In the season 1 finale of CBS's CIA, Agent Colin Glass (Tom Ellis) finally confronted the ghost of his past: Toni (Angela Sarafyan), his former partner and lost love, who he believed was dead. The episode delivered a brutal twist—Toni was alive and revealed as the mole Colin's current partner, FBI Agent Bill Goodman (Nick Gehlfuss), had been hunting. The revelation leaves Colin shattered, grappling with guilt and self-doubt as he heads into Season 2.
In an exclusive interview, Ellis discussed how the finale's twists will fundamentally change Colin. “The return of his former partner and the love of his life shatters him,” Ellis said. “The guilt and self-doubt lead to an existential crisis as he heads into Season 2.” The actor noted that Colin's journey will focus on rebuilding trust, especially with Bill, whose friendship becomes a key emotional anchor.
Finding the Show's Unique Tone
Ellis also reflected on the challenges of establishing CIA's identity within Dick Wolf's procedural universe. “Finding where this show sits tonally was a big challenge,” he admitted. “The world of CIA is voyeuristic—it's about observing as much as acting. That voyeurism became the key to our humor and drama.” The show balances case-of-the-week stories with serialized character arcs, a blend Ellis believes has resonated with audiences.
“I was hopeful we'd have a serialized element,” Ellis said. “There's something in watching a show and, at the end of every episode, thinking, 'Oh, what happens now?' Mike Weiss found a great way to do that.”
Colin and Bill's Growing Bond
One of the season's highlights is the evolving partnership between Colin and Bill. “Colin and Bill's trust grows into friendship and affection,” Ellis noted. “That's a key engine for Season 2.” The dynamic allows for playful banter and deeper emotional stakes, as Colin's past threatens to unravel everything.
Ellis also addressed the possibility of Lucifer co-stars appearing on CIA. “I'd love to have some of them,” he said. “But we'll see what the story allows.” As for Second Wife, the series created by his wife Meaghan Oppenheimer, Ellis confirmed it's no longer moving forward. “It's not happening right now,” he said simply.
With Season 2 already greenlit, fans can expect Colin to face his demons head-on. “He's carrying 15 months of guilt and grief,” Ellis explained. “Now he has answers, but that doesn't erase the pain. It's going to be a rough road.”
For more on the twists that shook the season, check out our coverage of shocking season finales and satisfying fantasy show endings.
