“The Americans,” a new drama by FX, is about the life of two Russian KGB spies living as Americans in order to gain intelligence during the early 1980s. The couple, Elizabeth (Keri Russell, “Felicity”) and Phillip (Matthew Rhys, “The Edge of Love”), are “married,” have two children and speak with flawless American accents—to anyone and everyone, they appear to have been raised in the good ol’ U.S. of A. However, when a trade-off goes wrong and witnesses see too much, Elizabeth and Phillip begin to worry that their cover has been blown. Even worse, an FBI agent and his family coincidently moved in right next door, and the two are tested more than ever.
The premise of the new series is both intriguing and terrifying at the same time. The thought of Russian agents living in plain sight and posing as Americans will send shivers down viewers’ spines. However, within the pilot episode, Elizabeth and Phillip are portrayed as disciplined, loyal spies, but they are also portrayed as people with emotions and hardships. Throughout the episode, viewers see flashbacks of the couples’ lives before coming to America, and even before meeting each other. As they are seen enduring the brutality and abuse of KGB training, navigating the waters of their peculiar arranged marriage and caring for their children lovingly, viewers will effortlessly sympathize with these two characters.
That being said, the storyline can be a bit difficult to swallow at times. For instance, audiences are led to believe it is mere coincidence that an FBI agent has moved in right next door to our Russian spies. Additionally, it is meant to seem like the couple appears normal and in love to the outside world, while to viewers they often seem stiff and unaffectionate around one another. These moments in the pilot appear a bit overdramatic and implausible, but detract only slightly from the intrigue of the new series.
Despite the sometimes hyperbolized plot, the acting is well done. Keri Russell shows audiences a whole new side of herself as Elizabeth, a cold, devoted spy with a surprisingly emotional backstory. Russell’s performance is endearing in that she emanates strength and vulnerability simultaneously. Her co-star Matthew Rhys is both calculating and lovable as Phillip, especially when it becomes clear that he wants Elizabeth to love him back. Rhys’ tenderness will make audiences want to root for him despite his status as a Russian spy.
The mysterious nature of “The Americans” also works in its favor. At the beginning of the pilot episode, the viewer is given no clear explanation of what is going on and only gains information little by little as the episode progresses. The intrigue is also amplified by the use of flashbacks to depict the histories of Elizabeth and Phillip. There are also countless moments of suspense scattered throughout, making for an episode that is both exciting and enigmatic.
As a whole, “The Americans” has promise as one of television’s newest dramas. All of the necessary elements are there—suspense, conspiracy, affable characters, an interesting premise and the work of excellent actors. If the creators of “The Americans” are able to downplay the overdramatic coincidences throughout the rest of the season, the new series has a good chance of taking off. One thing’s for sure: After the pilot episode, viewers will definitely want to see more.
