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A character guide for Netflix’s “The Recruit,” with character descriptions, quotes, names of actors, and more.
Please Note: This content contains pertinent spoilers, descriptions are updated as new information is presented, images are changed as better ones are captured, and this is not an exhaustive list of every cast member, guest star, or reoccurring role.
General Information
| Network(s) | Netflix |
| Created By | Alexi Hawley |
| Based On | N/A |
| First Aired | December 16, 2022 |
| Executive Produced By | Alexi Hawley, David Bartis, Doug Liman |
| Showrunner(s) | Alexi Hawley |
Groups & Organizations
- CIA (1.1): The organization Owen works for
- Obshchak (1.2): The Russian mob
- Aquino Cartel (1.5): The cartel Talco and Sandoval Luna operate
- Symbol (1.5): They are represented by a scorpion symbol
Notable Locations & Items
- Langley (1.1): CIA HQ
- Clandestine Services (1.1): One of the two places Owen goes for CIA records, the other being the physical records department
- Perryville Prison, Arizona (1.1): Where Max is being held for murder
- Black Passport (1.1): Gives diplomatic immunity and will lead you to just end up getting deported vs. arrested
- Georgetown (1.3): The alma matter of Hannah and Owen
- Classes Shared (1.7): Contract Law – Three Years from the start of season 1, episode 7
- Geneva (1.7): Where Max says the Russian Mafia go to play
Terminology
- Hip Pocket Asset (1.1): A new source who hasn’t been vetted yet
- Graymail (1.1): Potential threats mailed to the CIA that have to be investigated for validity
- Hall File (1.2): A word-of-mouth file that details a person’s information based on rumors
- Denied Area (1.2): Somewhere too hot to run operations
Other Noteworthy Information
- Not Bob (1.1): A legendary agent who was one of Max’s handlers but now is a retired division chief who is the Chief of Staff for the President of the United States
Owen Hendricks (Noah Centineo)
24-year-old Owen Hendricks has spent most of his life not fully dedicating himself, yet somehow showing up last minute, acing exams, and getting ahead in life. It seems partly born from his complicated relationship with his mother, who played down what he is capable of. Yet, rather than fully commit to proving himself, he would rather wing it, fake it till he makes it, or slingshot to the top of the class with the least minute effort.
However, in the CIA, he is learning that he may not be able to maintain this routine and that if he wants to thrive, never mind survive, he is going to have to step it up.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Unknown Character in Jackie Chan’s upcoming “The Diary,” Jesus Adams Foster in “The Fosters,” and Peter in the “To All The Boys” franchise.
- Mom Issues (1.1): It has been 6 months since Owen talked to his mother
- Father (1.1): His dad was killed when he was 12 due to an explosive device in Afghanistan
- Kidnapping? (1.2): Allegedly was almost kidnapped by pirates in Guyana
Quotes
It’s safer being honest with strangers.
— Owen (1.2)
Hannah Copeland (Fivel Stewart)
Hannah is a corporate lawyer, one of Owen’s three roommates, and also his ex.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Izzie in “Atypical,” Chris in “Umma,” and Eva Jeffries in “The Never List.”
- Dated Owen For How Long (1.3): 6 Months
- Reason For Breakup (1.4): thought he was cheating with some girl named Kathy
- Name of Parents (1.4): Neil and Mei
Quotes
I’m ambitious. You’re just afraid.
— Hannah (1.2)
Terrence (Daniel Quincy Annoh)
Terrence is Owen’s third roommate who works for the Department of Treasury.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
Quotes
Knowledge is leverage.
— Terrence (1.2)
Violet Ebner (Aarti Mann)
Violet is one of two hazers that make Owen’s initial days in the CIA difficult since she and her partner Lester dump work they avoided on him and misguide him every chance they get.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Priya Koothrappali in “The Big Bang Theory”
- Relationship With Lester (1.3): Violet is the one who convinced Lester to get into the General Counsel Office, while she was a J.A.G. in Germany. Together, she helped him become a lawyer, and he helped her get acclimated to how the CIA operates.
