The world has changed quite a bit since the early 1980s, and we’re now to the point that a television show set in that era qualifies as a period piece. Some of us are getting old . . .
“The Americans” ran for five seasons from 2013 to 2018. It followed a couple posing as an average American couple at the height of the Cold War. The two are agents who have been trained by the Soviets for years to live in America as spies. They have two unsuspecting, American-born children, have a house in a suburbs, own a travel agency and live like a typical American husband and wife. But they’re both badasses, and they’ll pretty much do anything for their country. Both will use sex whenever needed to get information or build a necessary relationship, and they rely on a variety of disguises when working.
The set up is fascinating. Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings and Keri Russell as Elizabeth Jennings play the husband and wife team. But right from the beginning we see tension between them. They’re both very good at their job, and they compliment each other very well. But Philip is starting to appreciate the comforts of American life, while Elizabeth is still very much a true believer in the cause. Meanwhile, an FBI agent has moved in across the street. They naturally become friends, but the agent is assigned to the unit investigated what they called “The Illegals.”
If you haven’t see “The Americans” then you should stop here if you don’t want to see any spoilers. Binge watch the first season (which is the best) and you’ll be hooked!
As mentioned above, Season 1 is the best season in our opinion. While the entire series is excellent, it’s hard to match the brilliance of that first season. The entire series revolves around the marriage between Philip and Elizabeth, but the storylines get more complicated as their children grow older and Page, the eldest, starts to become suspicious. But in that first season we’re just getting introduced to this amazing world of spies and the tension between Philip and Elizabeth, along with the endless stream of pressure situations they’re forced to face.
Cast
Keri Russll
Keri Russell’s portrayal of Elizabeth Jennings in “The Americans” is a masterclass in nuanced, fierce, and complex character work. She’s a certified badass as she navigates a double life as a devoted spy, wife, and mother, delivering a performance that’s equal parts steely resolve and emotional depth. Unlike Philip, who wavers in his loyalty to the KGB, Elizabeth is a die-hard believer in the Soviet cause, shaped by her impoverished upbringing and wartime trauma. Her unwavering commitment drives much of the show’s tension, as she prioritizes duty over personal desires, even when it strains her marriage or risks her family.
Matthew Rhys
The casting of Matthew Rhys as Philip Jennings is a tale of serendipity, initial skepticism from a Hollywood heavyweight, and ultimate vindication through a performance that defined the FX spy drama’s success. Rhys’s portrayal of the conflicted KGB agent, paired with Keri Russell’s Elizabeth Jennings, turned the Cold War thriller into a critically acclaimed masterpiece, earning him a Primetime Emmy and widespread praise. Rhys told The Hollywood Reporter in 2018, “The role was a gift—layered, multi-faceted, with kung fu, emotional scenes, and disguises. It’s an actor’s dream.” Strangely, Steven Spielberg didn’t think Rhys had enough star power for the role opposite Keri Russell. He even removed himself as Executive Producer over the disagreement. It turns out he was wrong.
Julia Garner
Julia played Kimberly “Kimmy” Breland starting in Season 3, and her recurring role was a pivotal part of the show. Garner portrayed a young, beautiful and naive teenager who becomes entangled with Philip. Kimmy’s loneliness and vulnerability made her a target for Philip’s manipulation, as he used their relationship to gather intelligence. Julia was fantastic in this role, and her performance was praised for its emotional depth. The dynamic between them was fascinating, as she was no match for Philip, even with Philip’s reluctance and guilt about what he needed to do for his job.