The National Security Agency (NSA) is the United States government's cryptologic organization, officially established on November 4, 1952.
Relevance[]
Responsible for the collection and analysis of foreign communications, it coordinates, directs, and performs highly specialized activities to produce foreign signals intelligence information, which involves a significant amount of cryptanalysis. It is also responsible for protecting U.S. government communications and information systems from similar agencies elsewhere, which involves a significant amount of cryptography.
In the Chuck Universe, the NSA is headed by General Diane Beckman, she directed Team Bartowski on their various assignments. Although she teamed with Langston Graham of the CIA in Season one, for the succeeding four seasons, she served as the only authority they reported after Graham's death in Chuck Versus the First Date.
Known Staff[]
Officers[]
- General Diane Beckman - Director of NSA
- Bob S. Mickella - Deputy Director of NSA
Agents[]
- Colonel John Casey
- Kevin Mock - NSA operative seen in the Intersect update in Chuck Versus the Break Up
- Sarah Cruz - NSA operative seen in the Intersect update in Chuck Versus the Break Up
Former[]
- Dr. Jonah Zarnow - Scientist turned traitor when he tried to sell secrets in the Intersect to North Korea
NSA Director[]
In the Pilot, actress Wendy Makkena appeared in a role credited as the National Intelligence Director. In some casting lists the character is identified as "General Mary Beckman." In the episode, the Intelligence Director briefed Casey alongside Director Graham on the Intersect theft, before dispatching him to Burbank to track down Bryce Larkin's contact. Makkena was to continue appearing in this role, however, was forced to drop out for unspecified reasons after the pilot was filmed.
Bonita Friedericy also auditioned for the role, and took over when Makkena left. Although the Intelligence Director's name was never used in the pilot, Friedericy has suggested the two characters are the same, although no official stance by the Schwartz or Fedak exists to confirm this.
Bonita Friedericy[]
General Diane Beckman is the Director of National Security Agency and is portrayed by actress Bonita Friedericy. She maintains the rank of Brigadier General in the U.S. Air Force. Beckman appeared as the main contact for her CIA/NSA joint-ops spy team, Team Bartowski.
Beckman slowly begins to develop a much closer appreciation and relationship with Team Bartowski throughout the series. She begins to maintain frequent appearances in person as of Season Four, although still maintains as stream of videoconferencing with the team as she had the previously.
As of the final season, Beckman serves as an accomplice and a contact for the freelance spy firm Carmichael Industries, after Team Bartowski had been forced out of government service against her wishes during the season four finale, Chuck Versus the Cliffhanger.