What I’m Watching: Covert Affairs

Covert Affairs: Season 1, Episode 5 “In the Light” (B+)

While I still stand by my original feelings about the early episodes of this show, I think it is improving. This episode packs a whole bunch of things into one, and they all work remarkably well, especially considering how disjointed this episode felt before now. High-profile guest stars most recently seen in the series finale of “24” don’t hurt, mostly due to the likely longevity of the plotlines their presences have introduced. Gregory Itzin as Jay’s father and Arthur’s predecessor certainly makes a run for worst father of the year as he looks his son right in the eye when talking about reasons for failure. Eriq la Salle’s guest spot as the veteran ex-agent unwilling to go back into the field and able to read Annie in a second was impressive and provided a nice lens through which Annie could contemplate her future. The flirtation between Jay and Annie (“Trust me, if I was asking you out on a date, you’d know it”) is working quite well, and the relationship between Auggie and Annie (“I can actually hear you frowning”) is also very entertaining. The flashbacks to Annie’s memories of her times on the beach with Ben are becoming more powerful and effective, and the timing couldn’t be better now that Ben is actively taking part in the show. Seeing him linger when he spotted Annie made for a great scene (he also helps to truly enhance the fight scenes). Annie definitely knows how to hold her liquor and does well in those kind of situations, like last week with everyone at the bar at the wedding. I flip-flop every few minutes on Piper Perabo’s worth as a lead. Her discovery that the shotgun was loaded is a point for her, while seeing her frown, despite being extremely predictable by Auggie, definitely counts as a point against her.