Has the current gaggle of cinematic releases gotten you down? Perhaps it’s time for a small screen pursuit.
Set in the early 1980’s, The Americans follows two deep-cover KGB spies posing as ordinary suburbanites, Philip and Elizabeth Jennings (Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell). The pair, who are part of an arranged marriage, have also raised two children as part of their cover and over the years have seen their Russian identities wither away. While they continuously risk their lives for the Motherland, and do so while sporting some fabulous disguises, they have found that their faux relationship has grown into something authentic.
These real feelings pose a grave threat to the two, who must brush emotions aside when they’re killing and/or bedding a string of different people. The Jennings must also be extra cautious as they live next door to Stan (the magnificent Noah Emmerich), an FBI agent.
Not only is The Americans one of the most well-acted shows on television, but the thriller also manages to blend noirish camp (chase scene set to Fleetwood Mac’s “Tusk” anyone?) with metaphorical eeriness (a young Russian man is given a fast food hamburger before he is shot). Created by former CIA worker Joe Weisberg, the series draws inspiration from true-to-life spy tales, while maintaining a cinematic tone. It can be likened to stark Eastern European dramas such as The Lives of Others and contains remnants of stylish family dramas like American Beauty and The Squid and the Whale.
Earlier this week, we attended the New York City red carpet premiere for the second season of the acclaimed FX hit. While there, we had the chance to catch up with our favorite covert spy couple as well as Mr. Emmerich to discuss the evolution of their characters, possible spinoffs and outrageous plot turns.
Of course, I had to also geek out when choosing the music for the video (Collide’s instrumental version of Tusk).
Check it out below and be sure to tune in tonight to the second season premiere of The Americans!
