Intelligence (2013)

:

Season 1
  • Network: CBS
  • Series Premiere Date: Jan 7, 2014
User Score
6.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 79 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 79
  2. Mixed: 25 out of 79
  3. Negative: 12 out of 79
Watch Now

Where To Watch

Stream On

Review this tv show

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling

User Reviews

view
per page
  1. Ittiaces
    Jan 12, 2014
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. The premise for this show isn't bad but it's presented to the viewer in a way that is so far fetched it lacks any plausibility so as to allow the audience, even for a moment, to suspend their disbelief. In other words, I just didn't buy it.

    Josh Holloway's character, in my opinion, wasn't likeable which is a shame because he's a decent actor. The female lead lacked any charisma, and there is zero chemistry between them even though she's obviously intended as a love interest. A love triangle between her, Josh and his missing wife is clearly on the cards at some stage. I also noticed a great similarity between the female lead's character bio and that of Kate in Lost. She also bears more than a passing resemblance to her. Could the creators be attempting to recreate the Sawyer-Kate relationship as a means to spark some interested in the show? Me thinks yes. Shame. The actress cast as his wife also appeared in Lost. The apparent need to piggyback on the success of that show is honestly disappointing.

    The FX are great, slick and add polish to what is otherwise an underwhelming introduction to the show's storyline. I don't want to be too harsh, it was only the first episode after all and perhaps the upcoming instalments will provide some redemption. I'm sure Holloway's fans will give a decent showing of support for the season regardless, he is as they say, 'hot'.    … Expand
  2. Craphound
    Jan 7, 2014
    6
    Having Holloway and the wonderful Billingsley in the cast is a huge plus. But the female sidekick is a bore. Have to wait and see how this develops. Hard to say if the stories will be engaging, but this one was not.
  3. little03
    Jan 20, 2014
    10
    Love it, I just love it. I have waited all week for tonight. I will be watching this show and hope they make it into a long success. Josh Holloway's good guy, bad guy attitude is perfect for this show, he is a wonderful actor....
  4. BogKid
    Jan 8, 2014
    4
    Interesting enough show with nothing very special to make it a regular TV event. Only the pilot so far, but. The wise-a$$ hero has certainly been overdone in recent TV shows and it is right on top again with "Intelligence". Gets tedious. The top-notch Secret Service lady chosen to protect our hero is about as lackluster a character as possible. Pretty girl, and that's about it.Interesting enough show with nothing very special to make it a regular TV event. Only the pilot so far, but. The wise-a$$ hero has certainly been overdone in recent TV shows and it is right on top again with "Intelligence". Gets tedious. The top-notch Secret Service lady chosen to protect our hero is about as lackluster a character as possible. Pretty girl, and that's about it. Marge Helgenberger does her limited job on this show with efficiency.

