The Assets

Watch The Assets

  • 2014
  • 1 Season
  • 7.4  (2,391)

The Assets is a thrilling espionage drama based on the real-life exploits of the CIA's counterintelligence unit during the Cold War. The show, which aired on ABC in 2014, stars Paul Rhys as the enigmatic spy Aldrich Ames, whose betrayal of American secrets to the Soviet Union in the late 1980s and early 1990s shook the agency to its core.

The story is told from the perspective of the agency's most skilled case officer, Sandy Grimes (Jodie Whittaker), who leads a team of agents in a desperate race to uncover the mole within their ranks before he can do irreparable damage to national security. As Sandy and her team follow a series of tantalizing leads across multiple continents, they must also grapple with the personal toll that working in the shadowy world of espionage exacts on their relationships and psyches.

One of the most striking aspects of The Assets is its meticulous attention to historical detail. The show draws heavily on real-life incidents and figures, from the Iran-Contra scandal to the infamous "Year of the Spy," which saw a wave of high-profile espionage cases rock the CIA. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Rhys bringing a chilling intensity to the role of Ames and Whittaker infusing Sandy with a fierce intelligence and steely determination.

The supporting cast is no less impressive, with Harriet Walter turning in a masterful performance as Jeanne Vertefeuille, a veteran CIA officer whose dogged pursuit of the traitor within their midst forms the backbone of the show. Julian Ovenden, Ralph Brown, and Christina Cole also shine in their respective roles, injecting their characters with a sense of urgency and desperation that propels the plot forward.

At its core, The Assets is a show about the personal and professional costs of espionage. It grapples with weighty themes like loyalty, betrayal, and the insidious lure of ideological extremism, all while delivering heart-pounding action and edge-of-your-seat suspense. While it may not have been a ratings juggernaut during its initial run, fans of spy thrillers and historical dramas alike are sure to find much to enjoy in this gripping series.

The Assets is a series that ran for 1 seasons (9 episodes) between January 2, 2014 and on ABC

The Assets
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Seasons
The Spycatchers: The True Story Behind The Assets
9. The Spycatchers: The True Story Behind The Assets
 
Get the scoop on the real Aldrich Ames, the spy who sold U.S. secrets to the Soviets, in this profile of the true story behind the drama "The Assets."
Avenger
8. Avenger
August 3, 2014
In the series finale, despite the task force being fully convinced of Ames' guilt, Sandy seeks more definitive proof to convince the Justice Department to proceed with their own investigation.
The Straw Poll
7. The Straw Poll
August 3, 2014
Sandy becomes convinced Ames is the cause of the assets' compromise.
Small Useless Truth
6. Small Useless Truth
July 27, 2014
Jeanne and Sandy continue clashing as Sandy conducts her review of the agency's spycraft.
Check Mate
5. Check Mate
July 5, 2014
Sandy reviews the agency's spycraft. Ames request to transfer to Rome is approved.
What's Done is Done
4. What's Done is Done
June 28, 2014
The Soviet's are putting the pressure on Ames to get further information.
Trip to Vienna
3. Trip to Vienna
June 21, 2014
After Yurchenko's unexpected revelation, the CIA and FBI bring the brilliant Edward Lee Howard to justice. Despite blaming Howard as the mole, Sandy remains concerned about potential agency leaks.
Jewel in the Crown
2. Jewel in the Crown
January 9, 2014
The CIA is thrilled when Vitaly Yurchenko, a high-ranking KGB officer, defects to the US. Meanwhile, Yurchenko reveals he knows the identity of a mole in the CIA.
My Name Is Aldrich Ames
1. My Name Is Aldrich Ames
January 2, 2014
CIA officer Sandy Grimes' investigates a meeting with a valuable asset that went awry. Her investigation of the situation reveals more than she expected.
Description
Where to Watch The Assets
The Assets is available for streaming on the ABC website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch The Assets on demand at Amazon, Vudu, Google Play and Apple TV.
  • Premiere Date
    January 2, 2014
  • IMDB Rating
    7.4  (2,391)
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