Just entering it's third season, The Americans is another FX show that often seems to get overlooked. The premise of the show is about two KGB agents posing as an American couple in order to spy for the Russian Intelligence against the United States. Basically, they are Russians posing as Americans. It takes place during the 1980's at the height of the Cold War, right in the heart of Washington D.C. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys play Elizabeth and Phillip Jennings, who live just outside of D.C. with their two children, Paige and Henry. Right across the street however, is FBI agent Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich) which complicates the mission they were sent to do. Both Russell and Rhys give outstanding performances but the stand out star, in my opinion, is Rhys. I had never really heard of him before this show but after catching up on the past few seasons, it amazes me at the amount of range he has. The guy can act and is easily one of the better actors I have seen for quite some time.
The underlying theme of the Cold War should not overshadow what this show is trying to say. It is easy to side with the U.S. because we are citizens, but it is hard not to feel a connection with Elizabeth and Phillip. The show is trying to establish and maintain the identities of the characters as well as the identities of both the U.S. and the Soviet Union. By feeling a connection with each character you start to trust the actions that they take, whether they are good or bad. The overall message seems to be the struggle to find the true identities of one another and if both sides of the war are right in their actions or are causing more harm than good. With top-notch writing, genius acting and an excellent story, it becomes hard to choose which side you are on. The never-ending power struggle between the two nations is certainly not to be missed.
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Authors:Pat Brennan: Recent Film grad from Temple University with a love for all aspects of film. David Fincher for life. Archives:
November 2016
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