Spy From Weights and Measures: Difference between revisions

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'''Darien Fawkes''': BWM.<br />
'''Darien Fawkes''': BWM.<br />
'''Det. Mishka''': Which stands for...<br />
'''Det. Mishka''': Which stands for...<br />
'''Bobby Hobbes''': Bureau of Weights and Measures.|''[[The Invisible Man (TV)|The Invisible Man]]''}}
'''Bobby Hobbes''': Bureau of Weights and Measures.|''[[The Invisible Man (TV series)|The Invisible Man]]''}}


One problem with being a member of the [[Government Agency of Fiction]] is that, at some point, you need to interact with the public or non-covert governmental agencies. This is where being a [[Spy From Weights and Measures]] comes in. This is where a covert group has a highly mundane front and it will sometimes be commented that their funding is hidden from the public within the low funding the front group officially receives. Sometimes this will be played for laughs, as characters will either make fun of the official organ the spies are supposed to come from, or else see the front for the [[Paper-Thin Disguise]] that it is. As a general note, it is very common for a cultural attache to be one of these ("travel to interesting places; kill interesting people").
One problem with being a member of the [[Government Agency of Fiction]] is that, at some point, you need to interact with the public or non-covert governmental agencies. This is where being a [[Spy From Weights and Measures]] comes in. This is where a covert group has a highly mundane front and it will sometimes be commented that their funding is hidden from the public within the low funding the front group officially receives. Sometimes this will be played for laughs, as characters will either make fun of the official organ the spies are supposed to come from, or else see the front for the [[Paper-Thin Disguise]] that it is. As a general note, it is very common for a cultural attache to be one of these ("travel to interesting places; kill interesting people").
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* The spy/assassin November 11 in ''[[Darker Than Black]]'' is officially supposed to be a minister of some sort.
* The spy/assassin November 11 in ''[[Darker Than Black]]'' is officially supposed to be a minister of some sort.
** In the second season, two Contractor assassins, Mina and Genma {{spoiler|and Kirihara}} are officially clerks for Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which is a front for a Black Ops group supposedly fighting against [[The Syndicate]]. Given that the actual Ministry is involved in things like managing civil service and telecommunications, this is a perfect example of a "boring" department providing cover for nefarious schemes.
** In the second season, two Contractor assassins, Mina and Genma {{spoiler|and Kirihara}} are officially clerks for Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, which is a front for a Black Ops group supposedly fighting against [[The Syndicate]]. Given that the actual Ministry is involved in things like managing civil service and telecommunications, this is a perfect example of a "boring" department providing cover for nefarious schemes.
* In ''[[Ghost in The Shell]]'', Section 9 employee Togusa mentions his cover is that of working for a security firm. Maj. Kusanagi on the other hand, maintains that she works for the Military. Ishikawa actually owns a gambling hall for cover. Section 9 usually work in official capacity or undercover, so they rarely need consistent covers.
* In ''[[Ghost in the Shell]]'', Section 9 employee Togusa mentions his cover is that of working for a security firm. Maj. Kusanagi on the other hand, maintains that she works for the Military. Ishikawa actually owns a gambling hall for cover. Section 9 usually work in official capacity or undercover, so they rarely need consistent covers.
* ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]''. The Marduk Institute is a front for SEELE. It's also mentioned that Marduk itself has [[108]] fronts.
* ''[[Neon Genesis Evangelion]]''. The Marduk Institute is a front for SEELE. It's also mentioned that Marduk itself has [[108]] fronts.
** Ryoji Kaji, who basically everybody knows is a spy, is officially cited as a "UN attaché" who had guardianship of Asuka.
** Ryoji Kaji, who basically everybody knows is a spy, is officially cited as a "UN attaché" who had guardianship of Asuka.
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== Films ==
== Films ==
* ''[[Get Smart (Film)|Get Smart]]'' CONTROL has its headquarters in the Smithsonian.... in a display ''about'' CONTROL. The display pretends CONTROL was disbanded at the end of the [[Cold War]].
* ''[[Get Smart (film)|Get Smart]]'' CONTROL has its headquarters in the Smithsonian.... in a display ''about'' CONTROL. The display pretends CONTROL was disbanded at the end of the [[Cold War]].
* ''[[The Muppet Show|Muppets]] [[In Space|From Space]]'': The top-secret C.O.V.N.E.T. facility is "cleverly disguised as a cement factory". (This leads to a funny bit later when Bobo suggests taking his company car.)
* ''[[The Muppet Show|Muppets]] [[In Space|From Space]]'': The top-secret C.O.V.N.E.T. facility is "cleverly disguised as a cement factory". (This leads to a funny bit later when Bobo suggests taking his company car.)
* ''[[Spies Like Us]]''. The Ace Tomato company. Plus Mission Control for the military's SDI weapon was hidden under a deserted [[Drive-In Theater]].
