FX just released a trailer for its newest series The Americans. The new show stars Felicity alumnae Keri
Russell and Brothers and Sisters veteran wife, Phillip and Elizabeth Jennings in a Cold War stricken America. The only catch is that these two aren’t married for love or even of American descent, turns out the pair are KGB spies posing as Americans in suburban Washington D.C. shortly after Reagan takes office. While their marriage is initially business, it seems as though true feelings are developing between the spies. Tensions mount when an FBI agent conveniently moves in next door…
Overall, this is a pretty genius idea for a TV series. The Americans has a pretty good chance of becoming a hit with the theme of of an anti-Americans living among true Americans, similar to Showtime’s Emmy winning series Homeland. I just can’t help but wonder how long they can make it last. Exploring the idea of a Russian perspective during the Cold War era is something new and exciting for Americans to consider, especially since it’s a pretty taboo topic even today. As a history major I have spent a fair amount of time studying the Cold War, however much of what I learned was from a perspective completely slanted in America’s favor. I wouldn’t be surprised if the two spies end up falling in love with American values and switch sides to further promote how great the USA is, in fact Deadline.com hints at this idea before the show has even aired. I’m most intrigued to see how Russia and America are portrayed in the series and if there is a clear “good guy” and “bad guy”.
Will you be tuning in to The Americans this January?
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