The end of TV's Golden Age? 5 reasons to watch The Americans.
Posted by James, 8 January 2021 (3 minute read)
In 2018, Carrie Wittmer wrote a review for the series finale of FX show, The Americans (watch out, spoilers about!). She called the last episode “one of the greatest TV finales ever” and, more intriguingly, suggested it marked the “end of TV’s Golden Age”.
With these words ringing in my ears, I decided to take the plunge and watch all six seasons of the show.
To cut a long story short, Wittmer is right. So here are my 5 reasons to watch The Americans.
1. It’s the best TV show ever made about two lead characters
Make no mistake. The Americans is a two-header. It’s the story of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Russian KGB agents deep undercover posing as Americans and living just outside Washington, D.C. These two characters are so far undercover that they have even had two children – Paige and Henry – both born in America and blissfully unaware of their parents’ real jobs.
This is not The Sopranos, which was all about Tony Soprano, or Breaking Bad, which was all about Walter White. This is closer to a Shakespearean tragedy like Romeo and Juliet. A tale which affects both lead characters’ lives. A story that puts their marriage under the most extraordinary scrutiny.
2. Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys
Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys actually fell in love while making the show and now have a child together. Watching their on-screen chemistry, it’s easy to see why.
They give mesmerizing performances as the two leads. It’s a travesty they didn’t receive more acclaim for their work, even if Rhys did finally win an Emmy for his performance in Season 6.
Quite frankly, their acting alone is enough of a reason to watch The Americans.
3. It’s set in the 1980s
The Americans is set between 1981 and 1987 – basically Ronald Reagan’s presidency. With the Cold War about to end in 1991 (though the characters don’t know this), it really does feel as though the world is changing before the Jennings family’s eyes.
And as a child of the 80s, it really does feel like a nostalgia trip. Seeing what McDonald’s looked like over 30 years ago – or the bricked look of computers and mobile phones – really adds to the enjoyment of watching The Americans.
4. The supporting characters
Yes, The Americans is a two-header. But that doesn’t mean the supporting characters aren’t brilliant too! Chief among them is Stan Beeman (played by Noah Emmerich), the FBI agent who moves in across the road from the Jennings family in the first episode.
Another standout is Martha Hanson, played by Sunderland’s very own Alison Wright. Without wanting to give too much away, Martha’s story is beautifully told and very much part of the show’s tragic make-up.
5. The soundtrack
The 80s provided us with some brilliant music, which The Americans uses to its advantage. From the pulsating ‘Tusk’ (Fleetwood Mac) backing the opening scene, through to ‘With or Without You’ (U2) being used so hauntingly in the finale, the show selects its soundtrack to perfection.
And if you like Peter Gabriel, then The Americans really is for you! His epic ‘We Do What We’re Told’ is used beautifully in Season 6, but I won’t spoil how…
So there’s 5 reasons to watch The Americans. But if that doesn’t convince you, here’s a trailer for the first season!
All six seasons are currently available on Amazon Prime. You could even try and binge it within their free 30-day trial!
If character-led, well-written, exquisitely plotted drama is for you, then give The Americans a go. You won’t be disappointed.
In a couple of weeks, I’ll be back with another review – this time of a film. Rian Johnson’s exquisite Knives Out.
Until then,
JW