Gabriel Basso Talks Peter’s Struggles in Season 3 of ‘The Night Agent’ and What the ‘FU’ to the President Line Means for Fans
SPOILER ALERT: Details about Season 3 of Netflix’s The Night Agent are included in this report.
In Season 3 of The Night Agent, protagonist Peter Sutherland, played by Gabriel Basso, grapples with the ramifications of his pact with the enigmatic intelligence broker Jacob Monroe, portrayed by Louis Herthum. While the information he obtained saved Rose and countless others, it likely influenced a presidential election, benefiting Governor Richard Hagan, played by Ward Horton.
Peter’s guilt intensifies as he teams up with tenacious reporter Isabel, portrayed by Genesis Rodriguez, to unearth the troubling connections between Hagan, the First Lady (Jennifer Morrison), and Monroe, as part of a dark money scheme.
The banker behind this illicit network dispatches an assassin known as The Father (Stephen Moyer) after Peter and Isabel. The narrative escalates into a gripping game of cat and mouse, culminating in Peter’s capture and interrogation with a truth serum-like drug.
During an interview, Basso reflects on Peter’s "Sir, FU" response to the President’s order for him to stand down, noting its significance, especially in light of Peter’s father’s treason accusations. He addresses his character’s frequent interactions at The White House and discusses whether he has received an invitation from the current Vice President, JD Vance, a role Basso portrayed in Hillbilly Elegy.
Basso also highlights some of the most challenging stunts he took part in this season, including a notable one involving a large water tank in the Dominican Republic. Additionally, he expresses surprise at the type of partner he envisions for Peter after Deputy Director Mosley (Albert Jones) hints that one is forthcoming.
“It’s tough, but I think it removed an element of hesitancy for him; now he’s able to fully be this, and he’s figuring out that the demand is high,” Basso shared regarding Peter’s evolving character.
DEADLINE: Peter has been agonizing over “the deal with the devil.” Talk about the torment he went through this season.
BASSO: Yeah, it’s the law of volitional consequence. He made a decision, and now he’s got to deal with the consequences. I think he made that decision to help a lot of people and to save Rose. But that doesn’t mean because it was a good decision, everything is fine now. It’s weighing on him, and he’s doing a tough job. It sucks, but he’s doing it, he’s moving forward.
DEADLINE: The interrogation scene by Stephen Moyer’s character felt like catharsis for Peter. How was it filming that?
BASSO: I was talking to our technical advisors about how that drug works. They explained it as similar to being very drunk, where emotions spill out without filter. Some of it is incoherent, but it’s a raw experience, unearthing emotions that have long been bottled up. I think Peter may not remember the specifics, but the emotional exhaustion will linger. This scene exposes Peter’s motivations and feelings—it’s a significant moment, though there’s more to explore.
DEADLINE: Was it enjoyable filming with Stephen Moyer?
BASSO: Yes, Moyer was fantastic. Most of our scenes involved high-energy chases, so it was refreshing to sit down and act together. Working with director Hiro Kamata turned that into one of my favorite experiences of Season 3.
DEADLINE: During a pivotal line, Peter tells the President, “With all due respect, Sir… fck you.” How did it feel to deliver that?*
BASSO: It felt good. The President in the show often sees himself as above accountability, which resonates with current political sentiments. Recognizing corruption and calling it out is powerful, and I think many viewers will appreciate that moment.
DEADLINE: Have you ever visited the White House? Peter has.
BASSO: We filmed House of Dynamite nearby, but I’ve never been inside the actual White House.
DEADLINE: Has JD Vance invited you?
BASSO: No, and honestly, it’s for the best—I don’t want to go in there.
DEADLINE: What kind of partner would you envision for Peter to balance him?
BASSO: Ironically, someone more intense than he is would help Peter see the consequences of his always-on mindset. I think it would be more intriguing to pair him with someone who pushes boundaries and encourages daring choices rather than someone who urges him to slow down.
DEADLINE: What was the craziest stunt you performed this season? We saw you hanging from the back of a truck. Was this the highlight?
BASSO: That was certainly wild. However, the riskiest stunt involved a reverse 180 in Istanbul—I had a narrow window to execute it while moving at about 30 miles per hour on cobblestone. In terms of exhaustion, the water fight was grueling; we spent eight or nine hours in the tank, performing intense fights from various angles.
DEADLINE: Peter remains unattached to Isabel this season. Is he likely to focus on work and eschew relationships?
BASSO: He still loves Rose. Peter’s character isn’t just moving on because Rose isn’t around; he values his work and the mission of rooting out corruption over personal relationships. If anyone, he’d likely seek Rose again to explore what happens next.
