A double dose of J.K. Simmons

in our world, including another Howard, who is as brash and bold as our world’s Howard is mild and milquetoast.

Mr. Simmons’ performance drives “Counterpart” because he manages to make both of his characters distinct. Viewers will not be confused which Howard they’re watchingbecause Mr. Simmons performs each role in a way that is unique to that character, not only just how he changes the way he speaks or the expressions on his face but also even the way he moves is differentbetween the characters.

Created and written by Justin Marks (”The Jungle Book”), “Counterpart” is one of those twisty shows that could threaten to become convoluted the longer it goes on, but in early episodes it’s more intriguing than it is confusing or frustrating.

At a Starz press conference for “Counterpart” Friday, Mr. Marks said the show was not inspired by Fox’s “Fringe,” which he had not seen.

“Our inspiration came from different genres, less the science fiction side of it and more the traditional spy fiction, like John le Carre,” he said. “We applied those tropes to this story and sprinkled our sciencefiction over the top.”

Inother Starz news, the network’s new adaptation of “Howards End” debuts April 8 followed on May 6 by “Vida” (half-hour drama about Mexican-American sisters in Los Angeles) and “Sweetbitter” (story of a young waitress in NewYork).

Starz is developing “The Continental,” a TV series spinoff of the “John Wick” movie series with film star Keanu Reeves attached as an executive producer and potential guest star. The TV series will focus on life at the Continental Hotel, a refuge for assassins.