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Chris O'Donnell in "The Company"
courtesy of TNT
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"The Company" (TNT)
TNT has had quite a summer with its new original series "Heart Land" and "Saving Grace". They have joined ranks with "The Closer" to make this one of the most popular cable channels around. Now TNT shows that it can also provide quality original movies with its production of "The Company," a six hour mini series based on Robert Littell's historical novel about the CIA.
The mini-series is shown over a span of three nights in order to capture the full evolution of this important agency and its impact on American history. Chris O'Donnell, Alfred Molina and Michael Keaton head the impressive cast list and each of these three actors is at the top of his game.
O'Donnell stars as Jack McAuliffe, a Yale graduate who is offered a career with the CIA. His friend Leo Kritsky (Alessandro Nivola) is also sought out. These two men have been roommates and are also best friends. A third friend and classmate, Yevgeny Tsipin (Rory Cochrane) returns to Russia, his native country, and becomes a spy for the KGB.
James Angleton (Keaton) is a counter-intelligence specialist for the CIA, while Harvey Torriti (Molina) is a CIA field operative. Jack works for and with both of these men. The first episode concerns the early Cold War years when the Berlin Wall existed and Germany was a hotbed of spies. Jack is caught in the middle of all types of espionage adventures, one of which causes him to meet his true love Lilli (Alexandra Maria Lara). His relationship with her colors his actions for the rest of his career.
The second episode focuses on the Hungarian Revolution and the Bay of Pigs debacle. The third is a look at the end of the Cold War and the outcome of Jack's career. It is necessary to watch all three episodes in order because each one builds upon information provided in the earlier one(s).
Each episode gets better, with the first one being an introduction to all the characters, the second being the most action driven, and the third being the one that wraps everything up. The actors excel in their roles with Keaton and Molina delivering Emmy worthy performances and O'Donnell dong some of his best work ever. The supporting cast is solid and the fact so many of the actors are unknowns adds to the believability of the characters.
This is a mini-series that is definitely worth watching. Mark your calendar and tune in. "The Company, Part One" premieres on TNT, August 5 at 8PM. Parts Two and Three will air at the same time each week for two more weeks. There will also be various repeat performances. |
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©2007 Jackie K. Cooper |
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