‘The Americans’ season 3 spoilers: Matthew Rhys on tough story for Philip

Can you really be surprised that “The Americans” is making some bold choices with its storytelling? You really shouldn’t be. This is a show that really thrives on surprisingly storylines, and we know that Philip already is going to have some hard choices on his hands when it comes to Paige, but that will not be the only thing that he goes through in the slightest.

Speaking on this subject in a new interview with E! News, Matthew Rhys makes it clear that there is another plotline coming up involving his character and an underage girl that definitely sounds uncomfortable, and it was something that he had to discuss with the writers / producers before diving in to play it:

“It was a subject that concerned me … We talked it out. It’s with the beauty of the conflict of where this series lies. It’s incredibly interesting to watch and play. With this mandate, he’s presented with a mission that is incredibly conflicting to him as a father and a human being, but it serves a greater purpose.”

The words “greater purpose” are what is most important here, mostly because we feel like “The Americans” is so great in part because it is one of those series that does not rely solely on shock value in order to have you hooked. There is meaning behind its choices, and that lays the groundwork for every moment that comes after the devastating surprise. Not every other show could pull this off.

“The Americans” returns to FX a week from Wednesday at 10:00 p.m. Eastern time.