    All-in-all a derivative show which will require an otherwise pretty boring Monday evening to build a large and regular audience.    … Expand
  5. SpeedMarque
    Jan 21, 2014
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I find the premise of this show quite appealing but unfortunately the execution very poor. The whole show just comes off as very low budget, especially the surrounding cast.
    The story about the right to Gabriel's life, his or the government is slightly touched upon but is never explored in debt.
    The story of the show started off quite interesting but has already veered off course into a unbelievable mess to set up a main villain who also has superpowers. Unfortunately no one deemed it necessary to try and find her or tell the government that they inserted another chip into a different person until it's too late.
    Also the whole premise with his super computers ability is hardly used by him except to find video footage of things that already has happened. Hardly something you need one human being for.    … Expand
  6. HLP
    Feb 14, 2014
    10
    I absolutely love this show right now. I think all the characters are played by great actors and though the plot seems a little silly, it is believable and executed very well. The banter between the two main characters is just hilarious and I can't wait to see how they grow together with the show. PS, even though the plot seems a little silly; a small girl defending the army's mostI absolutely love this show right now. I think all the characters are played by great actors and though the plot seems a little silly, it is believable and executed very well. The banter between the two main characters is just hilarious and I can't wait to see how they grow together with the show. PS, even though the plot seems a little silly; a small girl defending the army's most valuable and decorated soldier, she is there more for his mental stability (and to keep an eye on him) than for any physical protection.… Expand
  7. imnotdeadyet
    Mar 12, 2014
    8
    A decently fun action hero / scifi piece. Series started off fairly lame, but the writing is improving with each episode. Hopefully, it will be given the chance to settle in and find its voice. It sure beats redneck/jersey unreality tv.
  8. X-Abrupto
    Jan 21, 2014
    4
    I gave this one many chances before giving up on it. Feeling the LOST nostalgia, I was looking forward to seeing Josh Holloway as the lead actor in Intelligence. Unfortunately, Josh appears to be limited in the way he acts. Everything he does, whether it be the way he moves or the way he talks is an exact replica of Sawyer, something I already noticed in the few appearances he has madeI gave this one many chances before giving up on it. Feeling the LOST nostalgia, I was looking forward to seeing Josh Holloway as the lead actor in Intelligence. Unfortunately, Josh appears to be limited in the way he acts. Everything he does, whether it be the way he moves or the way he talks is an exact replica of Sawyer, something I already noticed in the few appearances he has made since the series was over. Having once again a wiseass character in his hands, it's even harder for him to become someone else. We pretty much have the Sawyer we had through the later seasons of LOST, a tough guy on the outside but a softie on the inside.

    The whole idea of a "cyberagent" has been greatly overused throughout the years. It's a tired formula which needs to be refreshed. Alas, this series has no originality whatsoever. Ever worst, they appear to have ripped off video games such as Metal Gear Solid 4, Heavy Rain and Deus Ex: Human Revolution whereas characters pretty much have the same kind of "cyber-vision".

    The show is trying to look smart, but it isn't. There are many inconsistencies concerning Gabriel's powers. Sometimes, he seems to know pretty much everything, and then, he seems to lack data which would probably be available to him normally. Basically, the writers made Gabriel's knowledge so great that it goes beyond their own limits of imagination. Handling almighty characters such as Gabriel in a scenario is an extremely tedious job and usually ends up creating major plot holes.

    The whole plot surrounding his wife is badly written. You don't feel bad for Gabriel since you don't know him at all and neither do you know his wife.

    The supporting cast is trying really hard but they lack personality, there's nothing that makes them human, they're just Gabriel's co-workers.

    The music heard throughout the series is more or less original. It's pretty generic cyber-spy music.

    The special effects however are very high quality and it's a lot of fun to look at Gabriel's frozen rendition of events. Looking at the files popping up and trying to read them whilst Gabriel walks around is interesting too.

    I'm tired of the whole USA Vs. "Foreign Evil Country" stuff. It's getting old and most people don't believe in it anymore. This series sort of makes an apology of the NSA. I'm not sure it was done willingly because I don't even think the writers are smart enough to realize what they are writing about but it sure is very patriotic. Perhaps would it be time to move on and see the middle east differently instead of brandishing the same terrorist flag again and again. I don't know how middle eastern-looking actors can cope with this. I would find it humiliating to say the least.

    In retrospect, the main problem with this series is the way it is written. It's dumb. The writers need to be replaced ASAP if they hope to keep moving on with Intelligence. They have no idea of what they are doing, they created a universe too complex for them to handle. Whoever supervised the script of this series and allowed it to be ultimately used on TV should definitely be fired.    … Expand
  9. Ariadne
    Jan 29, 2014
    1
    Chuck wannabe.

    Why does this super soldier need a babysitter? And why shouldn't they expect him to look for his wife? What kind of husband wouldn't?

