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On ‘The Americans,’ home is where the spies are

This season for The Americans, home is where the spies are.

The first season of this acclaimed FX ’80s period piece put its main focus on the espionage work being done by Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys as Elizabeth and Philip Jennings — Soviet spies pretending to be a happily married American couple. But by the end of the season, the fake arranged marriage had become real — and this year, the emphasis shifts a bit to the effect their activities have on their home and their children.

Don’t worry — Elizabeth will still have her fair share of fights, a big shift from Russell’s days as the more ethereal Felicity. “It is interesting. It’s very fun. I find it very interesting, this character and this show.”

She will also, despite the new strength of her marriage, continue to use sex to get her spy-ish way. “The good thing about the sexuality of the show is that there is a gift in it. It’s not this big sweeping romantic movie…You’re usually using the sexuality, at least in the spy end of it, to get something. So there is a freedom in that.”

Outside of the sex, some of Russell’s best scenes last season were played opposite Elizabeth’s “handler” Claudia – played by Margo Martindale, who is now on The Millers. Obviously, she won’t be on the show as a regular, but you will get to see her.

“Claudia is back,” says producer Joel Fields. “We’ll see her in several episodes. We’re very grateful to have her back…We love her.”

Source: http://www.usatoday.com/

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