So, How Is: The Americans

The Americans, which premiered January 30th on FX, is a Cold War drama set in the 80s that centers on a married couple who are actually undercover Soviet spies. As far as anyone else knows, including their unsuspecting children and the FBI agent who lives across the street, Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings (played to perfection by Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell) are just a typical, DC-area suburban couple who run a travel agency in the city. Although the show can feel a tad unrealistic at times, it paints a fascinating picture of the Cold War and pre-digital spying tactics as two national superpowers scramble to acquire intelligence, by any means necessary.

Since the show was created by a former CIA officer, it portrays modern spy craft in authentic detail, instead of going the quick and dirty route that most spy shows and movies employ. This is one of the show's greatest strengths, as it is quite gripping to witness how each mission is accomplished with seemingly roundabout tactics that ensure security, maintaining the audience's attention with simple curiosity as well as tension. Attention is demanded even further as both KGB and FBI agents rely on a variety of assets for information and tactical support, and those assets usually don't even know who they are truly helping or why. That deception is sustained by the extensive cover identities and disguises the Jennings employ (here's another reason to pay close attention, I almost missed that it was Phil a few times myself).

In addition to this espionage-thriller aspect, the show is also an excellent relationship drama. Phillip and Elizabeth's marriage was arranged by the Soviet Union so they could infiltrate the US and, despite having two children, they were explicitly instructed not to get to know each other by discussing their Russian past, they are only to know each other as Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings, the Americans (those are of course not their actual birth names). Not only do these orders prevent them from becoming close, they breed distrust as well, with Phillip's enjoyment of American culture (and his intense bond with their actually-American children) leading the passionately communist Elizabeth to grow suspicious. However, where the series picks up, they are beginning to see new sides of each other and grow closer, tempting them to try making their romantic relationship real. Add an expansive supporting cast of interesting characters to their personal drama and covert operations and you have one compelling, original take on the spy genre.