* ''[[Spies Like Us]]''. The Ace Tomato company. Plus Mission Control for the military's SDI weapon was hidden under a deserted [[Drive-In Theater]].
* ''[[Undercover Brother]]''. The headquarters of the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D. are located beneath a barber shop.
* ''[[Undercover Brother]]''. The headquarters of the B.R.O.T.H.E.R.H.O.O.D. are located beneath a barber shop.
* ''[[Men in Black (Film)|Men in Black]]''. MIB headquarters is hidden in the ventilator building of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
* ''[[Men in Black (film)|Men in Black]]''. MIB headquarters is hidden in the ventilator building of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel.
** Field agents also claimed to be Division 6 of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This became a [[Running Gag]] in the cartoon where they'd claim they were from Division 6 of whatever organization vaguely applied to the jurisdiction. [[Did Not Do the Research|Which would often result in competent civil servants knowing such a division did not exist.]]<ref>Important to note, the INS itself no longer exists; it was dissolved post-9/11 and its former duties are now handled by the Dept. of Homeland Security.</ref>
** Field agents also claimed to be Division 6 of the Immigration and Naturalization Service. This became a [[Running Gag]] in the cartoon where they'd claim they were from Division 6 of whatever organization vaguely applied to the jurisdiction. [[Did Not Do the Research|Which would often result in competent civil servants knowing such a division did not exist.]]<ref>Important to note, the INS itself no longer exists; it was dissolved post-9/11 and its former duties are now handled by the Dept. of Homeland Security.</ref>
* The Woody Allen movie ''Small Time Crooks'' features a cookie shop set up as a front for a bank robbery attempt. The attempt fails, but the front business becomes wildly successful.
* The Woody Allen movie ''Small Time Crooks'' features a cookie shop set up as a front for a bank robbery attempt. The attempt fails, but the front business becomes wildly successful.
* ''Jumping Jack Flash''. At a funeral for a dead spy it's mentioned that he was in the greeting card business, presumably a [[Shout-Out]] to ''[[Get Smart (TV)|Get Smart]]''.
* ''Jumping Jack Flash''. At a funeral for a dead spy it's mentioned that he was in the greeting card business, presumably a [[Shout-Out]] to ''[[Get Smart]]''.
* In ''[[Mission Impossible]] III'', Tom Cruise's character claims to work for the Virginia Department of Transportation. (Later, when he escapes from IMF headquarters, it's implied that their base actually ''is'' hidden behind VDOT.)
* In ''[[Mission Impossible]] III'', Tom Cruise's character claims to work for the Virginia Department of Transportation. (Later, when he escapes from IMF headquarters, it's implied that their base actually ''is'' hidden behind VDOT.)
** [[Wild Mass Guessing|Alternatively,]] that's what '''every''' agent says, so they keep a stash of VDOT stuff to give out.
** [[Wild Mass Guessing|Alternatively,]] that's what '''every''' agent says, so they keep a stash of VDOT stuff to give out.
* The headquarters of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense in ''[[Hellboy (Film)|Hellboy]]'' is located below a Sanitation Department building.
* The headquarters of the Bureau for Paranormal Research and Defense in ''[[Hellboy (film)|Hellboy]]'' is located below a Sanitation Department building.
** Which also happens to neatly explain the garbage truck they drive around in.
** Which also happens to neatly explain the garbage truck they drive around in.
* [[James Bond (Film)|James Bond]] occasionally claims to be working for Universal Exports in a few movies. It rarely lasts long.
* [[James Bond (film)|James Bond]] occasionally claims to be working for Universal Exports in a few movies. It rarely lasts long.
** ''[[Licence to Kill (Film)|Licence to Kill]]''. The televangelist Joe the Butcher actually makes a profit from his preaching, even though it's only meant to be a cover for the [[Big Bad]]'s drug operation. And a mook working at a marine supply business gives himself away when he doesn't know what the latin name for the Great White Shark is.
** ''[[Licence to Kill]]''. The televangelist Joe the Butcher actually makes a profit from his preaching, even though it's only meant to be a cover for the [[Big Bad]]'s drug operation. And a mook working at a marine supply business gives himself away when he doesn't know what the latin name for the Great White Shark is.
** And finally lampshaded in ''[[Quantum of Solace (Film)|Quantum of Solace]]'': James Bond mocks Felix Leiter for the CIA's evident inability to do this competently.
** And finally lampshaded in ''[[Quantum of Solace]]'': James Bond mocks Felix Leiter for the CIA's evident inability to do this competently.
{{quote| ''You know, you should just answer, 'CIA,' Felix. [[Paper-Thin Disguise|A taxi driver told me where the office was.]]''}}
{{quote| ''You know, you should just answer, 'CIA,' Felix. [[Paper-Thin Disguise|A taxi driver told me where the office was.]]''}}
* In ''[[Bugsy Malone]]'' Pop Becker's book store is the front for Fat Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy (however this may only be in the stage version I can't remember)
* In ''[[Bugsy Malone]]'' Pop Becker's book store is the front for Fat Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy (however this may only be in the stage version I can't remember)
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** This becomes a running gag, where each new movie would have [[Number Two]] suggest they focus on a front organization, which is by far more profitable (Starbucks in the second and a talent agency in the third), only to be dismissed.
