Watch Allegiance

Allegiance is a spy thriller television series that aired on NBC in 2015. The show follows the story of a young CIA analyst named Alex O'Connor, played by Gavin Stenhouse, who finds out that his family has connections to a Russian sleeper cell that has been activated in the United States. The show is anchored on the drama that ensues as Alex must navigate the complex web of relationships within his family while fulfilling his duties as a CIA operative.

Alex's family is composed of his father, mother, and sister, all of whom have been living in the United States for decades. However, they are revealed to be Russian sleeper agents who have been living among Americans to eventually carry out a mission for their country. Sarah O'Connor, played by Alexandra Peters, is Alex's mother and a former KGB agent who is tasked with overseeing the Russian sleeper cell. Sarah is portrayed as a strong, calculating woman who always puts the interests of her country above everything, even her own family.

Julia Marcus, played by Annie Ilonzeh, serves as the love interest of Alex and his supervisor at the CIA. Julia is shown as a tough, career-driven woman who has to balance her roles as a CIA agent and a lover to Alex. She initially struggles with keeping her personal life separate from her work, but as the series progresses, she becomes more adept at it. Julia is also one of the few people who knows about Alex's family connections, and their relationship poses unique challenges that test their loyalty and priorities.

The show primarily takes place in New York City and alternates between the O'Connor family's household and the CIA headquarters. The tension in Allegiance is built up by the secrecy surrounding the Russian sleeper cell and the lengths that the CIA and the Russian intelligence community are willing to go to protect their interests. Throughout its thirteen-episode run, the show delves deeper into the complexities of espionage, loyalty, and family.

Allegiance has an ensemble cast of talented actors who bring to life the intricate relationships between the show's characters. Gavin Stenhouse delivers a captivating portrayal of Alex, who has to constantly weigh his allegiance to his family with his sense of duty to his country. Alexandra Peters shines as Sarah, whose past as a KGB agent affects her relationships with her family and the people around her. Annie Ilonzeh's Julia is a refreshing take on the often one-dimensional female character in spy thrillers.

The show's pilot episode was directed by George Nolfi and was praised for its fast-paced, action-packed scenes that set the tone for the rest of the series. Allegiance's cinematography and score are also noteworthy, adding to the suspense and intrigue of the show.

Despite its promising start, Allegiance was cancelled after just one season due to low ratings. The show's storyline was left unresolved, which disappointed its small but dedicated fan base. However, the show has since gained a cult following and is still recommended by many fans of spy thrillers who appreciate its nuanced portrayal of the relationships between its characters.

Overall, Allegiance is a must-watch for fans of spy thrillers and anyone who enjoys a well-crafted drama. Its unique premise and well-developed characters make it stand out from other shows in the genre. Although its run was short-lived, it remains a testament to the potential of television to explore complex issues and themes in a compelling way.

Allegiance is a series that ran for 1 seasons (14 episodes) between December 21, 2024 and on NBC