Cold War Spy Drama Coming to FX

Because our current political situation is so hopelessly boring. Or, more likely, because FX is afraid of slugging it out toe to toe with the contemporary spy drama HOMELAND.

Whatever the reason, FX has announced that they’re committed to 13 episodes of THE AMERICANS, created by Joe Weisberg, who also will be the Executive Producer/Showrunner.

Oh, yeah, there’s already some casting here. Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, and Noah Emmerich. That’s Keri and one of those guys (oh, yeah, Rhys) in the ’80s kitchen above.

Thing is, the show’s concept sounds intriguing because our stars play not Americans but KGB spies posing as a married couple in suburban Washington during the Reagan era. According to the press release:

The arranged marriage of Phillip (Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (Russell), who have two children who know nothing about their parents true identity, grows more passionate and genuine by the day, but is constantly tested by the escalation of the Cold War and the intimate, dangerous and darkly funny relationships they must maintain with a network of spies and informants under their control. Complicating their relationship further is Phillip’s growing sense of affinity for America’s values and way of life. Tensions also heighten upon the arrival of a new neighbor, Stan (Emmerich), an FBI agent working in counter intelligence.

Look for it sometime in “early 2013.”

EDITED TO ADD THIS WRITERLY NOTE: The press release includes this charming utterance by the Pres/G.M. of FX Networks, which we must share:

We’re…excited to welcome Graham Yost’s talented young Padawan Joe Weisbereg as Creator/Showrunner. He joins a long line of gifted writer/producers who have taken their first shot at greatness on FX.

Graham Yost? Padawan? Sounds like a big reach just to sound hip and/or pay back a friend. And they almost got this so right. Let’s hope the series can stay clear of arcane references to STAR WARS and Canadian writers.

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