(via rachelannc.tumblr.com)

I think I’ve found my new favorite show.

It’s ironic to think that I first heard about this show while scanning through top news feed articles about Fleetwood Mac, and I saw that their song “Tusk” was featured in the opening pilot episode of this show. I’ve been a faithful Mac-fan for some time now, and decided to check out what all the fuss about “TUSK!” or “OMG TUSK!” was.

The second I opened the show up, my heart dropped. The instant I heard that opening sax sequence to Quarterflash’s “Harden My Heart,” I knew I was in for one cool show (and one musically-aware, tastefully-adept ear!).

However, the layout of the show seems to be a bit confusing, as it is difficult to follow where the story is going and how to make sense of the information the show provides us with (all for stylistic needs, I suppose), but, with due patience, we’re given a tantalizing storyline with such great cinematography. It initially follows two Russian/Soviet “sleeper agents” during the Cold War who are trained to pose as Americans. The music in this show is so reminiscent of the 80’s (and, if you know me, I’ve got such a soft spot for the 80’s–it’s music ridden with cool, experimental, breath-taking ambient sounds and matching grooves and licks!).

As for my main attraction to this show, “Tusk” by Fleetwood Mac seems to be a big game-player for the show as it appears as a recurring theme played throughout the episode at several moments. The opening sequence, running for about 6 or so minutes, consists of absolute no dialogue but stays true to the cool 80’s film noir style, following a pulsing, chase-and-run scene to the beat of “Tusk”‘s jungle-riding instrument-banging light-hearted tension-filled tune. I’m almost obsessed with how great this scene turned out.

(Source: FX Networks)

In-between all of the continued storyline and character development, we are introduced to a beautifully-filmed section reminiscent of Tom Cruise’s 80’s film-classic Risky Business. As we get more acquainted with the two leads (one of whom is Keri Russell, who has appeared in a number of good films over the years, and has become a familiar face), we are led to Phil Collins’ “In The Air Tonight” in which, just like Risky Business, leads to an intensely passionate scene that just puts the cherry on top of one cool show.

If that’s not enough, one critic (Gail Pennington) writes of the show, “The Americans isn’t just a heart-pounding action drama; by presenting heroes that are also villains, it also confronts viewers with TV’s deepest moral dilemma since The Sopranos.”

The music is definitely what sold me to this show (since I’m such a big music-fan and the way these songs pulled meaning out of these scenes was mind-boggling…). This show actually has an interesting storyline and, I guess I’ll just have to wait and see how long this show can keep up with my initial reaction (and love for 80’s music and espionage-driven flicks…).

Check it out here or on FX: http://vod.fxnetworks.com/watch/theamericans

And, if you don’t know what great music I’m talkin’ about… I won’t leave you hangin’! 😉