** This becomes a running gag, where each new movie would have [[Number Two]] suggest they focus on a front organization, which is by far more profitable (Starbucks in the second and a talent agency in the third), only to be dismissed.
{{quote| Dr. Evil: "Why make trillions, when we can make ''billions''?"}}
{{quote| Dr. Evil: "Why make trillions, when we can make ''billions''?"}}
* Horace and Jasper try this in Disney's ''[[101 Dalmatians (Disney)|One Hundred and One Dalmatians]]'', with a briefcase labeled "Electric Co.", although Horace introduces them as being from the gas company before Jasper corrects him.
* Horace and Jasper try this in Disney's ''[[101 Dalmatians|One Hundred and One Dalmatians]]'', with a briefcase labeled "Electric Co.", although Horace introduces them as being from the gas company before Jasper corrects him.
* The bad guys in ''[[Under Siege]] 2'' blow up a Chinese "fertiliser plant".
* The bad guys in ''[[Under Siege]] 2'' blow up a Chinese "fertiliser plant".
{{quote| '''Penn:''' A fertiliser plant?<br />
{{quote| '''Penn:''' A fertiliser plant?<br />
'''Travis Dane:''' Yeah, I'm gonna shock the world by spreading ca-ca all over the place. Guangzhou is a chemical weapons plant masquerading as a fertiliser plant. We know this. The Chinese know that we know. But we make-believe that we don't know and the Chinese make-believe that they believe that we don't know, but know that we know. Everybody knows. }}
'''Travis Dane:''' Yeah, I'm gonna shock the world by spreading ca-ca all over the place. Guangzhou is a chemical weapons plant masquerading as a fertiliser plant. We know this. The Chinese know that we know. But we make-believe that we don't know and the Chinese make-believe that they believe that we don't know, but know that we know. Everybody knows. }}
* In ''[[Charlie Wilsons War (Film)|Charlie Wilsons War]]'', Gust claims to work for Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Plant Division, specializing in apple imports, though it's mostly played as a joke because Joanne is well-aware he's with the CIA.
* In ''[[Charlie Wilson's War|Charlie Wilsons War]]'', Gust claims to work for Department of Agriculture's Fruit and Plant Division, specializing in apple imports, though it's mostly played as a joke because Joanne is well-aware he's with the CIA.
* The Wildfire biological research laboratory in the 1971 movie ''[[The Andromeda Strain]]'' is an underground Defense Department secret facility buried underneath a Department of Agriculture research station.
* The Wildfire biological research laboratory in the 1971 movie ''[[The Andromeda Strain]]'' is an underground Defense Department secret facility buried underneath a Department of Agriculture research station.


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'''Mycroft:''' [chuckles] What a vivid imagination my brother has. }}
'''Mycroft:''' [chuckles] What a vivid imagination my brother has. }}
* In the Aubrey/Maturin series Stephan Maturin is one of Britain's most effective spies, but uses his status as a respected natural philosopher and physician to travel in wartime.
* In the Aubrey/Maturin series Stephan Maturin is one of Britain's most effective spies, but uses his status as a respected natural philosopher and physician to travel in wartime.
* In [[Discworld]], ''[[Discworld (Literature)/The Fifth Elephant|The Fifth Elephant]]'' has Inigo Skimmer, an assassin posing as a clerk, and a later book, ''[[Discworld (Literature)/Going Postal|Going Postal]]'' references a whole group of "dark clerks", nondescript gentlemen who appear to be ordinary clerks until you meet their eyes. Despite being mostly prize-scholarship graduates of the Guild of Assassins, the majority of their workload ''is'' apparently desk-based ([[Truth in Television]] for real intelligence agencies), but they're all fully trained for field operations should the need arise.
* In [[Discworld]], ''[[Discworld/The Fifth Elephant|The Fifth Elephant]]'' has Inigo Skimmer, an assassin posing as a clerk, and a later book, ''[[Discworld/Going Postal|Going Postal]]'' references a whole group of "dark clerks", nondescript gentlemen who appear to be ordinary clerks until you meet their eyes. Despite being mostly prize-scholarship graduates of the Guild of Assassins, the majority of their workload ''is'' apparently desk-based ([[Truth in Television]] for real intelligence agencies), but they're all fully trained for field operations should the need arise.
* In the [[James Bond]] novels, the British Secret Service is based in a large office building with several cover companies, including a radio company to explain all the antennae on the roof. Field agents like 007 are supposed to work for "Universal Export". This was sometimes mentioned in the movies as well.
