Jay: About halfway through this one, I really thought The Americans might have turned a corner. And in a way, I still think it might’ve. A lot took place in this episode, and part of me thinks my slightly more positive reaction stems mostly from the manipulative use of sad music during important scenes, instead of being a consequence of masterful storytelling.

Nevertheless, a few more things went well in this episode than I’m used to. It was also the rare TV episode in which relationships were the defining centerpiece and I wasn’t even bored. It helped that they added some mild twists, such as Stan being left at the bar and then, instead of hitting on the girl at the other end, meeting up with Nina. (By the way, that relationship is increasingly looking like it’s going in the direction I’d guessed earlier: he’s worried about her, and the FBI doesn’t give a damn.)

Phil’s backstory just got a hell of a lot more interesting as well, although I really wasn’t a fan of the actress who played his former love interest. First of all, why does she still look like she’s 16, even though she has a son that’s older than that? Secondly, I just didn’t find her a very convincing actress. Nevertheless, the execution of that part of the story was decent. It didn’t occur to me now — and here comes the obligatory Homeland reference — that Phil’s lie to Elizabeth at the very end (that nothing happened between him and Irina) is very reminiscent of Brody’s lies to Jess about Carrie. Anyway…

Once again, the events feel as if they’re taking place in a vacuum, though. Political events come into focus at the beginning of an episode, intensify during the middle, and are resolved by the end. It’s like Family Guy, only less funny. (That’s a bit harsh.) But I am trying to remain hopeful that the show can continue to nicely balance the relationship and career aspects of the show. Speaking of which, Elizabeth and Granny’s conversation on the park bench looked pretty ominous. If this were a higher-quality show, I’d venture to guess that it will have ripple effects in later episodes. On The Americans, I have no idea.

What’d you think? Continue reading “Duty and Honor” and infidelity: Sam Lim and I discuss Episode 7 of The Americans →