The Americans, one of the best series you're probably not watching, kicks off Season 5 at 9 p.m. today on FX.
In case you're out of the loop, The Americans is a drama set in the 1980s that tells the tale of Philip and Elizabeth Jennings (Matthew Rhys, Keri Russell), two Soviet spies who were partnered in an arranged marriage and sent to deep undercover, posing as travel agents in a Washington suburb.
They have a couple of kids born in America, Paige (Holly Taylor) and Henry (Keidrich Sellati), who are oblivious to their parents' true identities. Oblivious, that is, until one day Philip and Elizabeth are forced to fill in teenage Paige about their circumstances.
The conflicted and religious Paige then spilled the beans to her pastor. Serious, nail-biting drama ensues.
The complex marriage of what were essentially strangers became more passionate and committed as time passed, but there is always the potentially deadly Cold War interfering.
First of all, Philip has begun to warm up to American values -- more so than Elizabeth, who remains a staunch Soviet patriot.
Further complicating things is the Jennings' new neighbor across the street, FBI agent Stan Beeman (Noah Emmerich), who just happens to be in the Counter-Intelligence Division. The outfit is charged with finding spies on U.S. soil, including elite KGB Directorate S illegals such as Philip and Elizabeth.
Stan considers Philip his best friend and that poses a growing danger to Philip and Elizabeth.
Added bonus: The incomparable Margo Martindale (Justified, August: Osage County) stars as Russian spy handler Claudia, who would really like to enlist Paige into the cause.
Tonight's episode, "Amber Waves," finds Philip and Elizabeth struggling to contain the dangers inherent in Paige's growing relationship with Stan's introspective son Matthew (Daniel Flaherty).
The Americans is a drama full of paranoia and tension. I mean, we don't really want to root for KGB spies, but viewers find themselves drawn into their complicated lives.
The series is rated TV-MA for language and violence.
• People Icons is a limited series debuting at 9 p.m. today on ABC. In the show, iconic (hence the title) celebrity romances that have graced many People magazine covers are recounted.
If you are fascinated with the personal lives of the rich and famous, those featured will include Barack and Michelle Obama, Prince William and Kate Middleton, Beyonce and Jay-Z, Cuban-born Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and past Hollywood legends including Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton.
The weekly series will be hosted by Good Morning America's perky Lara Spencer.
• She's in Charge, 9 p.m. today on TLC. This new eight-episode reality series follows force-of-nature school counselor and YouTube star Veronica "Pooh" Nash-Poleate as she takes her "common sense crusade" to Atlanta where she tries to help two families in need of her expertise.
Expertise? The irrepressible and outspoken Pooh has degrees in education and psychology. "Don't mess with me," she says, and means it. The series is rated TV-PG for sassy language.
WEDNESDAY
• Survivor returns from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS. I quit watching around Season 20 when the format grew too redundant, but the show remains popular.
This will be the 34th (!) installment with host Jeff Probst and features 20 castaways battling it out in the Mamanuca Islands in Fiji.
The theme this time around is "Game Changers" and it brings back contestants who were known for being super competitive. They include two-time winner Sandra Diaz-Twine, the game's infamous "bad boy," Tony Vlachos, and last season's early favorite Michaela Bradshaw.
• Underground kicks off Season 2 at 9 p.m. Wednesday on WGN America. The series is set in 1857 and follows an intrepid band of escaped slaves as they make their way from Georgia to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
• Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders follows Survivor at 9 p.m. Wednesday on CBS. This is Season 2 for the Criminal Minds spinoff starring Gary Sinise as veteran FBI Unit Chief Jack Garrett. The team is charged with solving crimes and rescuing Americans who find themselves in danger while abroad.
Note: ABC's telecast of the Oscars Feb. 26 drew 32.9 million viewers, the third year in a row for a ratings drop and the lowest since 2008.
The TV Column appears Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday. Email:
mstorey@arkansasonline.com
Style on 03/07/2017