THE AMERICANS

                  FX has been known for creating and presenting shows that make us laugh, cry, and show other emotions that we may not care to share with others. The Americans is a show that is no different. Set in America in the 1980s during the Cold War, it gives a glimpse into what life was like. It’s great to see America in the ’80s and to see what people used to wear, but also how people acted in such a strenuous time. There’s a time period in America known as the Cold War Period for cripes sake!

Since there are shows and videos about everything nowadays, we’re constantly trying to stay up-to-date with everything. Content is consuming us at all times of the day. Constantly checking social media, checking our phone for notifications, checking the news to see the latest headline, we’re always behind. When it comes to the facts, we don’t have time to consume all of this information AND make sure that it’s always 100% truthful, we can only do our best and find the credible sources. So, when it comes to entertainment and shows that can inform us, we’re able to kill two birds with one stone. Enjoying a show AND learning, there’s nothing better, typically.

The Americans focus on a couple in, where else, America, who turns out to be Russian spies sent by Soviets. We come to side with Phillip and Elizabeth when it comes to their actions, we hope they don’t get hurt, caught, or even die. It’s easy to get caught up in and side with the protagonists who are against America, but it’s designed that way. The script is written to side with them as we follow their story. The show is about this couple and is based on a true story, here comes the learning part. We, the viewer, learn how the Soviets infiltrated the American government and were able to assimilate normally. It shows a different time in the world when technology wasn’t advanced enough to look up your neighbor and find out everything you needed to know about them in 5 minutes.

When it comes to Russia, the show cuts back to their homeland to give a glimpse of why they left for America and why they’re trying to steal information. It may even help to be your Russian language instructor. The deception, the disguises, the lies, the spies, The Americans bring you back 30 years to a time when no one could be trusted and people from Russia were automatically thought to be spies. For anyone looking for a new show to binge this winter, The Americans should be one that’s high up on your list!