The life of the average married couple can sometimes feel a bit mundane. My partner and I have been happily married for nearly 12 years, and the most dramatic issue we’ve faced is a recurring theme of “I bought a birthday gift for YOUR mother. Again.” But then there are Elizabeth and Philip Jennings—KGB agents navigating love and deception in 1980s Washington, D.C., during the Cold War. Their relationship is a whirlwind of tension, secrecy, and, let’s be honest, a fair bit of bloodshed. A simple glance across their kitchen counter could signal life-or-death decisions—every raised eyebrow might mean it’s time to slip into a disguise and head out for a close-range mission.
Some folks might feel relieved that their life partnership isn’t like the Jenningses’. They might even label The Americans as “feel-good TV”—meaning, they feel good because that’s not their reality. I, however, see it differently.
When my spouse and I sit down to watch the show each week, we can’t help but recognize parts of ourselves in Elizabeth and Philip. Here’s how we resonate with them:
We Embrace Forgiveness.
In the long haul of marriage—or espionage, for that matter—small transgressions are to be expected. If Philip can look past Elizabeth’s need to seduce a recruit, and if she can deal with some of his questionable hairpieces, then what’s a few dirty dishes between us?
We Always Find Our Way Back.
Some days, it feels like my husband could be living a double life complete with nerdy glasses, while I’m off somewhere in oversized sunglasses and a wig. Yet, we make sure not to drift too far apart. We consistently prioritize our family, our marriage, and each other—no wigs necessary, thank you very much!
We Inspire Our Kids to Stand for Something.
While we’d likely choose values like equality, tolerance, and education access over an international arms race, we genuinely want our children to believe in something and fight for it.
We Have Each Other’s Backs.
When my husband is about to lose his cool with the kids, I step in to give him a breather. And if I’ve been “shot” by our neighbor who happens to be an FBI agent and need to keep it under wraps, he’s there to tell the kids I’m off caring for a sick relative—one they’ve never heard of—for months!
I may not agree with everything he does, but I always have his back. Would I help him dispose of a body if it came to that? Let’s just say I hope we never reach that point, but if it did, I’d be all in.
For a deeper dive into parenting and marriage, check out some of our other posts, like this one. And remember, you can find great information on pregnancy and home insemination at this resource.
In essence, while our lives may not be as thrilling as the Jenningses, we share a commitment to support, reconnect, and inspire each other—and maybe just a hint of chaos along the way.