The Thrilling First Season of 'Condor'

Even my wife, who is not typically a fan of spy shows, found herself hooked on the first season of 'Condor'. As someone who has dragged her through more subpar spy shows than I care to admit, this says something about the quality of the show. The first season is a self-contained story with a clear beginning, middle, and end, rather than being part one of an ongoing saga.

Max Irons shines as the honorable hero, Joe Turner, in what can be a thankless role in these types of shows. He's ably supported by a cast of talented actors, including Leem Lubany, who gives a standout performance as a relentless assassin. William Hurt, Mira Sorvino, and Bob Balaban all bring depth to their roles as shifty CIA officers, while Brendan Fraser adds an interesting layer to the typical heavy.

What sets 'Condor' apart is its willingness to shift focus away from the leading man and onto the supporting players. Each character gets their own moment to shine, making the show feel more like a novel than a traditional spy thriller. The pacing is well-balanced, with all the pieces falling into place at the end in a satisfying conclusion that doesn't leave you on a cliffhanger.

The show also plays with narrative expectations, taking unexpected twists and turns that keep viewers engaged. As the season builds its universe, adding layers and textures to both heroes and villains, it's clear that 'Condor' is something distinct and separate from the film that inspired it.

While some fans of the original film may find the first few episodes a bit too faithful to the source material, I settled in to watch the entire ten-episode season and was glad I did. The show's quality is undeniable, even if it doesn't always hit the mark. With its strong performances, engaging storylines, and satisfying conclusion, 'Condor' is a must-watch for fans of spy fiction.

Condor season 1