Fans of genre television undoubtedly recognize actress Gugu Mbatha-Raw from her compelling performances in shows like Loki, the Emmy-winning Black Mirror episode “San Junipero,” and even Doctor Who. However, in 2010, she graced the screen in Undercovers, a high-concept spy series from J.J. Abrams that was unfortunately canceled far too soon. While she is currently captivating audiences in her returning Apple TV+ show, Surface, where her character faces Jason Bourne-like memory loss, Undercovers showcases a thrilling narrative that more closely mirrors the dynamics of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.
In Undercovers, Gugu Mbatha-Raw stars alongside future Station 19 lead actor Boris Kodjoe, portraying retired CIA agents Steve and Samantha Bloom. The couple believes they have left the world of espionage behind, opening a catering business as their safe haven. However, they find themselves thrust back into the game when a close friend goes missing. Throughout the season, the Blooms venture across the globe to unravel this mystery alongside others, encountering a whirlwind of challenges and tests along the way.
Though they are no longer on opposing sides, the tension in their relationship doesn’t fade. Yet, as they dive back into the spy world, it becomes apparent that rekindling this adventurous chapter might just be what the couple needed. Undercovers offers thrilling foreign settings, clever disguises, and high-stakes assignments, providing a spark that keeps viewers engaged and entertained. Notably, the series made history as the first primetime NBC show to feature two Black leads since The Cosby Show; unfortunately, it was canceled before its initial season could finish airing on NBC.
In a candid interview with Collider in 2011, J.J. Abrams reflected on the show’s cancellation, attributing it to his own missteps. He speculated that Undercovers’ lighter, mythology-lite approach contrasted with his typical style, potentially alienating audiences. While Gugu Mbatha-Raw and Boris Kodjoe undeniably provided a strong draw as the leading couple, the supporting cast played an equally crucial role in making the series memorable.
The ensemble includes Mekia Cox, who played Samantha’s messy and oblivious sister Lizzie, and a young Ben Schwartz as a rookie agent who idolizes Kodjoe’s character, perpetually adding humor with his quips. Moreover, Carter MacIntyre portrays Leo Nash, a wildcard former agent with a complicated history with the Blooms, as well as Gerald McRaney as the no-nonsense handler Carlton Shaw. The series also featured notable guest appearances from actors like Alan Dale, Harry Lennix, Sean Maguire, and Enver Gjokaj, adding depth to its short-lived run.
It’s a genuine disappointment that Undercovers was cut short midseason because the tight-knit cast brought a unique camaraderie that enhanced the show’s charm. Viewers often ponder the myriad interesting avenues the Blooms could have explored, both emotionally and globally. Nevertheless, this one-season wonder remains available for streaming on Tubi in the U.S., allowing audiences to enjoy its sexy, breezy, and “frivolous” nature — a quality that, contrary to Abrams’ beliefs, makes for an enjoyable binge-watching experience.