Quotes
Lester Kitchens (Colton Dunn)
Lester is Violet’s junior who she has a close bond with, mainly since they scheme and do anything but work together.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Garret in “Superstore”
- Experience (1.3): Has nine years as a case officer and 6 more months as a lawyer than Owen
- (1.3): Spent two years in Beirut
Quotes
Walter Nyland (Vondie Curtis-Hall)
Walter Nyland is the head of General Counsel within the CIA who just wants to retire with dignity and no BS.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Dr. Dennis Hancock in “Chicago Hope,” Judge Nicolas Byrne in “For The People” and Ben Urich in “Daredevil”
- Poppa (1.3): Has 5 kids
Quotes
Janus Ferber (Kristian Bruun)
Janus is one of the lawyers the CIA has who clearly is overworked and stressed out not only due to all he knows but because of the work it takes to prevent incidents that his special ops team are committed to.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Donnie Hendrix in the “Orphan Black” franchise, Dave Leigh in “Carter” and Constable Augustus’ Slugger’ Jackson in “Murdoch Mysteries.”
- Disorders (1.2): Allegedly has narcolepsy
Quotes
Senator Smoot (Linus Roache)
Senator Smoot oversees the CIA and has a bug in his ass about exposing what they do and forcing Nyland to resign in disgrace.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: David Wellington in “Homeland,” King Ecbert in “Vikings,” and Mike Cutter in “Law & Order”
Quotes
Dawn Gilbane (Angel Parker)
Dawn is a CIA field operative working out of a Black Ops site in Yemen.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Catherine Wilder in “Runaways,” and Shawn Chapman in “American Crime Story”
- Codename (1.2): Selby Shaw
Quotes
Max Meladze (Laura Haddock)
Max is a former Russian hip pocket asset who the CIA has no file on, but she has played a major role with at least two agents so that they could get things done in Belarus and Russia. However, once operating in Belarus became too dangerous, and Max lost her usefulness, while she was given a one-way ticket to America, once she arrived she was effectively abandoned and left to fend for herself. This leads to trouble since Max is an ambitious woman who may know how to handle politics, but egos of men are still sometimes a challenge for her.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 1 [Premiere]
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Meredith Quill in the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise, Kucrezia Donati in “Da Vinci’s Demons,” and Zoe Walker in “White Lines.”
- Mommy Dearest (1.2): Max claims she had a daughter named Karolina
- Birthday (1.2): October 25, 1985
- Rank In Russian Mob (1.6): Lieutenant
- Full Name (1.6): Maxine Vasilyevna Meladze
- Born Where (1.6): Babruysk, Belarus
- How Long An Asset Previously (1.7): 10 years
Quotes
Stop letting me be the one instinct that you don’t follow.
— Max (1.7)
Amelia Salazar (Kaylah Zander)
Amelia is one of Owen’s peers at the CIA who might become the first person who actually wants to help and mentor him voluntarily. Granted, in exchange, she wants the boyfriend experience, for she doesn’t have time to actually date, but considering Owen’s struggle for consistent and willing help? He makes the deal to take her out and make out on occasion in exchange for help.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Sycorax in “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina”
- Aspirations (1.3): Wants to use her national security credentials, in three years, to be a talking head on cable news (and she practices nearly every night)
Quotes
Talco (Victor Andres Turgeon-Trelles)
Talco is one of Max’s enemies who, with her getting a bit too big in Phoenix, tries to remind her who the big fish is around there.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Holy Ghost in “Deadly Class”
- Education (1.5): He is pursuing a psychology degree
Quotes
Xander Goi (Byron Mann)
Xander is an agent who mainly operates out of eastern Europe and is one of the few who are aware of Max’s work with the CIA.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 2
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Uncle Six in “We Assassins,” Evan Ong in “Blood and Water” and O.G. Kovacs in “Altered Carbon“
- Interaction with Max (1.2): Was in 2013 when he was stationed for temporary duty since he was in-between assignments
- Job Title (1.3): Senior Case Officer
- These Are a Few Of My Favorite Things (1.3): Pastries
- Ambitions (1.3): Wants to head the Moscow station, the holy grail of spy stations
Quotes
Dave Standish (Christian Jadah)
Dave is an operative that Lester is responsible for, who has child support payment issues.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The Actor Is Also Known For: Bjorn in “Ghosts,” Red Fox in “Victor Lessard,” and Carlo Irlandais in “True North”
Sarah Okongo (Katharine King So)
Sarah works in Senator Smoot’s office, and is someone Terence tries to introduce Owen to so that a subpoena Smoot put out would go away.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The Actor Is Also Known For: Joanie Kwan in “Transplant,” Ari in “The Voyeurs,” Mitzi in “The Bold Type.
