8, Truth Will Set You Free, Samia feels betrayed by Martian’s deception and leaves London, intensifying his isolation. Internal agency tensions rise as his judgment is questioned.
Finally, in episode 9, The Rubicon, Martian confronts Osman, who accuses him of endangering Samia. The episode ends with a disturbing video of Samia, highlighting the personal and professional conflicts Martian faces.
Through the series, Martian’s journey highlights the toll of espionage, where professional duties and personal ties are in constant conflict.
Read more: How does Sami Zahir influence Martian's actions in The Agency?
Stream the latest episodes of The Agency on on Paramount+ with Showtime.
