Growing up in the ’80s

just butts into everything and gets everyone annoyed. But I think Paige is complex, and her storyline makes sense.”

As everybody knows, it’s the teen who typically rebels on TV. But in this case it’s Paige who tries to follow the rules while her parents, in their own highly regimented way, run wild.

This sets off highly charged moments between Taylor and her co-stars Russell and Rhys.

“After the scene where they told Paige they were spies, all three of us sat at the table and couldn’t even talk, we were just so exhausted from bringing out those emotions.

“But I never feel uncomfortable or nervous doing a really emotional scene in front of them,” she says. “When you have to break down and cry, they’re there to help you. They’re so open and generous and welcoming. I’m really lucky to have that.”

This season “The Americans” has gained an unsought burst of relevance as America suffers a relapse into Cold War-style heebie-jeebies.

Even so, Taylor’s show remains laser-focused on the long-ago ’80s. And despite her not having been born until 1997, so is she.

“All the writers are so talented, just reading the script I feel like I’m there,” she says. “And once I get into wardrobe and get on set, I’m in the character who lives at that time.

“Still, as a viewer, you relate ‘The Americans’ to yourself and what you see going on around you,” she allows. “That’s what people are finding out about our show now. And that’s cool.”