Jeff Gilbert (Nico DeCastris)
Jeff works at the White House and is seeing Hannah.
Additional Information
- Introduced In:Season 1/ Episode 3
- The Actor Is Also Known For: McNair in “Ghosts”
- Specific Job (1.7): Jeff is the special assistant to the president for economic policy
Cora (Amanda Schull)
Cora was someone Max was helping years ago, when she was protecting assets and other people on the run. But, with Cora going against Max’s rules and inviting men like Salvatore over, she made her bad situation become so much worse.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The Actor Is Also Known For: Katrina Bennett in “Suits,” Dr. Cassandra Railly in “12 Monkeys” and Meredith Sorenson in “Pretty Little Liars.”
The Attorney General (Jean Marchand)
The Attorney General of the United States.
Additional Information
- Introduced In:Season 1/ Episode 3
Kelly Kwitny (Alexandra Petrachuk)
Salvatore’s daughter, and Owen’s friend, who is often seen by a motel pool, sacrificing chicken nuggets to the pool.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 3
- The Actor Is Also Known For: Alex in “The Voyeurs” and Burton in “On The Basis of Sex”
Salvatore Kwitny (Sean Hoy)
Salvatore is Kelly’s dad, who drove 18-wheelers for a living and was abusive to women like Cora.
Additional Information
- Introduced In:Season 1/ Episode 3
Daniel Woodrow Jr. (Charlie Saxton)
Someone who witnessed Salvatore’s murder, who becomes a problem in the pursuit of freeing Max.
Additional Information
- Introduced In:Season 1/ Episode 4
- The Actor Is Also Known For: Damon Drecker in “Hung,” Mitchell in “Betas” and Toby Domzalski (voice) in “Trollhunters” franchise
Kevin Mills (David Denman)
Kevin Mills is the chief of staff to the president and a former top agent for the CIA.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 5
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: An unknown character in the upcoming “Rebel Ridge,” an unknown character in the Denzel Washington starring “The Equalizer 3,” and General William Dwight in “Emancipation.”
- Home Base (1.5): Is the former Moscow Station Chief
Quotes
Linus (Travis Nelson)
Terence’s boyfriend Linus works in O.F.A.C. (Office of Foreign Assets Control).
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “I.C.I.N.C.”
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Eddie in “Clarice,” Riley in “The Lake,” and Chuck in “Tucker and Dale vs Evil.”
Quotes
El Jefe – Sandoval Luna (Arturo Castro)
Sandoval is the head of the Aquino Cartel.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “I.C.I.N.C.”
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: Soren in “The Menu,” Victor in “Mr. Corman” and Jaime Castro in “Broad City.”
Quotes
Dr. Hirsch (Matt Holland)
Dr. Hirsch is the psychologist who usually handles doing the psych evaluation for new assets.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “I.C.I.N.C.”
Quotes
Dustin Hatch (Michael Lazarovitch)
Dustin administers the polygraph test for new assets.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 6 “I.C.I.N.C.”
Quotes
Marta (Maddie Hasson)
Marta, originally, just seemed like a girl with a possible interest in Owen. However, as time goes on, it becomes clear she is some kind of operative for the Russian mafia with a hard-on for Max.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 7
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: A unknown role in “Elevation,” Henrietta ‘Henry’ Coles in “Impulse,” and Jo Masterson in “Twisted”
- Original Cover (1.7): She was supposed to be a student from Iceland
- Real Name (1.8): Nichka Lashin aka Karolina
- Occupation (1.8): Russian Mafia Enforcer
Quotes
Kirill (Andre Roshkov)
Kirill is a Russian mobster who Max tries to get on good terms with, by revealing who his wife, Stasia, was having an affair with.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 7
Quotes
Mei Copeland (Kira Clavell)
Mei is Hannah’s mom, a major force in Washington as a lobbyist, and isn’t above using her daughter for leverage.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 7
Quotes
CIA Director (Nathan Fillion)
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 8
- The Actor’s Past and Future Roles Include: John Nolan in “The Rookie,” Himself (voice) in “Big Mouth,” and Richard Castle in “Castle.”
Quotes
Lev Orlov (Gregory Hlady)
Lev is a lieutenant in the Russian mob who was well acquainted with Max’s husband.
Additional Information
- Introduced In: Season 1/ Episode 8
Quotes
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