TV Review: ‘Counterpart’ Channels Le Carré Style Espionage into a Sci-Fi Thriller

While many writers can stay focused on a particular genre, few can be spun off into their own subgenre. Yet John Le Carré is not an ordinary writer, and his fiction detailing spies and governments has come to define espionage thrillers for more than fifty years. While the famous author may not be so bold as to classify his work as a style within the genre, for decades writers have used his conventions to tell unique stories within the spy genre. However, few have ever used those conventions in the Sci-Fi genre. That’s where Starz series “Counterpart” finds itself. The high concept show draws heavily from espionage and spy thrillers. However, armed with a high concept world building, the series quickly establishes itself as a unique and worthwhile premise.

“Counterpart” stars J.K. Simmons as Howard Silk, an agent for the UN who lives in Berlin while caring for his wife (Olivia Williams). One day as he goes through security at his job, he pulled to an underground room where he is introduced to a contact that is only willing to talk to him. The contact is none other than Howard “Prime” (also Simmons) from an alternate dimension, one where Howard has been much more successful as a spy. The two dimensions seem to be in an espionage war against each other, pulling Silk into the highly deadly spy game.

The premise could likely have stumbled quickly if not for two clear MVPs. First, showrunner and creator Justin Marks has clearly spent a lot of time to develop this concept. We enter a lived-in world that feels real and intricate from the jump. The details and minutia that Marks puts into the script allow Simmons to simultaneously be our way into the world, while also being one of it’s most mysterious characters. Marks’ script gives Simmons the opportunity, but it would be an unbelievable mistake to write off Simmons performance as script based. Simmons is delivering one of the very best performances on television. There are two fully developed characters on screen, each with significant backstory and baggage. It’s a tour de force, and other than “Whiplash” is easily the best he’s been.

The show’s performances don’t stop there. The cast features a nice mix of up and coming actors and some established veterans. Olivia Williams is given opportunities to shine and takes full advantage of storylines devoted her way. She’s still a very talented actress, and her mysterious role should help the show’s premise develop. Sara Serraiocco as Baldwin is a terrifying, “Atomic Blonde” style badass that should be one of the series breakouts. Harry Lloyd is perfect as a young, underqualified boss who got to his role thanks to nepotism. Other actors make their way into the fold later, including Stephen Rea, Kenneth Choi, and Richard Schiff. The group is extremely well suited for their roles and should be a strong base to build an ensemble around.

The series also benefits greatly from its production level. Morten Tyldum executive produces the show and directs the first episode. The episodes tightly build tension and deliver on the high concept well. Say what you will about “Passengers” or “Imitation Game,” but having those experiences clearly help Tyldum deliver the goods here. The series also brings a rotation of cinematographers, Luc Montpellier and Martin Ruhe. The two trade off each episode, and combine to deliver beautiful camerawork and vision. The lighting is especially important, and the consistency between episodes is exceptional. The team of Production Designers, including “Mad Men” alum Dan Bishop helps to ground and differentiate each setting, even as we bounce in-between parallel realities. Finally, the litany of editors used here helps keep tensions high, something that is essential for any espionage story.

“Counterpart” is one of the surprises of the TV landscape in 2018. A brilliant performance by Simmons, as well as incredible worldbuilding from Marks, delivers one of the best thrillers on television. However, the show’s ensemble and craft production make it a far more dynamic show than one might have expected. Color me impressed, and look for it to make waves over the next few years.

What do you think? Did you enjoy “Counterpart?” Let us know in the comments below!

“Counterpart” airs every Sunday on Starz. You can catch up on the Starz app.

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