More People Need to Watch This Gripping Sci-Fi Series on Prime Video

If you’re after a show on Prime Video laden with intricate character work, detailed world-building and beautiful visuals, you probably won’t want to watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

Instead, consider starting a binge of Counterpart. Both 10-episode seasons of the sci-fi thriller are streaming on Prime Video now. Anyone who’s already seen Counterpart understands how immaculate the show is.

Counterpart looks like a Cold War espionage thriller based on a John le Carre novel. But no, this Rolex-level creation of precision comes from the mind of TV and film writer Justin Marks. Counterpart is a sci-fi espionage thriller that melds those genres with perfect balance.

Set in a world obsessed with formalities and procedures, Counterpart builds that Christopher Nolan-esque sense of gripping realism. It’s set in a dystopian Berlin where a wall divides two very different worlds. This divide manifests in each one of the conflicted spies, ensuring every aspect of Counterpart is connected to its central idea and theme.

Olivia Williams pointing a gun on a rooftop

Counterpart features a stacked ensemble, including Olivia Williams.

Starz

Counterpart’s fascinating world is seen through the eyes of Howard Silk — played by J.K.

Simmons in nice J.K. Simmons mode. Silk is a kind, gentle, sad, lonely cog working in a secretive bureaucratic organization guarding the wall.

He must abide by strict rules each day: sign in, open a briefcase, say a few mysterious lines of code, then walk straight out, no questions asked. If TV has taught us anything, it’s that something is about to blow sweet Silk’s world to smithereens. When it does, the impact is eye-watering.

You know that by committing to this show, you’re embarking on a long, serpentine journey.

A tiny man walks toward a giant circle opening, with a city in the distance

The opening titles are filled with stunning imagery.

Starz/YouTube/CNET Screenshot

In case it wasn’t obvious, that journey is completely worth it. The show’s finale ties up every major loose end, while also planting seeds for a potential continuation. Counterpart could have gone on for more than two seasons, but the show’s original network Starz shamefully let it slip through its fingers.

The eyebrow-raising reasons don’t need to be repeated. In the end, the 20 episodes you do get are so complete you’re able to let the series go. Plus, when you come to a show late, the prospect of two seasons is much less intimidating than, say, eight.

We need to keep talking about the style and look of Counterpart. If you like the green-code-on-old-chunky-computers aesthetic, Counterpart is the king of retrofuturism. It’s Severance before Severance and has some of the best opening titles to warrant no skipping.

Actually shot in Berlin, Counterpart is embossed with crisp, clean lines; it looks just as good as anything on Apple TV Plus. No matter how far we plunge into its labyrinthine sci-fi depths, Counterpart always remains in touch with its main characters’ identities. It isn’t hard to invest in and care for innocent Howard, then watch with mounting dread as he wrestles with dark impulses.

Anyone could swap sides in this compelling spy world, made more captivating when characters’ perceptions are warped by their own insecurities.

Counterpart isn’t just a show to pass the time before more episodes of The Rings of Power drop.

It’s a stunning piece of complete television, and you should feel great about placing your most highbrow, picky TV viewing time into its safe hands.

Movies Coming in 2022 From Marvel, Netflix, DC and More

See all photos

Tags:

anyvan listed on couponmatrix.ukbook-my-garage listed on couponmatrix.ukpsyche listed on couponmatrix.uksiksilk listed on couponmatrix.uksimply-health listed on couponmatrix.uktabcat listed on couponmatrix.uk
anyvan listed on couponmatrix.ukNo van? No problem. Whether you’re shifting furniture across the country or preparing for a big move, AnyVan’s reliable delivery services cut the stress and zip your stuff wherever it needs to go. Simply choose your required service and pick-up location, and then click ‘Get Instant Prices’ to receive quotes from drivers with room to spare. Unlike traditional courier services, AnyVan lets you choose your driver, which could save you up to 75%—especially with an AnyVan discount code from Groupon. With no hidden charges, £50,000 protection and fee-free cancellations (up to two days before), booking AnyVan removals is a breeze!
book-my-garage listed on couponmatrix.ukWhen your vehicle next needs a tune-up, always go through Book My Garage to get the best price possible. A space that allows you to compare and pick between dozens of local garages near you, it’s as cost-effective as it is convenient when there's a Book My Garage promo code to use with your booking. From the smallest filter change to a comprehensive service of your vehicle, find all you need to drive with ease at Book My Garage.
psyche listed on couponmatrix.ukPsyche is so much more than a store: It’s a luxury shopping experience, offering carefully-chosen merchandise from top brands. Your Psyche discount code will give you access to great deals from the likes of Kenzo, Rick Owens, Lanvin, Ami, APC, Kent & Curwen, Maison Kitsune, Moncler, CP Company, Stone Island, Paul Smith, Nudie, Edwin, Belstaff, Versace Couture, Moschino, Aquascutum, Paul and Shark, Boss and Polo - with new names arriving all the time.
siksilk listed on couponmatrix.ukBalancing an urban style with comfortable sports clothing, SikSilk have quickly gained traction in the sportswear business with their imposing designs and affordable. You can make your next purchase even more reasonable with the latest SikSilk discount code and fill out your wardrobe for less. Whether you want a sleek new tracksuit for your morning jogs or some new skinny jeans for your next night out, SikSilk has the threads you need.
simply-health listed on couponmatrix.ukHealth-related services can be a real drain on one’s finances, whether its trips to a physiotherapist, a chiropractor or a dentist, which is where Simplyhealth comes into the picture. Offering competitive cash plans to give you some of your money back on these services, get a plan in place today with a Simplyhealth voucher code and keep yourself and your bank balance in tip-top shape. Also discover large-scale health plan options for businesses and intermediaries, making Simplyhealth applicable to both workplaces and individuals.
tabcat listed on couponmatrix.ukTabCat is a UK based online retailer that offers products for cats and cat lovers. They specialise in keeping your cat safe with their cat trackers. TabCat discount codes are available to help you save money on your next purchase. Being more accurate than a GPS, TabCat has what you need to keep your animal safe, so you always know where they are. Be sure to browse their selection and take advantage of their deals today! At Groupon we know that discount codes are a great way to save money on TabCat products. We know that keeping your cat safe is your top priority, but we also know it can be costly. We know that finding the best deals is very time-consuming, that’s why we find the best codes and deals so you can focus on finding the perfect cat tracker for your feline friend. Check back often for the latest and greatest offers! TabCat are best known for their trackers. One of their top-performing products is their TabCat bundle v2. Not only does it tell you where your kitten is, it also directs you on where to walk to find them. The TabCat voucher code is a great way to save money on your next purchase. So what are you waiting for? Keep your pet safe and be sure to check our page to take advantage of their discount codes today!