I really enjoyed the first season of The Americans, even as I conceded it was a show with some problems; as much as it used its premise superbly (that of two undercover Russian agents raising a family in America), there was a bit of a disconnected feel to the season, as marital fights and plotting sometimes got in the way of making a consistent theme or direction for the season. But that issue is pretty much entirely gone in season 2, which finds the series hitting its stride in incredible ways. If there's an overarching theme to this season, it's the toll that this job and the lies it requires takes on not only those who have to live through it, but also those they love. Some are forced into attacks of conscience; others have their pasts brutally brought back up when they least want them to be. And others are forced to pay with their lives, sometimes for crimes they never even committed. Indeed, much of this season is driven by the investigation into the murder of a family - not just the parents, who were spies, but also their daughter, who knew nothing. And the ultimate answer as to that killing only drives home the way that these lies have an impact far beyond their origins. The Americans seems a bit sprawling at certain points during the second season, but it all comes together in a searing finale that makes the stakes clear, and forces every character to face up to what they've done and caused to happen. It made for an incredible season of television, and it took the show's already great elements and made them even better, sharper, and more effective. And given the finale, I'm excited to see season 3, which looks to take these themes and push them even farther. If it can keep up this level of focus and power, The Americans could end up being regarded as one of the best series on TV - and rightfully so.
- Josh Mauthe
- Josh Mauthe
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