Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ex-CIA Officer Critiques Mission: Impossible's Realism

6/23/2025

39 9

Summary

Story summary

Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA officer, rated the bomb vest scene in Rogue Nation a striking 9/10 for its realism. However, he critiqued the Mission: Impossible franchise for favoring flashy action over genuine espionage, which often hinges on negotiation. Bustamante advocates for more grounded scenarios in spy storytelling, urging a shift towards authenticity.

1 of 1

Story summary

Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA officer, rated the bomb vest scene in Rogue Nation a striking 9/10 for its realism. However, he critiqued the Mission: Impossible franchise for favoring flashy action over genuine espionage, which often hinges on negotiation. Bustamante advocates for more grounded scenarios in spy storytelling, urging a shift towards authenticity.