Pilot Review: The Americans

The Americans (FX)
Premiered January 30 at 10pm

I’m usually a fan of FX shows. Some of them turn out to be truly excellent, like “The Shield,” “Sons of Anarchy,” or “Justified,” while others are cancelled far too soon, like “Lights Out.” This one isn’t nearly as appealing, using its clever tagline of “All’s fair in love and cold war” to craft a story about two KGB spies living in the United States in the 1980s and working actively for their country. The show is very big on reminding viewers of when it’s supposed to be taking place, with frequent allusions to Reagan and other distinct 80s references. The duality of being a Russian spy and an American citizen at the same time is emphasized repeatedly, no more so than in the scene where Phillip sings the “Star-Spangled Banner” along with his son and applauds for America. The conversations are blunt, like Phillip saying to Elizabeth that “America’s not so bad” and planning to go next door to his new FBI neighbor to hand over his prisoner, who he decides to kill moments later after Elizabeth reveals what he did to her. I suppose there’s something interesting about their relationship becoming real now that he has stepped in to protect her, but neither Keri Russell nor Matthew Rhys, both of whom had long-running television roles, on “Felicity” and “Brothers and Sisters,” respectively, is terribly engaging, which makes getting into the show difficult. Having an FBI agent specifically tasked with finding Russian spies move in next door feels all too convenient, as does his immediate request for jumper cables, which of course Phillip still keeps in his trunk next to his prisoner. This show had potential, but I’m not impressed.

How will it work as a series? The fact that Stan has already gone ahead and searched his garage means that everything’s going to be happening very carefully and deliberately, and I’m not sure where the show can head without him gaining definitive proof or being disposed of soon. The missions should create some intrigue, but this pilot wasn’t thrilling enough to suggest too much exciting action.
How long will it last? Though I won’t be among its many viewers, this show should have a healthy future. The ratings for the pilot were excellent, rivaling the starts for “American Horror Story” and “Sons of Anarchy,” which spells good news for both the network and the show. Expect a season two pickup sometime in the next few weeks.

Pilot grade: C