I've had my fair share of dreams involving spy stuff and daring do that seem fairly real. The premiere of My Own Worst Enemy makes me second guess whether those were just dreams or maybe my alter-ego running amok... 

Spoilers below...skip to the Bits & Pieces section for just my thoughts and observations

Our adventure starts with an enigmatic video message and then a flashback 48 hours earlier where Edward beds, questions, then kills a Parisian agent instead of bringing her in (she did try to kill him first, though). In the middle of debriefing/getting railed by boss Mavis (Alfre Woodard) for not following orders, Tony the Tech Guy interrupts because "he's going to be late." Tony walks with him and asks various questions about his physical well being and whether he had any conversations with the wife,  while stuffing Edward into a elevator before going to his station and...reprogramming him.

When Edward steps off the elevator, he's now Henry. He goes to a psychologist (Saffron Burrows) and tells her about his "dream" about Paris and how details actually exist, including a book of matches from said place.

Henry goes home to a wife, a teenage son and a preteen daughter. He reads in bed while she sleeps. All of sudden, his vision goes wonky and Edward suddenly "wakes up." He calls Tony and asks him about the protocal for this sort of thing. Tony says there is none, hangs up and notifies Mavis who declines the termination option.

The next day, Henry shows up to work and is told of an emergency in another city. After being shoved into an elevator, Edward "wakes up" and Mavis tells him he's too emotionally invested in the case but reluctantly sends him after Uzi, the Russian guy he's been tracking. It's a shame things go wonky again and Henry emerges in the middle of a possible sniping. I totally hate when that happens. Confused, he accidentally fires and is chased resulting in capture.

Before Uzi can kill Henry, the second man in the field extracts him. Carrying a mysterious silver case, the masked man cuts down everyone in his path before making it to a car outside and driving away. It's Tom, Henry's best work buddy. But his name isn't actually Tom, it's Raymond and he's another sleeper agent. Raymond manages to smuggle Henry and the case out of the country and back to Los Angeles and The Office.

Henry speaks with Mavis, who explains how this whole split personality bit works. Edward Albright is the primary personality, the Alpha that volunteered for this experiment. Henry Spivey didn't exist until 19 years ago. It's safe to say that Henry didn't take this news so well. Mavis has him stay in Edward's secret apartment to think things over.

Exploring the place, he calls Edward "a dick" while getting drunk and rummaging through his closet. He also finds a hidden armory behind the television projector, complete with surveillance monitors and a trunk of Edward's personal effects. He was a football player in school and his parents died in a car crash, which lead him to enlist and eventually "die" in 1989. Henry takes his car out on the road when Edward wakes up. He calls Mavis and asks what happened, including if he's going to get killed. She fills him and says that the Henry persona will be erased the next day. But first, Edward sleeps with his wife in retaliation for Henry driving his car.

In order to reprogram him, they put this big plastic bowl over his head with a bunch of photos and videos. Like a super futuristic halved Cone of Silence. Back at home, Henry is just plain old Henry with no memories of the horror of the past day or two. Too bad Uzi remembers everything and shows up at his house with a henchman. Using a GPS tracker and a shovel he found in his car, Henry leads Uzi and his goon to the desert where he digs up the case while Uzi waxes philosophic about being two personalities trapped in one body with no means of communication. He's wrong about that second part, a lesson he learns when Henry uses a trigger in the GPS tracker to blow Uzi and his henchman to bits.

Flashing back while Henry stumbles out of the hole he was in, it shows him watching a DVD sent by Edward warning him and detailing the plan. Henry takes the case back to The Office and has a talk with Mavis. She basically says they're trying to figure out what's going on with him and tells him to "unring any bell's he may have rung" in the meantime. You know, so they won't have to kill him and whatnot.

So it's back to Saffron Burrows the Psychologist. He recants his concern about his Paris dream and says the matchbook was from one of the stateside locations of the hotel that he must've visited in passing. Suspicion diffused, cut to Edward watching a video left by Henry...which he shuts off as he begins to lecture Edward about sleeping with his wife.

Assorted Bits & Pieces:

• I didn't quite know what to expect from the show. It sounded promising but could've easily fall flat. I can't say so much that I loved it but I'm definitely intrigued. The concept is solid but I wonder how long the show can be sustained. Do the writers/creators have an endgame? Without one, the show could be in some trouble - lack of focus never helped anyone. Just ask Lost.
• Kudos to Christian Slater for the dual role. It wasn't over the top and he did a good job at switching personalities pretty much instantly.
• The psychologist played by Saffron Burrows reads suspicious to me. I'm assuming she works for the shadow government agency but she could easily be a counter-agent.
• Speaking of counter-agents and moles, what are the chances that Henry's wife isn't so normal and civlian-like? Or is that too obvious of a twist?
• One thing I did notice was that, on occasion, the exposition was a little too on the spot. I mean, I get it that you're explaining things for the folks at home, but surely there are more organic means. I'm hoping this was just a necessary evil for the premiere.
• I will, however, give props to the sequence where Henry was going through Edward's belongings. It was a great way to tell us about his past without shoehorning some hack dialogue in there somewhere.
• You know what be awesome? If they weren't really watching messages from each other, instead Henry/Edward are looking at blank screens while the "videos" are actually playing in their mind.
• Huzzah for Mindy Sterling! She's plays Henry's secretary/agent wrangler. She was quite normal in the show, which took me a second to get used to since I'm used to seeing her in comedies. But I adore her anyway.
• Mike O'Malley played Tom/Raymond. I've always had a soft spot for the guy since he hosted all those Nickelodeon game shows (though you may recognize him more from playing Stuart on My Name is Earl or his time on Yes, Dear).
• P.S. Alfre Woodard. Because yes.