* In the [[James Bond]] novels, the British Secret Service is based in a large office building with several cover companies, including a radio company to explain all the antennae on the roof. Field agents like 007 are supposed to work for "Universal Export". This was sometimes mentioned in the movies as well.
** In ''[[Thunderball]]'' SPECTRE uses the cover of a refugee aid agency -- "Firco" in the novels; "International Brotherhood for the Assistance of Stateless Persons" in the film.
** In ''[[Thunderball]]'' SPECTRE uses the cover of a refugee aid agency -- "Firco" in the novels; "International Brotherhood for the Assistance of Stateless Persons" in the film.
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* ''Bill: The Galactic Hero'' by [[Harry Harrison]]. A frozen-food kosher ham store is literally a 'front' -- just a cardboard wall attached to the front of a tank used to ambush the revolutionaries, as Bill finds out when he tries to open the door. The [[Paper-Thin Disguise|unconvincing cover]] of a Jewish ham store makes no difference, as it turns out [[Flock of Wolves|all the 'revolutionaries' are government spies]] anyway.
* ''Bill: The Galactic Hero'' by [[Harry Harrison]]. A frozen-food kosher ham store is literally a 'front' -- just a cardboard wall attached to the front of a tank used to ambush the revolutionaries, as Bill finds out when he tries to open the door. The [[Paper-Thin Disguise|unconvincing cover]] of a Jewish ham store makes no difference, as it turns out [[Flock of Wolves|all the 'revolutionaries' are government spies]] anyway.
* Locke Lamora of the [[Gentlemen Bastard]] sequence claims to be one of these in the second book... as in, he tells another character that he used to work in the weights and measures department until he was recruited as a spy by the Archon, a position he's now supposedly on the run from. (The part about weights and measures is a complete fiction, and he's actually working for the Archon, under threat of blackmail, at the time he says this.)
* Locke Lamora of the [[Gentlemen Bastard]] sequence claims to be one of these in the second book... as in, he tells another character that he used to work in the weights and measures department until he was recruited as a spy by the Archon, a position he's now supposedly on the run from. (The part about weights and measures is a complete fiction, and he's actually working for the Archon, under threat of blackmail, at the time he says this.)
* [[Michael Kurland (Creator)|Michael Kurland]] uses almost this exact trope as a cover for his two agents in ''The Whenabouts of Burr''.
* [[Michael Kurland]] uses almost this exact trope as a cover for his two agents in ''The Whenabouts of Burr''.
* [[MI 6]] fronts as a bank office in the ''[[Alex Rider (Literature)|Alex Rider]]'' series.
* [[MI 6]] fronts as a bank office in the ''[[Alex Rider]]'' series.
* [[Tom Clancy]] usually has super-paramilitary spy John Clark covering himself as a geologist. ''[[Clear and Present Danger]]'' implies that he's also knowledgeable enough to cover himself other ways as well. ''[[Debt Of Honor]]'' actually has him and his partner pretending to be ''[[Irony|Russians]]'' to infiltrate Japan. When the paramilitary anti-terrorist organization Rainbow is established in ''[[Rainbow Six]]'', they're listed as belonging to the Special Air Service in a case of [[Hiding In Plain Sight]].
* [[Tom Clancy]] usually has super-paramilitary spy John Clark covering himself as a geologist. ''[[Clear and Present Danger]]'' implies that he's also knowledgeable enough to cover himself other ways as well. ''[[Debt Of Honor]]'' actually has him and his partner pretending to be ''[[Irony|Russians]]'' to infiltrate Japan. When the paramilitary anti-terrorist organization Rainbow is established in ''[[Rainbow Six]]'', they're listed as belonging to the Special Air Service in a case of [[Hiding In Plain Sight]].


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* ''[[UFO]]''. SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organization) operated under the cover of a film studio.
* ''[[UFO]]''. SHADO (Supreme Headquarters Alien Defense Organization) operated under the cover of a film studio.
* Parodied in the ''[[Monty Python's Flying Circus]]'' "Mr. Neutron" sketch. The U.S. government had F.E.A.R. (Federal Egg Answering Room) as a front group for F.E.E.B.L.E. (the Free world Extra-Earthly Bodies Location and Extermination centre).
* Parodied in the ''[[Monty Python's Flying Circus]]'' "Mr. Neutron" sketch. The U.S. government had F.E.A.R. (Federal Egg Answering Room) as a front group for F.E.E.B.L.E. (the Free world Extra-Earthly Bodies Location and Extermination centre).
* ''[[Heroes (TV)|Heroes]]''. The Company has Primatech Paper, the Deveaux Building and the Linderman Group.
* ''[[Heroes (TV series)|Heroes]]''. The Company has Primatech Paper, the Deveaux Building and the Linderman Group.
* ''[[The Man From UNCLE]]''. U.N.C.L.E. headquarters is located behind Del Floria's Tailor Shop, while another entrance is via The Masque Club. U.N.C.L.E.'s "Section VII: Public Relations and Propaganda" had a charity fundraising group as a front.
