Broadcast Spotlight: The America

What

The show I’ve been into most recently: The Americans. It follows Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet-era spies who are deep undercover. How deep? They are embedded in a suburban community, hiding in plain sight, playing the roles of average parents with normal occupations and concerns--juggling hectic schedules, being good parents, being friendly neighbors. But these are the opposite of normal people. They are highly trained, intelligent, and, when they must be, deadly soldiers in the Cold War for supremacy.

Who/Where/When

The show is broadcast on FX and has just begun its 4th season. Its creator is Joe Weisberg, a former CIA agent. His experience working for the agency has informed some of the plot elements in the show.

Why

The show adeptly builds tension in every episode, making the most of the fine line the Jenning’s must walk. Because their cover must never be compromised, they are justifiably paranoid about how they present themselves in their community. Weisberg also makes the most of his knowledge of spy gadgets and plans, as the Jennings are shown manipulating a range of instruments meant to steal US military secrets.

However, this is not what I find most attractive about the show. Instead, what hooks me is the way Weisberg and his team have me rooting for “the enemy.” Philip and Elizabeth have sworn an oath to the USSR to destroy America, or at least severely limit its ability to influence the world. But this is not typically what I am thinking about as I watch them maneuver through their worlds. Instead, I identify with them as the protagonists. In general, I prefer these kinds of shows. Breaking Bad, Justified, Game of Thrones: this is just one of many shows that present the complexity and moral ambiguity people must negotiate. 

As in life, good and bad are not mutually exclusive. Instead, it’s much more of a spectrum across which people move depending on the situation.  Why is this attractive? I suppose it is because of the reason I watch tv. I want to be entertained; yet, I don’t want to completely escape. I enjoy media that poses questions about what it means to live our complex, messy lives. Even if I am not a spy, I have encountered situations in which I must decide between acting in my own self-interest or for a cause bigger than myself. I must decide between acting selfishly or selflessly. I must consider if in my relationships with others I am exploiting them for my own gain or treating others justly as individuals with their own goals and desires.

Audience
As I mention above, this is a show for people who don’t mind some complexity and ambiguity. While some Russians are presented in the cold, calculating manner that other media have used, Americans are as well. Certainly, there are plenty of chase scenes, fight scenes, and general intrigue to keep people who like thrillers and suspense interested. But this is not James Bond. It is a much murkier world.