How'd you like the show? Did it work for you or are you disappointed? Did you have a favorite part or line? Any other thoughts?

Comments

I got about half-way through it then changed the channel. I doubt it has staying power, but I could be wrong.

Scott | Oct 14, 2008 5:39:28 AM | #

---

CHRISTIAN SLATER--his acting was amazing. He is what kept me watching and made me believe it.( I don't think I've ever seen one of his movies, so I didn't know what to espect!)

soonerwife | Oct 14, 2008 5:47:25 AM | #

---

expect

soonerwife | Oct 14, 2008 5:47:55 AM | #

---

Pleasantly suprised. Still dont know why a spy would agree to do this, or what advantage it gives him, but still the Slater Vs Slater dynamnic worked well.

Not great, but I'll tune in next week

Chad | Oct 14, 2008 6:08:57 AM | #

---

I was prepared not to like it but was pleasantly surprised. I don't like the Mavis character at all...she needs to lighten up.

BonnieW | Oct 14, 2008 6:34:47 AM | #

---

Looks good, the cast (sans Mavis, who seemed to totter between calculating and driven) were believable, and there were some funny bits sprinkled in-between (driving things for example)...

The questions that came up with "the Project" are intriguing which might make me come back for a second or third helping.

Overall, this aren't any break-through or must-see moments, but it is pretty watchable and a decent action-packed package with "Heroes" and "Chuck". (I'd still like "Journeyman" back and I won't shut up about)

pakopako | Oct 14, 2008 6:35:56 AM | #

---

I really enjoyed the show and I'll be watching next week. But I couldn't help but compare it to yet another British show called Jekyll. At least they took the time to change the plot from Jekyll/Hyde storyline to a CIA spy drama.

camille | Oct 14, 2008 6:56:30 AM | #

---

Had a hard time following until he found the room behind the TV --- got the gist --- Slater is great switching roles and persona -- usually a CSI Miami watcher, but am switching -- but please keep it interesting and "edge of ur seat"

CJ | Oct 14, 2008 7:24:18 AM | #

---

can anyone tell me what is the point for the character to do the experiment?? why not just have the real slater be edward 24/7 rather then risk being killed when he is wimpy henry?

the world | Oct 14, 2008 7:59:58 AM | #

---

I just loved watching Christian Slater. I've always been a fan since Heathers and he has done a great job here, as you say, not over the top and getting in spot on.

Mike O'Malley was also in 28 Days with Sandra Bullock. He was a sex addict, I believe, in rehab when she was doing her 28 days as a court order. I've seen that so many times that I said out loud, there's Oliver!! LOL

I don't know how long I'll stay with it. I kept switching back over to Boston Legal and then Boston Legal had me for the last 20 minutes, so I read your column to find out what else happened on My Own Worst Enemy. Thanks for the recap.

Terry | Oct 14, 2008 8:17:44 AM | #

---

I wasn't expecting much out of the show and was floored at how good it was! I love shows where you have to pay attention and *think* - take your eyes off the set for a few minutes and you'll be lost and playing "catch up". Excellent plot line - I can't wait to watch this series play out.

BH | Oct 14, 2008 8:40:37 AM | #

---

Very interesting story here. I read an article on the Altered Dimensions site (I believe it's at altereddimensions.net) has an article about a similar case that really happened. Memory can be manipulated and when it goes awry, very weird stuff can happen.

Todd | Oct 14, 2008 8:53:55 AM | #

---

OK, first of all the last name should be pronounced "Spy-vee" long "I." I can't watch the show because everytime they say Henry's last name I'm gonna throw something at the TV screen. And TV's are expensive, so I guess I better play it safe.

oneblood | Oct 14, 2008 10:25:21 AM | #

---

And secondly, well that's my only gripe.

oneblood | Oct 14, 2008 10:29:02 AM | #

---

I enjoyed the show and thought Christian Slater did a terrific job as Henry/Edward. It was interesting to find out that Edward was the dominant personality and Henry the creation. I thought it would be the other way around - good twist. I'm definitely intrigued enough to record the show every week, which is saying something, because I work on Monday nights and have not watched ANYTHING airing that night because I refused to record it every week. Well, mold broken! I'll record Enemy and watch it when I get home!