    Chuck was much better.
  10. high90
    Jan 13, 2014
    0
    Well this is new, a super human who fights crime. Jesus how many of these programs are they going to make. Its the bionic man with cgi. Stilted dialogue with the usual patriotic nonsense weaved throughout. Do the networks get the fact that television has moved on. With the Game of Thrones and the House of Cards coming in the near future you can stick this pile where the sun don't shine
  11. Smee
    Feb 8, 2014
    3
    Apart from hot Secret service chick nothing there to watch.Whole concept is a joke and in third episode Islamic terrorists are blowing up evacuated hospital with suicide bomber ,funny thing is undetectable bomb can send without a person.Yet they used high asset terrorist.Whole point of show is to white paint the dirt doing by NSA survilence program.Show insults the intelligence of viewers.
  12. AvantGuardian
    Mar 20, 2014
    9
    Intelligence is an awesome new Science Fiction Drama about Gabriel Vaughn, ex soldier, and current agent at U.S. Cyber Command, a DOD like organization built to prevent cyber threats to the country. The catch is, Vaughn is the first human to have a chip implanted in his brain, allowing him virtual access to all computer operated machinery and access to every unencrypted sever, worldwide,Intelligence is an awesome new Science Fiction Drama about Gabriel Vaughn, ex soldier, and current agent at U.S. Cyber Command, a DOD like organization built to prevent cyber threats to the country. The catch is, Vaughn is the first human to have a chip implanted in his brain, allowing him virtual access to all computer operated machinery and access to every unencrypted sever, worldwide, at light speed. He is the next step in human evolution, a super computer. Of course, like Chuck, in Chuck, this also makes him a target for foreign governments such as China, who desperately try to steal the chip technology and create their own cyber asset.

    Intelligence is a fast paced, action packed, well written, intelligent (pun-intended) show that will leave you reminiscing of 24. It's got humor, beautiful women, clever plots, well-choreographed action, cool CGI effects like Syfy's Alphas, and the lovely Meghan Ory (Once Upon a Time) who looks amazing even if she isn't doing anything.

    Why this show isn't getting better reviews is beyond me. It's co-owned by CBS and ABC studios. I hope one of them renews it.    … Expand
  13. bencabana
    Feb 11, 2014
    10
    this is a great tv show ..great characters and also the story behind is good..hope it will be one of the greatest show of all time. the pilot was awesome.
  14. smb12321
    Mar 26, 2014
    5
    I was expecting more - not a Battlestar Galactica or Breaking Bad but something original. It's a sci-fif / spy / action mishmash with inappropriately-timed comedy thrown in for some measure. The plots are anything but dazzling, mostly derivative of current news. It's hard to believe these highly paid writers can't come up with a storyline. Every series needs an internal story, aI was expecting more - not a Battlestar Galactica or Breaking Bad but something original. It's a sci-fif / spy / action mishmash with inappropriately-timed comedy thrown in for some measure. The plots are anything but dazzling, mostly derivative of current news. It's hard to believe these highly paid writers can't come up with a storyline. Every series needs an internal story, a mythology that drives the plot. Mentalist (Red John), X-files (missing sister), Blacklist (spy husband), Castle (love affair and mom murder). The "guard" is improving but still seems boring. The director huffs and puffs Gabriel appears confused. So why have I watched every episode?… Expand
  15. Lienoone
    Jan 27, 2014
    9
    Liked it from the beginning, now loving it ! This series had a good start, but it got even better. Its not just about some superhuman agent saving the world, but its about a Gabriel and his partner/protector Riley, working as a team and going on missions while being in a internal conflict between us agencies. Because as we know great power brings great responsibilities, and some don't likeLiked it from the beginning, now loving it ! This series had a good start, but it got even better. Its not just about some superhuman agent saving the world, but its about a Gabriel and his partner/protector Riley, working as a team and going on missions while being in a internal conflict between us agencies. Because as we know great power brings great responsibilities, and some don't like the idea that they don't have this power, or not the sufficient control over it.

