The actors never let themselves eclipse the story or the situation. While they successfully convey deep emotion and conflict, they do it through restraint — sort of the less is more makeup philosophy for acting. The result is that the combination of their restrained intensity and the great writing allow the viewer to supply some of the feeling from their own experience and imagination. It is powerful. I think of it comparied to daytime TV or superficial drama lthat are popular but fascile where the actors yell and carry on trying to convey powerful emotion and depth of character. The more they force it, the further they get. In the Americans, they get it right. An entire ensemble of talented actors (aside from the kids) who partner brilliantly with the story.