* ''[[The Man from U.N.C.L.E.]]''. U.N.C.L.E. headquarters is located behind Del Floria's Tailor Shop, while another entrance is via The Masque Club. U.N.C.L.E.'s "Section VII: Public Relations and Propaganda" had a charity fundraising group as a front.
* ''[[Deep Space Nine]]''. Cardassian spy Garak operates from "Garak's Clothiers", a tailor shop. There is also a Del Floria's Tailor Shop listed on the Promenade businesses in a tongue-in-cheek homage to ''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.''
* ''[[Deep Space Nine]]''. Cardassian spy Garak operates from "Garak's Clothiers", a tailor shop. There is also a Del Floria's Tailor Shop listed on the Promenade businesses in a tongue-in-cheek homage to ''The Man from U.N.C.L.E.''
** Garak is also an [[Becoming the Mask|excellent tailor.]]
** Garak is also an [[Becoming the Mask|excellent tailor.]]
* ''[[Wiseguy]]''. "Lifeguard" (Vinnie Terranova's [[Mission Control]]) answers the telephone as "Sailor Hardware", run by Vinnie's "Uncle Mike".
* ''[[Wiseguy]]''. "Lifeguard" (Vinnie Terranova's [[Mission Control]]) answers the telephone as "Sailor Hardware", run by Vinnie's "Uncle Mike".
* The title Special Unit in ''[[Special Unit 2 (TV)|Special Unit 2]]'' uses a dry cleaners for cover.
* The title Special Unit in ''[[Special Unit 2]]'' uses a dry cleaners for cover.
** In one episode, a guy tries to rob the place with a handgun. Cue all the undercover cops taking out their oversized guns in a scene reminiscent of ''[[Robo Cop 3]]''.
** In one episode, a guy tries to rob the place with a handgun. Cue all the undercover cops taking out their oversized guns in a scene reminiscent of ''[[Robo Cop 3]]''.
* ''[[Lost (TV)|Lost]]''. The Others recruit Juliet through Mittelos Bioscience. The Lost Experience probably had dozens of these, too.
* ''[[Lost]]''. The Others recruit Juliet through Mittelos Bioscience. The Lost Experience probably had dozens of these, too.
* ''[[Get Smart (TV)|Get Smart]]''. Maxwell Smart pretends to be in the greeting card business.
* ''[[Get Smart]]''. Maxwell Smart pretends to be in the greeting card business.
** He also mentions that to keep his landlord from getting wise, he told him he works for the IRS to explain at the attempts on his life.
** He also mentions that to keep his landlord from getting wise, he told him he works for the IRS to explain at the attempts on his life.
* The protagonists of the [[Sci Fi Channel]]'s ''[[The Invisible Man (TV)|The Invisible Man]]'' belong to "The Agency", a covert organization that due to defense budget cuts ended up being absorbed by the Department of Fish & Game. In the second season, The Agency ends up being absorbed by several similar unrelated departments, such as the Department Of Indian Affairs, the Department Of Health And Human Services and the United States Postal Service until finally settling in... the Bureau of Weights and Measures.
* The protagonists of the [[Sci Fi Channel]]'s ''[[The Invisible Man (TV series)|The Invisible Man]]'' belong to "The Agency", a covert organization that due to defense budget cuts ended up being absorbed by the Department of Fish & Game. In the second season, The Agency ends up being absorbed by several similar unrelated departments, such as the Department Of Indian Affairs, the Department Of Health And Human Services and the United States Postal Service until finally settling in... the Bureau of Weights and Measures.
** Which becomes awkward in one episode where they go to a physics lab, and the scientists are actually expecting people from BWM to re-calibrate their equipment.
** Which becomes awkward in one episode where they go to a physics lab, and the scientists are actually expecting people from BWM to re-calibrate their equipment.
* [[Torchwood (TV)|Torchwood]] Three's main entrance is in the back of a Cardiff Tourist Bureau.
* [[Torchwood]] Three's main entrance is in the back of a Cardiff Tourist Bureau.
* The team from [[The Unit]] use the cover of being in logistics. To be fair, though, they do in fact do logistical work--in fact, one episode begins with Brown being tested in such. Subverted in that the cover is entirely believable; no one ever questions why the obviously badass soldiers are working in logistics, they simply believe, or are told by someone and ''then'' believe, that the operators have ''earned'' safe, cushy deskjobs after serving multiple tours in the Middle East as part of the regular Army.
* The team from [[The Unit]] use the cover of being in logistics. To be fair, though, they do in fact do logistical work--in fact, one episode begins with Brown being tested in such. Subverted in that the cover is entirely believable; no one ever questions why the obviously badass soldiers are working in logistics, they simply believe, or are told by someone and ''then'' believe, that the operators have ''earned'' safe, cushy deskjobs after serving multiple tours in the Middle East as part of the regular Army.