KaeDee | Oct 14, 2008 10:57:17 AM | #

---

It has a very original premise, a mixture of science fiction and spy thriller - Spy-Fi would cover it nicely. I enjoyed it from second one and plan to keep on watching. Some wrinkles are to be expected as the actors find their way into the parts they play, but over all it was an above average mixture of who done it and mind candy. Of course, I really enjoyed "Moonlight" and look what happened there. Most of the time, if a show makes the audience think, it doesn't last very long.

Mike Eglestone | Oct 14, 2008 11:10:02 AM | #

---

Yawn! Switched channels during the flubbed sniper sequence. No staying power. Gone by Thanksgiving, if not earlier.

Too bad, 'cause I usually enjoy Christian Slater.

Dean Speir | Oct 14, 2008 11:12:55 AM | #

---

Sorry, oneblood, but I've heard the name pronounced both ways, both in England and in the US (mostly on the west side of The Pond, since Americans just love taking European names and shredding them...just look at Kuy-row/Cairo, Illinois). I like the Spy-vee pronunciation better, but at least the last name isn't Wolfenauchenheisensteinowicz or something.

The show was pretty good for a premiere, but I don't see how they're going to be able to keep this going for more than a couple seasons. Unless there is a ton of backstory yet to be uncovered, the basic premise will get old in a hurry. Also, I'm nowhere close to being a Christian Slater fan (he lost my vote when he was miscast in Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves and said, "Fuck me, he cleared it."), but I did like him in this. A little lighting change, and he's totally believable as either persona.

Speaking of personae, can Alfre Woodard play anything? I'll bet she could kill Christian Slater and take over his role/roles and do an even better job. Just as long as she doesn't get all Mrs. Whatsit and start talking about tesseracts...she's just awesome.

Still miss Journeyman, which had more staying power, but this is NBC, which has already asked for more scripts of Knight Rider, so I imagine this show will be on for 17 years or so, whereas they couldn't see fit to keep the better show on the air. And to the inevitable posters who will say, "Journeyman's been canceled, get over it!", a loud, honking FEH to you.

Revenant | Oct 14, 2008 11:42:35 AM | #

---

Not patently offensive, but not the best show either. I was VERY tired last night, so I will admit that part of my problem with the show was me, but I just didn't find it that compelling.

Jen | Oct 14, 2008 1:23:39 PM | #

---

the world - I'd imagine the purpose of the dual identities is to protect whatever secrets the agent has in their head in case of capture.

Revenant - I can't blame Christian for his role in "Robin Hood"...I blame Kevin Costner. :) The only good thing about that flick was Alan Rickman.

Tamara B.. | Oct 14, 2008 3:12:42 PM | #

---

Not to piss off any Christian Slater fans...I liked the show but wish they would have gotten a different actor to play Edward/Henry. Slater did an ok job but I just found him distracting. There's something about his appearance that's really odd.

aj | Oct 14, 2008 3:45:28 PM | #

---

Very entertaining. Hope the fact that you have to pay attention doesn't doom the show. Slater is a pretty powerful presence for the small screen, that will hook a lot of viewers. Can't wait to see more!

jacko | Oct 14, 2008 5:57:43 PM | #

---

Agree with a poster above. My last name is Spivey and it is pronounced SPY-vey. Very distracting to hear it said wrong for an hour although I did like the show and think Christian Slater did a good job.

Glory | Oct 14, 2008 7:37:52 PM | #

---

I'm surprised no one has suggested that Edward may be a paranoid delusion from Henry (or both identities may be). I think the premiere hinted at that pretty hard, what with trying to track down "the Marbles" and all. I don't know how the show would go on if it was revealed that Edward/Henry is crazy as it takes all of the stakes away, but I think it is intriguing nonetheless.

Good show, I will certainly be watching next week.

Blue Sean | Oct 15, 2008 7:56:56 AM | #

---

I must say that I was another person who was pleasantly surprised by the premiere episode. It was like watching "Chuck" when Henry was on, and like watching "Alias" when Edward was on! :-) I agree that this show may have a very limited premise, but I'll continue to watch for as long as NBC keeps it on air. This was definitely better than Knight Rider, which has been this season's punch-line (as bad as last year's Cavemen). I would hate to see MOWE get canceled right away, while KR gets a full season order!

The action sequences were pretty good, and the overall look was slick. Christian Slater did a great job of portraying two different personalities, WITHOUT CHEWING THE SCENERY **cough** One Life to Live **cough**! I'm interested in seeing more interaction with Henry's family. I was wondering about the psychologist's role in all this, and I figured she was there to relay all the info. to Mavis. It never ocurred to me that she could be a double agent or a terrorist.

PAKOPAKO and REVENANT: I still miss Journeyman, too. I wish NBC had moved it over to the Sci Fi Channel. :-(

Paige | Oct 15, 2008 8:36:52 AM | #

---

Post a comment

Name:
Email Address:	optional
URL:	optional
Comments: