The Box Set: "Counterpart."

Ep. 1 and Ep. 2

If you started watching “Counterpart” — and if not, what’s wrong with you? — then pretty much the only thing to say after watching two episodes is this: Tell me again how J.K. Simmons not only didn’t win the Emmy for his performance but wasn’t even nominated?

These first two episodes screamed one thing: J.K. Simmons, J.K. Simmons, J.K. Simmons. Don’t make me write it a fourth time.

Beyond that, if you’ve decided to rewatch or watch for the first time, what you’re discovering is a creatively ambitious oddity that mixes espionage with — what, part sci-fi, without being all sci-fi about it? Look, I’m a huge believer in the parallel lives, parallel worlds phenomenon of quantum physics, but “Counterpart” is basically saying, yeah, that, but a world that splits off, is visible on “the other side” and is growing ever different by the day. Oh, and both sides hate each other.

It’s a uniquely big idea and part of me loves that, when the truly hard questions you would probably face in the writers room come up, the characters basically say, “Yeah, it happened, it’s complicated, just deal with it.” Sure, they do explain it — and if that particular aspect is gnawing at you, it might please you to know that season two really gets into it satisfactorily. I’m happy enough in season one for them to adequately explain it but lean much heavier into the weirdness, suspense, action and confusion such a concept creates. In fact, as you embrace it, “Counterpart” goes roaring off in wonderfully inventive directions.

The first episode starts with a slow motion rain of broken glass, fireworks, a body crashing to the ground from out of a window many floors above and automatic weapons fire. You can’t say that’s a slow intro. And there’s a pretty sweet twist that follows. All told, “Counterpart” bursts out of the gate to hook you.

By the way, if you didn’t notice the opening credits than I’m giving you an F for this assignment. If you didn’t at least pause to look at what was going on there I’m giving you a C- at best.