Thoughts on ‘The Americans’

A crime drama that packs a punch with every episode, “The Americans” is filled with bright characters and even smarter plot lines. Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings (Matthew Rhys, Keri Russell) seem like your average American family. They have a nice house, two children and work together at what seems to be a travel agency. You can say that they are an average American family who live the American Dream. However this is not the case. The truth is they are KGB spies.

What keeps the audience hooked are the characters, one of which involves the Jennings new neighbor, Stan Beeman [Noah Emmerich] who is an FBI agent. Can that be bad luck or just a coincidence? Beeman’s job is to investigate KGB spies. This presents a problem for both Phillip and Elizabeth because they must now be on their toes and cannot afford to make any obvious mistakes that would blow their cover. Most importantly, their children cannot know who they really are ,as well as agent Beeman.

While this first season is only eight episodes in we notice that both Elizabeth and Phillip each have several backstories that reveal past relationships and how they were arranged to be married. Let’s just say that a KGB spy is not the easiest job in the world, and a transition is certainly an option. We also come to discover that Phillip and Elizabeth while married are different in terms of their views on the American lifestyle and the country itself. Phillip seems to have made adjustments and just wants to fit in to the lifestyle, his relationship with Stan seems to depict that. They play racket ball on occasion and have lunch. Elizabeth on the other hand is more dedicated to her job and seems to be more of a traditionalist. She has not forgotten her roots and while she reveals a delicate exterior, she also shows a tough personality at times.

Another character involved in this show is Claudia [Margo Martingale] who works for the KGB. She updates Elizabeth and Phillip on their latest missions and keeps them informed on whether they are in danger, have moles breach the system, or what not. Overall Claudia plays a key role and ads a smooth transition to the show.

Each episode seems to involve different scenarios that involve Phillip and Elizabeth. While they try and complete their mission, they face several obstacles along the way that can put them in danger and expose their cover. While Phillip and Elizabeth have their missions to complete, Agent Beeman has an important assignment of his own. His job is to have a secretary, Nina, who works for the KGB, spy on their members. While Nina has her doubts and is hesitant to complete her task for Beeman, he promises her that she will be safe. As Nina goes deeper into cover Beeman grows closer with her and their relationship could not only put his career in danger but her life as well.

So far “The Americans” is filled with tremendous suspense the anticipation of the episodes to come will leave you hooked.