    The show got me with its fourth episode, and really love the dynamic between the two main characters, there are great action scenes, and whole chip in the brain thing is really realistic, I mean people use Google glasses now a day!

    If you like action series, or series about secret agent, you shouldnt miss this one, its just getting started and I am sure its gonna be great in the future.    … Expand
  16. bowma00s
    Jan 13, 2014
    8
    If they can think outside the box on this one, they'll do great. They need to let Holloway's personally of a bad boy out of the closet and they'll have a ladies favorite. He is a sexy, handsome, manly man they should play on that. Get rid of the lady side kick. Just think sexy, handsome and intelligence (however obtained). They'll have my vote.
  17. brok341
    Mar 15, 2014
    10
    If I could..I would give Episode 7 a 100!! Josh Holloway's portrayal has gradually gotten better and better and yet in this episode,, OMG the scene where the scientist describes how he feels that nanites and chips in people's heads would create Frankenstein's Monster and Josh confronts him with "Well here is your Frankenstein, standing in front of you..!" Powerful stuff in this episode..If I could..I would give Episode 7 a 100!! Josh Holloway's portrayal has gradually gotten better and better and yet in this episode,, OMG the scene where the scientist describes how he feels that nanites and chips in people's heads would create Frankenstein's Monster and Josh confronts him with "Well here is your Frankenstein, standing in front of you..!" Powerful stuff in this episode.. It seems like in the last three or four episodes "Intelligence" has finally found its voice. The chemistry between Gabriel and Riley is fantastic and I love how Riley is just as much a bad ass as Gabriel.. Finally an action pairing between a male and female that is treated equally! And Marg (Lillian) Helgenberger I always loved her on C.S.I. and its so nice to see her in such a juicy role as this. And John Bingsley (Dr. Crispin) is brilliant, quirky and delivers some of the best smart ass lines in the show. But in this episode you really get to see his acting chops.. Great Episode and can wait to see more..… Expand
  18. TheMayKat
    Mar 4, 2014
    3
    A main character that got away from his own writers and absolute overuse of the "Scary Brown People" trope make this a cringe-worthy, second-rate drama that even its flashy graphics can't save.
  19. livigy
    Jan 8, 2014
    0
    Iv'e only watched the pilot and my views only reflect that limited exposure. I wont be continuing with this series and I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

    The portrayal of hacking in TV and movies was already absurd. Not all information is collated and instantly accessible even if you were given access to databases. Intelligence builds upon this absurdity making "sci-fi" into "fantasy".    Iv'e only watched the pilot and my views only reflect that limited exposure. I wont be continuing with this series and I wouldn't recommend to anyone.

    The portrayal of hacking in TV and movies was already absurd. Not all information is collated and instantly accessible even if you were given access to databases. Intelligence builds upon this absurdity making "sci-fi" into "fantasy". Techno-mancy at its finest and completely unbelievable; Gabriel might as well be a clairvoyant.

    Aside from the technomancy, the cast are banal stock characters with illogical villains who forget they already have leverage, indicating poor writing as the hero relies on their mercy and stupidity. Computerised scopes with wifi for some bizarre reason are probably best avoided when dealing with a technomancer and further indicates poor writing with dependence upon unreasonable happy coincidences. Intelligence feels like it will be like the typical cop investigation show, with a clairvoyant who will undoubtedly be irredeemably arrogant and snarky.

    The mystery of Gabriel's wife will at least spare the typical sexual tension between the leads confining their relationship to a platonic level. If I am to be compelled to feel compassion for the missing wife I need more then Gabriel's angst to justify an investment into the overarching plot.

