For a long time, my idea of espionage, counterintelligence, and infiltration of national or international gangs was based on the adventures of James Bond, Ethan Hunt, and Jason Bourne. Since these franchises covered a wide range of tones and styles, I assumed I had seen it all when it came to this profession. But after watching films like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Bridge of Spies, and The Courier, I realized that this occupation can be deadly boring, complicated, and problematic all at once.
That's when I started reading about the politics behind these series and how they act as recruitment ads for intelligence agencies, glossing over all the problems in the name of nationalism. That's why I've been drawn to series like The Sympathizer, Butterfly, Prime Target, and, of course, Task, because they acknowledge the importance of security services but also address how far they've strayed from their true purpose. Now, The Copenhagen Test joins this illustrious list.
Creator: Thomas Brandon
Stars: Simu Liu, Sara Amini, Marnie McPhail
The Copenhagen Test, created by Thomas Brandon and Jennifer Yale, co-written with Adam Benic, Marilyn Fu, Jamie Chan, and Hannah Rosner, with episodes directed by Nima Nourizadeh, Kevin Tancharoen, and Jet Wilkinson, introduces us to Alexander participating in an extraction operation. At the end of the mission, Alexander faces an impossible choice: save a child or an adult woman. He chooses the child and promises to return for the woman, even though he knows he has signed her death warrant.
He gets a job at an American intelligence agency called The Orphanage, whose main task is to monitor the entire country's intelligence community, in addition to conducting international counterintelligence operations. Alexander is relegated to a desk job in the Downstairs section, composed of analysts, due to his post-traumatic stress disorder. But believing he's ready to return to the field working for the Upstairs section, he applies for a promotion. His application is accepted, albeit for a very strange reason: his brain appears to have been hacked by a program called Cassandra RU-258, allowing an unknown entity to access his ears and eyes. The search for the mastermind behind this hack constitutes the central plot of the story.
The character development in The Copenhagen Test is probably its most interesting aspect. Alexander, Michelle, Parker, Ellie, Schiff, Peter, and the other main characters are so multifaceted that it's fascinating to watch how the writers unveil—sometimes through non-linear storytelling—the events, traumas, and experiences that have shaped them. This allows for the seamless integration of the series' not-so-subtle political commentary. Without giving away any major spoilers, there are references to key events of the 1980s, not only as a reminder to avoid repeating history but also to show us that political refugees don't emigrate to another country on a whim; they do so hoping for a better future and work harder than anyone else to improve their circumstances. And then, when they face discrimination, it's the immigrants who are portrayed as the villains, while the host nation is presented as the "victim."
Furthermore, the writers reflect on the consequences of the inhumane decisions made by these intelligence agents. In many films and series, we've seen spies lying and manipulating, yet still enjoying a perfect ending. But in this case, they are treated like Frankenstein, and the person they betrayed becomes Frankenstein's monster. In addition to all this, there are unexpected twists (thanks to that mind-manipulation program), romantic subplots, and plenty of interpersonal drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat. My only criticism is the ending, where everything is resolved in a strangely rushed manner.
Regardless of their tone, most modern spy series have a poor visual aesthetic. Directors seem to believe that viewers will be so engrossed by the complexity of the plot that they won't notice that there isn't a single frame in their 8-episode series worth pausing to admire. I haven't been able to figure out why; what I do know is that if something that uses the audiovisual medium doesn't look good and its plot isn't strong enough, it will get a thumbs down from me. Fortunately, like the series mentioned earlier, The Copenhagen Test is full of beautifully composed shots and excellent camera work.
I think my favorite scenes take place in that monochromatic interrogation room; from the ring light to the texture of the walls, I was completely captivated. There are many action scenes, and the stunt team impressed me by never repeating the same choreography. Each fight choreography is different, and it shows what the characters learn from their previous encounters. However, the editing is a bit jarring and reminded me of the mid-2000s. I'm not sure if the blame lies entirely with the editors. The actors might not have been prepared, the recorded material might have been unusable, or perhaps that was the pace the series creators wanted. I don't think it's an insurmountable flaw. What's happening is mostly visible. I just think it could have been done better.
As for the performances in The Copenhagen Test, the series boasts an incredibly talented cast. Simu Liu is fantastic in close-ups and demonstrates his martial arts skills during the action sequences. Melissa Barrera is a true chameleon and makes it as difficult as possible to decipher her character, which, in a way, makes her and her character so captivating. The chemistry between Liu and Barrera is solid. Sara Amini exudes style and confidence in every scene she's in. Marni McPhail conveys a sense of warmth whenever she appears on screen. Brian d'Arcy James is subtly intimidating.
Adina Porter is so terrifying she seems like she could split people in half with her words. The only time they both let their guard down is when they act like an old married couple. Kathleen Chalfant is the epitome of stoicism. Adam Godley and Saul Rubinek are fantastic, and that's all I can say about them without giving away details about their characters. Supporting actors Anthony Jhade, Hannah Cruz, and Chad Donella are really good. That said, the one who steals the show is Sinclair Daniel. I was so focused on Liu and Barrera that I didn't even notice Daniel sneaking up on me and surprising me with her nuanced and empathetic portrayal of this rookie agent. Even if the action sequences, the complicated spy jargon, and the fantastical brain hacking don't interest you, I highly recommend you give the series a chance because of Daniel.
Besides the story, the action, and the performances, I think The Copenhagen Test deserves your support because of Melissa Barrera. If you know what she's been through, you know what I'm talking about. She's an exceptionally talented actress, and in such a short time, she has demonstrated the incredible versatility she possesses. I don't want her to be relegated to direct-to-streaming or VOD releases because of petty Hollywood politics.
I've seen this situation repeat itself hundreds of times, and things need to change as soon as possible so that people like Barrera can stand up for what's right while simultaneously entertaining us on both the big and small screens. In an ideal world, that should be the norm, but unfortunately, we've strayed far from any form of idealism, and it's up to us to correct the situation. So, yes, go watch the series. Talk about it on social media. Give Barrera the recognition she deserves. And, since we still live in a free world, if your experience watching it isn't good, offer constructive criticism. Don't spread hate, because there's already too much of that in the world.
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