True Lies: It’s okay to have fun!

True Lies is fun, so allow yourself to enjoy it.

True Lies brings a funny and heartfelt vibe to television. And it’s okay to enjoy the fun! Sometimes it’s easy to forget about feeling happy among the many gritty and hauntingly realistic shows that are in vogue these days. I believe there is as a place for both, and I personally enjoy a very eclectic group of genres.

I agree that it can be interesting to reflect upon realistic situations or even hard times that some shows cover. How might we respond to those challenges, and can we relate to them in our own lives? Then again, it’s really fun to pretend that we are secret agents with an elite tactical skill set, elaborate costumes, and a chance to defeat the bad guys. It is nice to see a family portrayed at our best, a loving family who cheers for one another. Show runner Matt Nix even describes the series as a family show. I welcome the weekly hour of escapism and positive energy that True Lies brings.

And to the critics who say it’s not a fair adaptation of the True Lies movie, I would say that is not necessarily the intent. Lead actor, Steve Howey who portrays super spy Harry Tasker has said the show pays homage to the film. Certainly, the film generates the core scenario of a wife, who is very capable in her own right, learning that her husband is a spy and joining him on that journey. But then we move into a weekly format of what it may look like to do missions on a regular basis with a husband and wife working together in a high-pressure environment.

Actor, Mike Gorman, who plays fellow agent Luther, spoke recently about the comparison of the Omega Sector work family versus the Tasker family at home. I think most of us can relate to working as a unit with your colleagues in a fashion similar to family. Although, your family dynamic at home likely has different roles and responsibilities. So, what does it look like when the two intersect? The series explores this question and more.

I do think that the 10:00 pm time slot can be a little misleading for viewers who are checking in for the first time. We often expect edgier or more serious programming at that hour once the kids are in bed. I would say the show could easily air at 8:00 or 9:00, but I’ll take it wherever I can get it.

True Lies boasts a very funny cast who are all comedic in their own right, a group that has become close off screen as well. Indeed, the entire cast is fantastic, but Steve Howey is particularly charismatic in his leading role as Harry. His stature and good looks personify debonair. While his Telonyx computer sales outfits are not quite as dashing, Harry’s enduring love and concern for his family is very attractive.

The Omega Sector agents work together as a unit while they face different scenarios individually in life. Helen and Harry are raising two children. Luther and Maria are navigating life post-breakup as trusted teammates while learning to be friends (or perhaps maybe more again!) Surveillance lead Gib played by Omar Miller is a self-professed loner. But he finds himself being drawn to a romantic relationship and rebuilding a relationship with his father.

Speaking of Gib’s father, there have been a host of fun guest stars on True Lies. Gib’s dad is played by legendary actor Keith David. Other guests have included Matthew Lillard as “The Wolf” and Vanessa Lengies as an Omega Sector engineer. There are plenty of possibilities for returning characters, evolving relationships and more insights into Omega Sector.

If you are enjoying True Lies as much as I am, keep watching! We have 6 more episodes to go in season 1. If you have not yet tuned in, catch up with video on demand or stream the episodes on Paramount+. And to any critics who complain about the spy elements or outcomes being unrealistic, please reconsider and enjoy the show. After all, remember, it’s okay to feel happy watching. I applaud the series for giving us some positive energy, valuable lessons and a healthy dose of humor each week.

The spy gadgets are fun, especially that laser cutter, right? Upbeat music sets the tone and energy for each new mission battling the bad guys. And, of course, we want the good guys to win. It certainly doesn’t always happen that way in life. So why not enjoy it for a little while each week and have a little hope for humanity?

True Lies airs Wednesdays on CBS at 10/9c. Streaming is also available on Paramount+.