    Naming the lead Gabriel feels like a desperate ploy to help make the character more endearing. Unless Gabriel develops some humility or at least a passable sense of humour, I can only hope the chip that miraculously doesn't require a cooling system overheats and boils his blood.    … Expand
  20. SwarleyStinson
    Apr 9, 2014
    4
    The pilot was decent, but not great, then after that it gets worse. It's the concept of Chuck except super serious, which doesn't really work with such a ridiculously unrealistic concept. Everyone on IMDB seems to hate the show cos its so 'patriotic and pro CIA' but that's not really the problem. It's just not very interesting. The story about his wife and his obsession with finding her isThe pilot was decent, but not great, then after that it gets worse. It's the concept of Chuck except super serious, which doesn't really work with such a ridiculously unrealistic concept. Everyone on IMDB seems to hate the show cos its so 'patriotic and pro CIA' but that's not really the problem. It's just not very interesting. The story about his wife and his obsession with finding her is an annoying and pointless distraction from the episodes main plot. Maybe a serious version of computer-brain-man could be executed well in the right hands but this isn't it. Chuck was way better at computer-brain-man and Person of Interest is way better at action with a meaningful plot.… Expand
  21. reddog99
    Apr 2, 2014
    9
    the show needs time to show what it can offer and dose who don't like it don't like it, don't witch . INTELLIGENCE is a all some show. the show get you thinking a lot. what happen in the show could be happen right now. so you have a right not to like the show. just don't in salt the creator intelligence, that how I feel right now. BUT it's up to CBS and some one said when I GET in tothe show needs time to show what it can offer and dose who don't like it don't like it, don't witch . INTELLIGENCE is a all some show. the show get you thinking a lot. what happen in the show could be happen right now. so you have a right not to like the show. just don't in salt the creator intelligence, that how I feel right now. BUT it's up to CBS and some one said when I GET in to this show like INTELLIGENCE.. IT not on the tv. I AM THAT WAY...… Expand
  22. rrb061562
    Apr 16, 2014
    2
    This show follows a pattern that is all too familiar: Criminals are the most brilliant people in the universe. The hero in this show has a chip implanted in his brain, yet the villains easily get away when he catches them, putting all of Earth in great peril. The writers use the exact same premise in each show: find bad guy, catch bad guy, bad guy has sly smile while he easily escapesThis show follows a pattern that is all too familiar: Criminals are the most brilliant people in the universe. The hero in this show has a chip implanted in his brain, yet the villains easily get away when he catches them, putting all of Earth in great peril. The writers use the exact same premise in each show: find bad guy, catch bad guy, bad guy has sly smile while he easily escapes to unleash his hell on all of us, catch bad guy in last 5 minutes of show and then have a tender moment between two of the regular cast members. Ironically the one thing this show does not possess is intelligence.… Expand
  23. cumovies
    Jul 26, 2014
    4
    didn't watch all the episodes after first three i realized this was going to be a very bad show and i haven't watched it since not recommended by me. @@
  24. JPG
    Dec 5, 2015
    7
    An idea very view, but worked very well in this series. The protagonist will always bring back memories of "Lost " but did merit to spare for a second season. Very good special effects, good episodes, some were solved too easily and others were pushing the main story. The casting is excellent and supporting actors are awesome. A special section for photography, very elegant and very modern .

Awards & Rankings

67
#67 Most Discussed TV Season of 2014
68
#68 Most Shared TV Season of 2014

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
56

Mixed or average reviews - based on 27 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 27
  2. Mixed: 19 out of 27
  3. Negative: 0 out of 27
  1. The Lincoln Journal Star
    Reviewed by: Jeff Korbelik
    Mar 27, 2014
    75
    The good thing about procedurals is you can come and go and not miss much. The bad thing about procedurals is you can come and go and not miss much. Holloway, though, should be enough to keep you coming back.
    Read full review
  2. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Tim Molloy
    Jan 15, 2014
    40
    The attempt to ground the show in reality feels unnecessary and not fun, because nothing here is all that unbelievable.
    Read full review
  3. People Weekly
    Reviewed by: Tom Gliatto
    Jan 10, 2014
    75
    Intelligence is nicely done. [20 Jan 2014]
See all critic reviews »