I think I spotted something no one else has noticed.

Thunderbirds Argo

I agree with you completely, and I even thought he was a federal agent in his first few scenes. But I think they're trying to make him less intimidating/convincing as a criminal because he's destined to fail. By comparison to BB's list of bad guys, he needs to seem criminal-lite.

I have the sneaking feeling that she is long-conning someone herself…

Walterwhite