* The eponymous artifact-collecting Warehouse from ''[[Warehouse 13]]'' was officially operated by the Secret Service, and they get somebody giving them trouble over it about [[Once an Episode]]. [[Reality Is Unrealistic]] in this case: protecting the President is the most well-known duty of the Secret Service, but they were originally (and still are) the enforcement arm of the US Treasury, among other things.
* The eponymous artifact-collecting Warehouse from ''[[Warehouse 13]]'' was officially operated by the Secret Service, and they get somebody giving them trouble over it about [[Once an Episode]]. [[Reality Is Unrealistic]] in this case: protecting the President is the most well-known duty of the Secret Service, but they were originally (and still are) the enforcement arm of the US Treasury, among other things.
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** When Michael gets on a semi-friendly relationship with the CIA again, the base of operations is a subsection shared with a more mundane government agency. It's more than just a front or a handy cover ID, as the real reason is simply practical business sense by sharing location costs and having a similar level of security.
** When Michael gets on a semi-friendly relationship with the CIA again, the base of operations is a subsection shared with a more mundane government agency. It's more than just a front or a handy cover ID, as the real reason is simply practical business sense by sharing location costs and having a similar level of security.
* ''[[Doctor Who]]''. In the first episode involving the Jon Pertwee Doctor, it's mentioned that UNIT HQ is pretending to be a branch of the Pensions Dept.
* ''[[Doctor Who]]''. In the first episode involving the Jon Pertwee Doctor, it's mentioned that UNIT HQ is pretending to be a branch of the Pensions Dept.
* A villainous example occurs in ''[[Alias (TV)|Alias]]'' with the terrorist group SD-6 masquerading behind the name of a bank, Credit Dauphine.
* A villainous example occurs in ''[[Alias (TV series)|Alias]]'' with the terrorist group SD-6 masquerading behind the name of a bank, Credit Dauphine.
* ''[[Covert Affairs]]'': As far as anyone outside the CIA knows, Annie works for the Smithsonian, and she often uses this as a cover while traveling abroad. In one episode, her niece's class is supposed to take a field trip to the Smithsonian while Annie is on an overseas mission, and Auggie has to smooth things over by giving them a tour.
* ''[[Covert Affairs]]'': As far as anyone outside the CIA knows, Annie works for the Smithsonian, and she often uses this as a cover while traveling abroad. In one episode, her niece's class is supposed to take a field trip to the Smithsonian while Annie is on an overseas mission, and Auggie has to smooth things over by giving them a tour.
* ''[[Chuck]]'': Chuck and Casey's jobs at the Buy More are more or less genuine, but Casey has all sorts of weapons and gadgets hidden around the store, and the ice cream parlor where Sarah works is a front for a secret CIA base. It's not clear if the owners know this; presumably the place is run by the CIA, since Sarah is always away on missions and would probably be fired if it were a real job. Chuck's excuse is that he has to leave the store to answer tech support calls.
* ''[[Chuck]]'': Chuck and Casey's jobs at the Buy More are more or less genuine, but Casey has all sorts of weapons and gadgets hidden around the store, and the ice cream parlor where Sarah works is a front for a secret CIA base. It's not clear if the owners know this; presumably the place is run by the CIA, since Sarah is always away on missions and would probably be fired if it were a real job. Chuck's excuse is that he has to leave the store to answer tech support calls.
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== Tabletop Games ==
== Tabletop Games ==
* ''[[Hunter: The Vigil (Tabletop Game)|Hunter: The Vigil]]'' has Task Force VALKYRIE, the high-priority special ops group that deals with supernatural incursions. Like the Secret Service, they're based out of the Treasury Department.
* ''[[Hunter: The Vigil]]'' has Task Force VALKYRIE, the high-priority special ops group that deals with supernatural incursions. Like the Secret Service, they're based out of the Treasury Department.




== Videogames ==
== Videogames ==
* In ''[[Max Payne (Video Game)|Max Payne]]'', the title character infiltrates the Cold Steel Foundry at the start of the third act, a facility which Max notes is "a perfect front for all kinds of illegal activities." It turns out to hide {{spoiler|a top secret military bunker called the Deep Six, which is the home of Project Valhalla and Valkyr}}.
* In ''[[Max Payne (series)|Max Payne]]'', the title character infiltrates the Cold Steel Foundry at the start of the third act, a facility which Max notes is "a perfect front for all kinds of illegal activities." It turns out to hide {{spoiler|a top secret military bunker called the Deep Six, which is the home of Project Valhalla and Valkyr}}.
** In the second game, "Squeaky Cleaners" are a bunch of hitmen serving as the [[Big Bad]]'s private army.
** In the second game, "Squeaky Cleaners" are a bunch of hitmen serving as the [[Big Bad]]'s private army.
* The Bumani Exchange Corporation in [[Knights of the Old Republic]] II is a poorly-concealed front for the Exchange.
