But, as time went on, small changes in Prime caused rifts between the two worlds.

Simmonsplays Howard Silk, a gentle and kind man, who works at the Office of Interchange.

Just likeJoel Edgertondoes inDark Matter,J.K.

Howard Silk (J.K. Simmons) is sitting at the train station talking on the phone in ‘Counterpart.'

Image via Starz

plays both Howards, and the two men could not be more different.

What Is ‘Counterpart’ About?

InCounterpart,the same theme of identity is explored.

J.K. Simmons as Howard Silk and Olivia Williams as Emily Silk in Counterpart

Image via Starz

The different circumstances that the characters face ultimatelychange who they are and who they become.

For example, Howard and Emily in the Alpha world lost a child, but are still married.

On the Prime side, they’re divorced but have a daughter, Anna.

A still of Miles Morales in Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, actress Michelle Yeoh as Evelyn in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and Chihiro in Spirited Away respectively.

This is where the parallel worlds, and the crossing between the two, are created.

This is such a fascinating concept to explore andCounterpartexecutes it perfectly in this brilliant episode.

Hands down though, J.K. Simmons has the most difficult job playing both Howards.

counteraprt

His subtle changes in physicality and demeanor actively demonstrate which Howard you’re watching.

After both Howards have been spending time in opposite worlds, they confront each other.

It’s a heartbreaking scene that Olivia plays with humanity and empathy.

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Counterpartis available for purchase on Amazon Prime in the U.S.

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Cast Placeholder Image

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Counterpart