The Americans does a lot of things well, from its superb use of pacing, right down to its many assortments of wigs and mustaches. However, the heart of the show has always been the marriage at its center. What started as a cover story turned into real love over the course of the show, and Elizabeth and Philip have certainly faced their challenges as a couple trying to topple America from within. With the penultimate Season 5 on the way, the show creators have finally given away some details, teasing the state of the Jennings' marriage.
In terms of their marriage, as challenging as things have been for them, they're in a good place. Their marriage is actually as strong as its ever been. You think of the final moment in the finale, he's looking at her and she's looking at him and he's marching their teenage daughter back across the street from danger. It's a hard time for them but they have as strong of a connection as they've ever had. That's where the season starts out.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, executive producers Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields finally spilled the beans on the upcoming Season 5 of the critically-acclaimed show. In true The Americans fashion, they are keeping their secrets close to their chests but they did reveal some tidbits on the overall pace of the season, a new storyline for Henry (finally), and where Phillip and Elizabeth's marriage goes from here. Fans should be happy to know that Season 5 will start their marriage in a strong place but Weisberg and Fields made it clear that that's where it starts -- not necessarily where it finishes.
The Jennings have certainly been through their ups and downs over the four seasons of the hit spy thriller. Originally posing as a married couple for their cover story, the two have explored the genuine love they feel for each other. What was once just a random assignment is now a rock solid relationship, albeit one that is continually tested by forces both outside and within. With real life couple Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys in the roles of Elizabeth and Philip, the show has never been afraid to batter the emotions of its characters and fans.
Possibly the best show on television right now that doesn't get nearly enough praise is The Americans. Following two soviet spies living undercover in 1980s Cold War era America, the show is a master of the slow burn, delivering at times gut wrenching suspense with earnest heartwarming emotion. Well, this show is ending soon, with Seasons 5 and 6 officially announced to be the end of series.
The Americans Season 5 will premiere on FX sometime in March of 2017, with Season 6 following in 2018. To learn more about which shows are returning, check out our 2017 midseason TV premiere schedule.
