Before 'Widow's Bay,' Matthew Rhys' greatest role remains FX's 'The Americans'

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Matthew Rhys is once again earning widespread critical acclaim thanks to his performance in Apple TV ’s Widow's Bay . But even as Widow's Bay introduces a new wave of viewers to Rhys’ talent, it’s impossible not to look back at the role that defined his career. Nearly a decade after its finale, The Americans remains one of the most acclaimed TV dramas of all time, and Rhys’ performance as Philip Jennings is still widely regarded as his greatest work . His Emmy-winning portrayal is emotionally layered, incredibly complex, and a clear reminder of the range of one of the best actors working today. Though his work in the new horror comedy leans into a new side of Rhys we haven't seen before, The Americans is a reminder that Rhys excels not only at playing Mayor Tom Loftis, but also at playing the intense, dangerous, morally gray Philip Jennings.