Counterpart

This show has everything I love about entertainment. It science fiction about a cold war with three main classes of players, "management", spy's and their "counterparts". The rest of the population (us viewers) watch the difficulties and negotiations of their daily situations and relationships.

Each episode is well written, with subtlety. I would describe the acting as authentic, understated and nuanced ( which I much prefer to screaming melodrama). I can understand the motivations of each character and I cared about them.The period is an impressive combination of elements from cold war era in Germany thru to the present day. There are many technological gadgets on display to "excite the eye" but they are totally believable. I especially liked the old computers with green screen and short wave radios with a "steam-punk" twist.

This may be classified as sci-fi but its really a sophisticated study of people and the choices made (or not) in differing situations. It's a fantastic ride that remains relate-able from beginning to end.