* The Bumani Exchange Corporation in [[Knights of the Old Republic]] II is a poorly-concealed front for the Exchange.
* RED and BLU in ''[[Team Fortress 2 (Video Game)|Team Fortress 2]]'' have several of these, and might be considered to be front companies themselves since even though they claim to be demolition and construction companies respectively, they've basically turned into PMCs.
* RED and BLU in ''[[Team Fortress 2]]'' have several of these, and might be considered to be front companies themselves since even though they claim to be demolition and construction companies respectively, they've basically turned into PMCs.
* The original Milkman Conspiracy from [[Psychonauts (Video Game)|Psychonauts]] uses a [[Girl Scouts Are Evil|cookie-selling girl scout organization]] for cover.
* The original Milkman Conspiracy from [[Psychonauts]] uses a [[Girl Scouts Are Evil|cookie-selling girl scout organization]] for cover.
* In [[Vampire Bloodlines|Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines]], the Ventrue prince of Los Angelos rules from a skyscraper named Venture Tower (notice that the name is a misspelling that is still easily recognizable to any newly arrived Kindred who needs to know where the local prince is based,) which hosts a number of high-class banking and corporate offices, all of which serve as a cover for him.
* In [[Vampire Bloodlines|Vampire: The Masquerade: Bloodlines]], the Ventrue prince of Los Angelos rules from a skyscraper named Venture Tower (notice that the name is a misspelling that is still easily recognizable to any newly arrived Kindred who needs to know where the local prince is based,) which hosts a number of high-class banking and corporate offices, all of which serve as a cover for him.
* In the original ''[[Pokémon]]'' games, the criminal organization Team Rocket runs the Rocket Game Corner and Viridian City Gym. This is played completely straight in the game, despite Team Rocket having constructed a secret base beneath the casino, through which they must enter. Considering that Team Rocket members wear all-black matching uniforms wherever they go, this may be enough to raise suspicions of corruption or willful blindness on the part of the police.
* In the original ''[[Pokémon]]'' games, the criminal organization Team Rocket runs the Rocket Game Corner and Viridian City Gym. This is played completely straight in the game, despite Team Rocket having constructed a secret base beneath the casino, through which they must enter. Considering that Team Rocket members wear all-black matching uniforms wherever they go, this may be enough to raise suspicions of corruption or willful blindness on the part of the police.
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== Web Originals ==
== Web Originals ==
* The Order of Denderah in ''[[Lonely Girl 15]]'' uses the Hymn of One, Verdus Phamaceuticals, the Wyman Foundation, the Lullaby Project, Bio-Therapy Report LLC and Sacred Spirit.
* The Order of Denderah in ''[[Lonelygirl15]]'' uses the Hymn of One, Verdus Phamaceuticals, the Wyman Foundation, the Lullaby Project, Bio-Therapy Report LLC and Sacred Spirit.
* In ''[[Kate Modern]]'', the Order's covers are the Hymn of One and St. Grinstead Psychiatric Research Institution <ref>Absolutely no relation to Scientology, which has its UK headquarters in the town of East Grinstead</ref>.
* In ''[[Kate Modern]]'', the Order's covers are the Hymn of One and St. Grinstead Psychiatric Research Institution <ref>Absolutely no relation to Scientology, which has its UK headquarters in the town of East Grinstead</ref>.
* The [[SCP Foundation (Wiki)|SCP Foundation]] has several [http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-fronts front organizations] including the ''[[Fun With Acronyms|Soap from Corpses Products]] inc''.
* The [[SCP Foundation]] has several [http://scp-wiki.wikidot.com/scp-fronts front organizations] including the ''[[Fun with Acronyms|Soap from Corpses Products]] inc''.




== Western Animation ==
== Western Animation ==
* In the ''[[Men in Black (Animation)|Men in Black]]'' cartoon, the agents are officially working for the Department of Weights And Measures. The cover they give always takes the form: "<Situationally-Appropriate Government Agency>, Division Six", so they've been hotel inspectors, immigration, coast guard, and a host of others.
* In the ''[[Men in Black (animation)|Men in Black]]'' cartoon, the agents are officially working for the Department of Weights And Measures. The cover they give always takes the form: "<Situationally-Appropriate Government Agency>, Division Six", so they've been hotel inspectors, immigration, coast guard, and a host of others.
* ''[[Ben 10 (Animation)|Ben 10]]'': Ben's grandad belongs to the Plumbers, an MIB-like organization. In the latter series, it's revealed they're basically the Galactic Police, with ''every government on Earth'' respecting their authority in situations involving aliens.
* ''[[Ben 10]]'': Ben's grandad belongs to the Plumbers, an MIB-like organization. In the latter series, it's revealed they're basically the Galactic Police, with ''every government on Earth'' respecting their authority in situations involving aliens.
