In the last few years, action-packed conspiracy thrillers that feature a rogue and charismatic hero have gained popularity on the small screen, especially Netflix’s The Night Agent, which returns to the streamer next week. For fans eagerly awaiting its return, consider checking out Condor, a two-season espionage thriller available to stream on MGM+. The show is based on the novel Six Days of the Condor by James Grady and the 1975 film Three Days of the Condor starring Robert Redford. Condor follows Joe Turner (Max Irons), a young CIA analyst who stumbles into a global conspiracy that makes him question who he can trust, all while trying to save the world.
What Is ‘Condor’ About?
Each episode title of Condor is derived from a quote about trust, loyalty, and identity from famous writers like Walt Whitman and Salman Rushdie, as well as infamous spies like Kim Philby and Aldrich Ames. This approach sets the tone for the series, as each episode pulls back another layer of a deadly conspiracy. Season 1 of Condor begins with Joe Turner being brought into the CIA after an algorithm he created helped track down a potential terrorist in Washington DC. At first, Turner is horrified because his work was never meant to be used on US citizens. However, it turns out to be helpful and stops a catastrophic biological attack in a DC stadium. As Joe investigates further, he comes across some sensitive information that leads to a massacre in his office, tragically killing 11 of his coworkers. As the sole survivor, Joe is framed for the murder and is forced to go on the run, trying to uncover the truth all while staying alive.
In a 2018 interview with Collider, star Max Irons talked about his role as Joe Turner and posed this question, “Do you submit to the system and work from within it, to try to make the change from the inside?” This question lies at the heart of his character’s journey throughout the series. What’s so refreshing about Joe as a character is his deep conscience and reverence for all life, which seems like a fundamental value, but isn’t always common when working in intelligence. Joe’s deeply-held beliefs often conflict with the morally ambiguous actions of his superiors, including Bob Partridge (William Hurt), his uncle and the high-ranking CIA operative who recruited him.
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Like ‘The Night Agent,’ ‘Condor’ Benefits From Compelling Performances
Max Irons brings an incredible depth and vulnerability to the role of Joe Turner in Condor, even when he’s literally running — which he does a lot in this series. Irons doesn’t play Joe as a stereotypical tough guy who knows how to fight and shoot like a field agent. Instead, he skillfully finds the nuance in the imperfect man who is also a smart and capable analyst simply out of his depth. It’s this distinction that makes Joe Turner such a relatable character and begs the question of why we don’t see more of Max Irons on television.
Alongside Irons, Condor features some standout performances, particularly from Hurt, who brings complexity to a morally gray character who ultimately loves his nephew above all else. Mira Sorvino and Bob Balaban deftly play a pair of shady CIA officers in Marty Frost and Rueel Abbott. A particularly chilling performance is given by Brendan Fraser as Nathan Fowler, a multilayered villain driven by his own trauma and hatred. Lesser known, but equally excellent performances, come from Leem Lubany as a ruthless assassin also dealing with a dark past, and Christina Moses as a member of the task force hunting Joe who also has an emotional connection to the murders.
Both Condor and The Night Agent excel at keeping viewers on edge with relentless twists and turns, exploring themes of betrayal, conspiracy and the toll it takes on a person who works in intelligence. Compared to The Night Agent, Condor is a grittier take on the spy thriller, with a darker tone and a focus on the human cost of espionage. Thanks to a brilliant cast, smart writing and a thought-provoking narrative, Condor will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Both seasons of Condor are available to stream on MGM+.
Condor
- Release Date
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June 6, 2018
- Finale Year
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November 30, 2019
- Cast
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Max Irons
, Kristen Hager
, Bob Balaban
, Sam McCarthy
, William Hurt
, Constance Zimmer
, Leem Lubany
, Alexei Bondar
, Angel Bonanni
, Isidora Goreshter
, Mira Sorvino
, Toby Leonard Moore
, Jonathan Kells Phillips
, Rose Rollins
, Rita Volk
, McKale Thompson
, Greg Bryk
, Blake Talabis
, Noam Jenkins
, Lara Jean Chorostecki - Seasons
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2
WATCH ON MGM+
