Night Agent Season 3: A New Partner for Peter Sutherland

For two thrilling seasons, The Night Agent captivated audiences with the dynamic duo of Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso) and Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan). Their partnership, built on trust, protection, and a blossoming romance, was a cornerstone of the series. However, Season 3 marks a significant shift, as Peter navigates a dangerous conspiracy with a new ally.

The Departure of Rose Larkin

In a surprising turn of events, Luciane Buchanan was not asked to return for Season 3. While Peter urged Rose to stay away at the end of Season 2 for her own safety, fans held onto hope for her reappearance. However, showrunner Shawn Ryan explained the creative decision, stating that exploring a storyline without Rose felt fresh and allowed for new narrative avenues. “We challenged ourselves, what would it look like without Rose the season, and we came up with a lot of what you see in Season 3,” Ryan explained to Deadline.

Introducing Isabel: Peter’s New Partner

Enter Isabel (Genesis Rodriguez), a tenacious financial reporter whose father is revealed to be the enigmatic intelligence broker, Jacob Monroe (Louis Herthum). Together, Peter and Isabel delve into a web of corruption reaching the highest levels of the White House. This new dynamic introduces a different perspective and a fresh set of challenges for Peter.

Rose’s Lingering Presence

Despite her absence, Rose’s impact on Peter is undeniable. Season 3 subtly references her whereabouts and their past relationship. From Deputy Director Aiden Mosely (Ward Horton) inquiring about their contact to Peter’s own reflections on a love he couldn’t maintain, Rose remains a significant emotional anchor. Peter repeatedly alludes to someone he “cared about” who was threatened by Monroe, a clear nod to Rose.

Even seemingly unrelated moments, like a song in an Istanbul bar about doomed lovers, resonate with Peter and Rose’s history. He admits to Isabel that his job was the reason their relationship couldn’t work, stating, “She didn’t break my heart, we just can’t be together.”

The Creative Rationale Behind the Change

Ryan emphasizes that the decision wasn’t about replacing Rose with a new romantic interest. Instead, it was about exploring a different world – the world of finance – and how it fuels global corruption. “The concept of all these awful things that happen in the world couldn’t really be happening without the cooperation and protection of these financial institutions,” Ryan stated. “It felt like we needed a character in that world, and then obviously the character having the connection — as [Isabel] did — to Monroe, that felt like the best story for us.”

Hope for Rose’s Return?

Ryan acknowledges the fans’ investment in Peter and Rose’s relationship and remains open to Buchanan’s return in the future. “I love Luciane and I’d love to see Rose on the show again at some point,” he said. He even draws parallels to the return of Chelsea (Fola Evans-Akingbola) in Season 3, suggesting a similar path for Rose. With a potential Season 4 set in California – where Rose resides – the possibility of her reappearance remains alive.

What’s Next for Peter?

While the finale leaves the future of Peter and Isabel’s relationship ambiguous, Ryan clarifies that he doesn’t see them embarking on a romantic journey together. Gabriel Basso also suggests that Peter’s dedication to his work and his desire to root out corruption currently outweigh his pursuit of romance. However, he doesn’t rule out the possibility of Peter eventually seeking out Rose again.

Ultimately, The Night Agent Season 3 demonstrates a willingness to evolve and explore new narrative directions while acknowledging the emotional weight of past relationships. Whether Rose Larkin will return remains to be seen, but her presence continues to resonate throughout Peter Sutherland’s journey.

Stay tuned for updates on The Night Agent Season 4!