The Americans on FX

No, Vers. I don't recall that putting the world on edge. I was educated by this.

 

Don't get me wrong; the details were fascinating. But of course there was initial worry in the governments that World War III was starting. It was an assassination attempt on the president during the Cold War.

 

I thought it was interesting/funny that the Russians thought, from their point of view, it was a coup because of Haig's comment.

And when the Dad said to his wife that when their leaders die, they won't know for weeks.

 

Haig at the podium "in charge here" is one of the great moments in modern American history.

Haig to reporter: "You need to read your Constitution, pal."

Reporter: "I just did, and it says the Speaker of the House is next in the line of succession."

 

I just got caught up through episode 3 (that's all that's on OnDemand right now because FX holds everything back a week; watched whole season of Sons of Anarchy on computer). I still like it. I get a little pissed when I see douchers selling the Soviets secrets even on a TV show.

 

John-Boy is such a J Edgar Douche-Bag

 

Renewed for 2nd season:

http://www.eonline.com/news/390569/the-americans-renewed-for-season-2-by-fx

 

He's really good in the role.

 

I like how they are basically good well-intentioned people doing a job but every once in a while they have to kidnap or kill someone.

And they don't agonize over it. They just kind of pause, steel themselves and go on.

Good acting.

 

It's taken me a few eps to get into The Americans, but I enjoy how much of it is unspoken. Separating the "spy" part of the couple from the "people" part of the couple. It's a take on the spy genre I don't really think I've seen on TV before. The unspoken past of all the characters that they are unspooling a little at a time. The pre-digital spy craft. But given the names involved (Everyone from Graham Yost to Adam Arkin, to Josh Brand and Thomas Schlamme) not really surprised.

 

To me, there are some Sopranos qualities to this show. For one, you're rooting for the bad guys, even if in hopes that they'll learn the error of their ways, as well as the secrecy/search for normalcy within the home. Only I think this has a chance to develop the other side, with the FBI agent across the street, in a way the Sopranos couldn't (or just didn't) do with the agents chasing Tony and the mafia. This is something The Wire did so well, in showing one subject from multiple angles and helping you understand why one way is so important to a particular side, and how a completely different way is just as important to someone else.

Those are two pretty heady comparisons, especially after four episodes, but this show is off to a really strong start.

 

No one had any thoughts on this week's episode? I thought it was the best yet, a very strong and direct look at the sexuality that is starting to define the show as much as the more traditional espionage.