Covert Affairs: Season Two

This made-for-cable TV spy series, starring Piper Perabo as junior CIA agent Annie Walker, is a stylish, small-scale affair—kind of like a downsized version of Alias or Nikita, without the network spectacle or high-concept gimmickry. No longer a rookie, Annie is now a bit more aware of the politics swirling around the agency, but her main conflict involves keeping her dangerous career a secret from her protective older sister, Danielle (Anne Dudek), while jetting off to exotic locations for glamorous assignments. The show follows the general USA Network formula, with a light tone, sleek budget-minded style, and just enough of an overarching storyline to suggest something bigger, although the second season doesn't really expand that world much. The supporting cast does have more opportunities, however, including an impromptu mission for intel veteran Auggie Anderson (Christopher Gorham), complete with flashbacks to the assignment that blinded him, and an expanded part for Sendhil Ramamurthy's Jai Wilcox, an agent trying to find his place in the department while his estranged father, Henry (Gregory Itzin)—a former section head—plays power games with the team. Kari Matchett and Peter Gallagher bring a dash of gravitas as team leader and section boss, respectively, but mostly it's a frothy take on international espionage with a smattering of scenes shot on location in Europe, South America, and elsewhere to add color and glamour. Compiling all 16 episodes from the 2011 second season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. A strong optional purchase. (S. Axmaker)