TEN COMMENTS ABOUT āCOUNTERPARTā the series.
1. Iāve always enjoyed stories about parallel worlds; the variations and possibilities are fascinating.
2. āCounterpartā is a series on STARZ that explores the differences between two worlds connected by a single portal in Berlin.
3. The Berlin setting is terrific because it give a new look and feel that wouldnāt have been quite as interesting if the series was shot in Hollywood or Vancouver.
4. Berlin also evokes the Cold War since the show is also about agents (regular and sleeper) who infiltrate their counter-world and spy on what going on.
5. Since passports and visas are required to pass through the single portal between worlds, itās amazing how many sleeper agents have also crossed over undetected.
6. J. K. Simmons plays both Howard Silks - one a namby-pamby paper pusher on one side, and a hardened ruthless spy on the other; I think weāre suppose to prefer the first but I like the other guy.
7. āManagementā who set the rules for each side were introduced as a mysterious group who can only communicate through weird contraptions and interpreters - the idea promised a cool sci-fi angle; but the reality turned out rather mundane.
8. Season 1 ended with wimpy Howard surrendering to his worse enemy; season 2 looked like it was going to end the same way.
9. Olivia Williams (Emily - on each side) plays Howardās wife and sheās pretty good; as is Nazanin Boniadi (who plays sleeper agent Clare who had to kill her other self) but Harry Lloyd (Clareās husband) is irritating in both versions.
10. I cancelled STARZ at the end of season 1 because I lost interest but STARZ offered me a discount hard to refuse ($1 a month for 6 months); but the show has been canceled so no 3rd season will be coming... Iām not heartbroken.
