The approach might be breezier than I'd hoped, but it's USA and we can hardly expect The Wire. I think it'll succeed based on the charm of its cast.
As far as the tone of the show goes, Liman is sure to give it an action-y feel and there were certainly be more than a few serious moments, as you can see in this sneak peek from the premiere.
I think Gorham is going to be more the Best Bud/Obi-Wan character. Piper is playing a distaff version of Chuck Bartowski, but presumably her job will be more reality-based. And yknow what? I bet new CIA agents really are gangly and goofy and big frak-ups. That's how real life works. It's the Jason Bourne fantasia that's the lie.
Friendly reminder - premiere is tonight at 10/9c after White Collar! Hope you tune in and would love to hear your reactions to premiere.