Who are the Valhalla in The Agency? Explained

The Agency is an espionage thriller that transports viewers into the high-stakes world of intelligence operations, weaving narratives of covert missions, betrayals, and international politics. Anchoring the series is the mysterious disappearance of CIA operative Coyote and the shadowy Russian mercenary group Valhalla, led by General Volchok.

Their strategic ruthlessness, coupled with the ability to blend state and private interests, makes them formidable in the field of global espionage. Much of the tension in the season is centered on Coyo­te's arrest in Belarus and subsequent capture by Valhalla because he has sen­si­tive intel about the CIA.

The latest episode, The Rubicon, aired January 17, 2025, and the conflict has ramped up around Coyote and the best efforts of the CIA to push back against Valhalla. The finale of season one has been given the title Overtaken By Events and will come out on January 24, 2025.

The Agency has a strong ensemble, including Michael Fassbender as Martian, Jeffrey Wright as Henry Ogletree, Jodie Turner-Smith as Sami Zahir, and Richard Gere as James Bradley.

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Valhalla is a Russian mercenary group led by General Volchok in The Agency

The Agency introduces Valhalla, a dangerous group of Russian mercenaries led by General Volchok, who plays a central role in the unfolding narrative. Their involvement is first hinted at in episode 5, Rat Trap when the word “Valhalla” is discovered in the shower of CIA operative Coyote’s apartment.

Coyote’s mysterious disappearance begins in episode 1 and sets the stage for the mercenaries’ pivotal role. Arrested for a DUI in Belarus while undercover, Coyote vanishes from prison shortly afterwards, causing panic within the CIA. This disappearance sparks theories about betrayal, double agents, and compromised operations.

As revealed in episode 6, Coyote’s cover was blown when he attempted to recruit a local in Belarus who was secretly connected to Valhalla. The recruit exposed Coyote to Valhalla, and a corrupt KGB agent, Bogdan Antuyk, facilitated his extraction from the Belarusian police station using underground tunnels.

A still from Episode 10 promo (Image via Youtube/@TV Promos)

Coyote was handed over to Valhalla, who planned to deliver him to Moscow as a gift to the Kremlin, intending to exploit him for diplomatic gains. General Volchok orchestrated these plans, showcasing the group’s strategic ruthlessness and ties to state intelligence.

Valhalla’s actions heavily impact the storyline of The Agency, particularly through the arcs of key characters like Martian and Henry. The lead CIA operative, Martian investigates Coyote’s disappearance while navigating various challenges.

In episodes 2 and 3, he interrogates Alexei, an undercover Russian operative whose mission is compromised by Coyote’s knowledge.

Coyote’s potential double-agent status is a recurring theme. By episode 3, the CIA begins to suspect that his disappearance might be a deliberate extraction, raising concerns that half of their Ukrainian intelligence might be false.

If not a double agent, his capture still threatens to expose several key CIA operations, including the Felix mission, a covert plan with significant geopolitical stakes.

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The inner workings of the Russian mercenary group

The Agency also explores the group’s inner workings and influence through the characters connected to Valhalla. General Volchok’s calculated strategies demonstrate the group’s ability to manipulate intelligence networks.

His lieutenant, Oleg Dimushenko, a former operative turned ally, and Bogdan Antuyk, the KGB agent who enabled Coyote’s capture, illustrate Valhalla’s extensive network and operational reach.

Martian’s strategies to counter Valhalla reveal his resourcefulness and adaptability. By episode 6, he uncovers a ploy involving a fake auction for “the bike” (Coyote) orchestrated by General Novikov, a high-ranking KGB member.

Novikov’s actions are not merely professional; they tie into his arc, as Martian’s investigation uncovers secrets about Novikov’s past, including the fate of his wife, which drives his motivations.

In later episodes, Martian focuses on creating divisions within Valhalla’s ranks. He exploits the resentment of Leo, one of Volchok’s trusted aides, who feels undervalued after years of service. Martian blackmails Leo, convincing him to betray Volchok and provide critical intel.

This leads to a daring plan to intercept Coyote before he can be handed over to Moscow.

The Agency intertwines the arcs of its characters with the operations of Valhalla. Valhalla is both a direct and symbolic threat, challenging the agency's operatives at every level. As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether Martian and his team can outmaneuver Valhalla and secure Coyote’s freedom.

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Stay tuned for more updates.