The talented J.K. Simmons plays dual roles in this clever political thriller featuring a sci-fi twist. Set in modern-day Germany, the Starz-aired Counterpart imagines a new Cold War with an Earth from a parallel dimension. Simmons is Howard Silk, a quiet, low-level intelligence agent who becomes privy to the secret when he's introduced to his "Other Side" counterpart, a ruthless, high-ranking field agent who has crossed over through "the tunnel," the sole connection between the worlds. The two sides have evolved along different trajectories since splitting off 30 years ago, maintaining a wary détente and trading inventions and discoveries, but the Other Side has sent deep cover agents to "Earth One" in a plot that puts Silk One's wife (Olivia Williams) in the crosshairs. Harry Lloyd costars as Peter Quayle, a ranking intelligence official who discovers that his wife is one of these agents. Counterpart is an intelligent, gripping show, with Simmons superb as the two Silks who come to mistrust and even despise one another as they end up swapping identities. Presenting all 10 episodes from the 2017-18 debut season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
Counterpart: The Complete First Season
Lionsgate, 3 discs, 547 min., not rated, DVD: $34.99, Blu-ray: $39.99 Volume 33, Issue 6
Counterpart: The Complete First Season
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