The Americans

'80s-Set Series Casts Actual '80s TV Star

Tara Ariano
 

For those of us who grew up in the '80s, The Americans has been a gripping Cold War drama that puts the viewer in the crossfire of two mortal enemies on either side of a fundamental ideological divide and a fun time capsule of the era, with its boring daytime TV, flouncy blouses, and Rubik's Cubes. But last night featured a performer that made a certain segment of the viewing audience chuckle knowingly: yes, that was Richard Kline, formerly of Three's Company (1977-84) playing father to unwitting KGB asset Martha (Alison Wright). Though it's not clear what night Martha chose to introduce "Clark" (Matthew Rhys) to her parents over a cringingly uncomfortable dinner, she very well could have turned on the TV after dessert and enjoyed the uproarious slapstick and saucy double entendres of Three's Company with those very parents (but probably not; that show could be absolutely filthy).

Now that it's broken the seal with Kline, The Americans is spoiled for choice with regard to TV actors who were stars circa the events of The Americans that it can repurpose, Quentin Tarantino-style, for subtly winky character roles. But why wait for them to decide who should do what?

  • Connie Sellecca: a school principal concerned that Paige (Holly Taylor) is missing homework due to trouble at home
  • Scott Baio: new partner to Stan (Noah Emmerich), who tries to match the late Amador (Maximiliano Hernández) in sexist obnoxiousness
  • Nancy McKeon: a closeted lesbian FBI agent Elizabeth (Keri Russell) has to seduce for information
  • Alison Arngrim: an overly friendly (read: nosy) next-door neighbour to Elizabeth and Philip
  • Tom Selleck: the newly-promoted replacement for the late General Zhukov (Olek Krupa)
  • Larry Wilcox: avuncular hockey coach to Henry (Keidrich Sellati)
  • Tim Reid: grieving, vengeful father to the late Gregory (Derek Luke)
  • Gary Burghoff: the head of the FBI's nascent computer-crime division
  • Jaclyn Smith: the glamorous owner of a boutique where Sandra (Susan Misner) gets a job to keep busy during the day
  • Lorenzo Lamas: the owner of a local dojo who wants to expand his space into Philip's travel agency
  • Joan Collins: First Lady Nancy Reagan
  • Kermit The Frog: himself!
Tara Ariano