True Lies Season 1 Episode 11 Review: Unfamiliar Partnerships

On the cusp of a cancellation announcement, True Lies catches glimpses of the show it could have been with more refinement.

True Lies Season 1 Episode 11, “Unfamiliar Partnerships,” offers a Bond villain moment for the Omega Sector team as they reunite with a dangerous ex-agent.

Tucker may come off as a mustache-twirling baddie at times, but his presence elevates the show’s darker drama capabilities.

True Lies decides to change its stiff format and reveal Tucker’s double agent agenda at the beginning of the episode, forcing us to begin this mission from a new perspective.

Arguably, the option to keep that detail a secret and reveal it to us with Harry would have a bigger emotional payoff. This show isn’t the best at reveals with big payoffs, so throwing the audience off-balance early is a calculated choice.

From there, Tucker works particularly well as an aggressive Trojan horse, infiltrating Omega as a friendly face and reckless co-worker.

He doesn’t show his hand to Harry early. That commitment to the double agent rouse works in the episode’s favor, effectively straining tensions between Gib and Harry as Tucker cozies up to the team.

Tucker’s presence also requires Omega Sector to flesh out its history more.

Much of the dialogue centers around Tucker, Gib, and Harry’s first years as fresh-faced recruits, unveiling vague but significant lore about the agency.

The dueling egos of Tucker lording his hero complex over Harry and Harry using his friend’s act of heroism as an excuse for his actions creates a compelling dynamic that often pierces Gib’s rationale. 

That showdown between Harry and Tucker feels like it has real stakes as the two face off. For the first time, the sweat, the urgency, and the choreographed moves feel like they could lead to a life-or-death situation for the team.

If the series had continued, Tucker’s energy would have been a valuable asset as a recurring antagonist to the Taskers.

There are moments during this latest installment where the actors experiment with the dialogue in unexpected ways.

Ginger Gonzaga chooses to go the comedic route, landing some stellar one-liners with her delivery. Whether declaring herself Harry’s caretaker or charging into battle because Tucker used all her towels, Helen carries the comedy effortlessly.

Tucker’s presence also forces Gib to dig deep and deliver his usual stiff orders from a much more temperamental place.

His simmering rage not only gives this episode an edge but also offers a more in-depth look at who the team’s man in the van is. As a sore spot for the season, it is rewarding to see True Lies attempt to give Gib a heavier plot to work through here.

Much like every True Lies episode, there is plenty that works and plenty that does not.

Henry learning to share in his victories is a compelling storyline that utilizes the Tasker’s family and spy personas together.

However, as much as I have enjoyed Maria and Luther’s partnership, having Luther set boundaries with Maria now feels repetitive. Their pining has slowly evolved into a great arc, so to see the episode circle back around to old issues feels redundant.

Given its one-dimensional storytelling and character work, I can’t say I’ll mourn True Lies after its cancellation. However, it is unfortunate to see it begin to show signs of longevity in the final stretch. This show had such promise; unfortunately, it never fully capitalized on the weekly mission format.

—

What did you think of this episode of True Lies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

The series finale of True Lies airs Wednesday, May 17 at 10/9c on CBS.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Ghosts: Danielle Pinnock Opens Up About Alberta’s Journey and Paying Homage to Viola Davis [Interview]