Ep 8. What Is and What Should Never Be

Annie Walker, a young CIA trainee, is assigned to a new mission in "What Is and What Should Never Be," the eighth episode of Covert Affairs' first season. She is enlisted to attend a gala event as another agent's date, posing as a rich and flirtatious young woman, in order to steal information from a prominent businessman. Annie's uneasy feelings about the security of her mission and the trust she has in her colleagues only escalate when she recognizes the businessman's daughter from her own past.

As Annie continues to work her cover, she must navigate not only the emotional turmoil of reliving old memories but also the unexpected complications that arise from a previously unknown connection to the target's family. The tension of the situation is heightened by the stakes of the operation: the information Annie is meant to obtain is crucial to a mission designed to stop a terrorist attack before it can be carried out.

As the night progresses, Annie becomes increasingly unsure of whose side she is on and wonders if the CIA's interests ultimately align with her own. As the clock ticks down to the operation's deadline, she must decide if she can trust her colleagues and their motives, or if she must follow her own moral compass to do what she believes is right.

Throughout the episode, the theme of deception and self-deception is explored in depth. Annie finds herself grappling with the reality of her own choices and the mask she is required to wear in order to succeed in her job, as well as the truth behind the situations and people surrounding her. The tension builds to a dramatic climax as Annie, caught between her mission and her conscience, must make a fateful decision that will have far-reaching consequences.

"What Is and What Should Never Be" is a thought-provoking and suspenseful episode of Covert Affairs that explores the complexities of moral ambiguity, loyalty, and trust. It highlights the multifaceted nature of espionage work and the ways in which personal relationships can shape the course of international affairs. Fans of spy thrillers and psychological dramas will find much to enjoy in this engaging installment of the popular series.