* Lampooned in ''[[The Simpsons (Animation)|The Simpsons]]'', with intelligence agency vans disguised as "Two Guys From Quantico Pizza" and "'''F'''lowers '''B'''y '''I'''rene".
* Lampooned in ''[[The Simpsons (animation)|The Simpsons]]'', with intelligence agency vans disguised as "Two Guys From Quantico Pizza" and "'''F'''lowers '''B'''y '''I'''rene".




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* Contrary to [[Overt Operative|certain media]], most Intelligence Officers ([[Insistent Terminology|"Spies" work for the]] ''[[Insistent Terminology|enemy]]'') take advantage of [[Diplomatic Impunity|Diplomatic Immunity]] by officially being the "Assistant Press Attache" or a similar non-job in an embassy.
* Contrary to [[Overt Operative|certain media]], most Intelligence Officers ([[Insistent Terminology|"Spies" work for the]] ''[[Insistent Terminology|enemy]]'') take advantage of [[Diplomatic Impunity|Diplomatic Immunity]] by officially being the "Assistant Press Attache" or a similar non-job in an embassy.
** Three quarters of the people in Soviet embassies were spies - with every single one in the military section being a GRU officer, and most of the remaining quarter working for KGB in their free time. The sole exception to the above was often the Military Attache himself, who was often an older man, not always in perfect sound mind, but with a chestful of medals won in World War II. He literally did nothing - not secret, not open - except participate in memorial ceremonies. One of the Soviet military attaches in Canada in [[The Eighties]] didn't even bother with that; he acted like his posting was a never-ending vacation. The scuttlebutt of the time was that he had something on someone, and given his standing and great age maybe he did.
** Three quarters of the people in Soviet embassies were spies - with every single one in the military section being a GRU officer, and most of the remaining quarter working for KGB in their free time. The sole exception to the above was often the Military Attache himself, who was often an older man, not always in perfect sound mind, but with a chestful of medals won in World War II. He literally did nothing - not secret, not open - except participate in memorial ceremonies. One of the Soviet military attaches in Canada in [[The Eighties]] didn't even bother with that; he acted like his posting was a never-ending vacation. The scuttlebutt of the time was that he had something on someone, and given his standing and great age maybe he did.
** A CIA officer's cover (whether working abroad or at headquarters) might be (theoretically) assigned not only to the usual suspects (Department of State, Defense, Homeland Security) but also some weirder ones (e.g. [[Charlie Wilsons War|Department of Agriculture]], Department of Commerce, and ''yes'', perhaps even the Bureau of Weights and Measures), as well as private US corporations (not naming names). Similarly, an SIS officer might easily be assigned to a quango with business abroad (the [[wikipedia:British Council|British Council]] in any country is notorious for being riddled with spies--probably even more so than even the British Embassy) or at home (if working at Vauxhall Cross).
** A CIA officer's cover (whether working abroad or at headquarters) might be (theoretically) assigned not only to the usual suspects (Department of State, Defense, Homeland Security) but also some weirder ones (e.g. [[Charlie Wilson's War|Department of Agriculture]], Department of Commerce, and ''yes'', perhaps even the Bureau of Weights and Measures), as well as private US corporations (not naming names). Similarly, an SIS officer might easily be assigned to a quango with business abroad (the [[wikipedia:British Council|British Council]] in any country is notorious for being riddled with spies--probably even more so than even the British Embassy) or at home (if working at Vauxhall Cross).
*** One of the few exceptions: You will never, ''ever'' find a CIA agent under Peace Corps cover. Never. That would detract from the legitimacy of the Peace Corps (goes the argument), and so if you want to serve in both the Peace Corps and the CIA, you have to do your two years at the Peace Corps, wait ''five whole years'', and then you can ''apply''. Applications to join the CIA take at least six months to process.
*** One of the few exceptions: You will never, ''ever'' find a CIA agent under Peace Corps cover. Never. That would detract from the legitimacy of the Peace Corps (goes the argument), and so if you want to serve in both the Peace Corps and the CIA, you have to do your two years at the Peace Corps, wait ''five whole years'', and then you can ''apply''. Applications to join the CIA take at least six months to process.
*** The only reason many countries allow the Peace Corps in is that they're emphatically ''not'' a CIA front. Ever. If they tried it and got caught it would mean the Peace Corps would be pulled from those countries, the US would take a terrible diplomatic blow, and a bunch of innocent, skilled and altruistic people would get hurt arrested and/or killed. It's just not worth it, especially when there are much more discreet alternatives.
*** The only reason many countries allow the Peace Corps in is that they're emphatically ''not'' a CIA front. Ever. If they tried it and got caught it would mean the Peace Corps would be pulled from those countries, the US would take a terrible diplomatic blow, and a bunch of innocent, skilled and altruistic people would get hurt arrested and/or killed. It's just not worth it, especially when there are much more discreet alternatives.
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