The Americans, Season 2 DVD

Editorial Reviews
I really like where this second season may be heading. As our Cold War-waging americans and russians vindictively throw logs on the fire, Elizabeth is evolving into a more emotionally nuanced character. In the Season 1 finale Philip risked his own life to save Elizabeth’s. And I believe this act of loyalty won Elizabeth over, letting loose intense emotions that she may need to grapple with this season. Have to wait and see.

The slow burn of intimate and difficult relationships may be what sets The Americans apart from other TV dramas out there right now. A lot of them avoid exploring intimacy and instead go into overdrive with personality twists or convoluted plotlines that can become ridiculous. But so far, with the backdrop of the cat and mouse game of “Cold War”, The Americans has chosen a more provocative path to suspense. (But don’t worry action lovers. I bet there are plenty of car chases in the Jennings’ future: Philip’s alter-ego as James Bond can’t be suppressed for too long!)

Lots of TV shows about spies in turtleneck sweaters have been done before. But definitely not like this. Being on cable, it gets to push the sex and violence envelope. “The Americans” doesn’t flinch in portraying a very “hot and heavy” Cold War, brimming with bullet-to-the-head assassinations, naked backsides and graphic honeytrap sex. It’s strange. I might have thought these scenes shocking and gratuitous a few years ago, but now it just registers as eyebrow raising and elemental.

Last night’s episode definitely took the chill off the room!
One more thing: If “adult” sexual situations with near nudity are a deal-breaker problem for you (hi mom!), my advice is to stick with network TV shows.

Product details
Actors: Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Annet Mahendru
Format: Color, Dolby, Widescreen, PAL
Language: English
Subtitles: English
Region: Region 4 for Australia
Number of discs: 4
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release in: 2014