My review for season 1:
9/10
Nobody I know is watching this. Most haven't heard of it. But its probably the best new show this year. Set in the early 1980's with all the wtf that goes with that decade, it works great. Even the carefully selected 80's music is good. The whole idea of Soviet spies living in America under such deep cover that they keep up a sham marriage to the extent of having children together is fascinating. That kind of fanatical patriotism...amazing. It creates easily the most interesting relationship on TV. Excellent performances and writing all around carry it off. You get to boo the "good" guys and cheer the "bad" guys...or maybe its the other way around. Or not.
I don't think they juggle the balance between the spy stuff and the domestic stuff as well as they could. You can do story lines about the Cold War battles between intelligence agencies, or do stuff about the domestic front (which is completely just as interesting, with the characters so well drawn), but maybe...I dunno...mix it better. They do a good job working historical events in, and taking in things like Reagan getting shot or STAR WARS (not the movie) from the perspective of the KGB freaking out is a lot of fun.
Eh.
I miss the Soviets. We as Americans do so much better when we've got a decent enemy to stand against. Someone who's willing to raise flag and middle finger and be something. Fighting all this subhuman terrorist scum is making us soft. Never for a moment have I had the slightest bit of respect for any of their shit. But the Ruskies were badass. They made a real push, did a lot of great things. Their philosophies kinda sucked, obviously, but the people were tough as nails. They were worth raising a toast to, or a few thousand ICBM's, and we've suffered for their absence. Much to be said for a worthy adversary.
Good show. I think you should watch it.
Edit: Oh, and its really quite sexy and violent. So if that offends you, well, tough.
