Topic: The Americans. Please use spoiler tags.

[sideshowme]

That coach scene!

I have no idea why this isn't considered in the same echelon as Breaking Bad, Mad Men etc.

unsexy setting and era?  other than LFC and the smiths, this is a part of history most people would like to consign to the bin.  maybe why 'halt and catch fire' struggled a bit too.

definitely belongs in that echelon, though.

[Walk On]

... snip

Hope series 3 continues on the same trajectory as all that has gone before. Excellent.   

Just binged this and all I can say is wow!  Without a doubt one of the best shows I have seen for a long time.  The character development and the script are second to none.  From season 1 to 3, you can almost become part of the narrative and can sympathise with the movement.  Really looking forward to season 4.

I'm really surprised this show isn't more mainstream. I'm just sitting here recalling and that scene with the Black South African dropping a tyre on the White South African and lighting it without a hint of remorse was quite frankly next level stuff.

As a non-white South African who grew up during those times, I can say that those few episodes really touched a nerve.  Reminded me of the struggle and sacrifices that many made during the worst times of Apartheid. 

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

The "Tainted Love" scene was immense; spectacular in every conceivable way. They just don't make bad episodes.

[RedSince86]

That coach scene!

I have no idea why this isn't considered in the same echelon as Breaking Bad, Mad Men etc.

Unbelievably gobsmacked at that scene.

[saoirse08]

As a non-white South African who grew up during those times, I can say that those few episodes really touched a nerve.  Reminded me of the struggle and sacrifices that many made during the worst times of Apartheid. 

Very interesting. Same here. Even though I was a working class scouse kids growing up in Liverpool back then and a million miles away from the life you experienced.

One thing this show never attempts to do, explicitly, through it historical references, or through its choice/use of music, is force upon us an easy and - in many ways - a cheesy sense of nostalgia. We never feel comfortable in this past world. It doesn't want the past to comfort us. It never allows us to view it innocently. Or ironically. Or in black and white. This is the cold war after all. We are literally minutes away from annihilation. Even the comfort of family, a refuge from the harshness of the world, is eschewed.

The past is a foreign country. Not a better country. Not a worse country, either. It's ambiguous, like many of the characters. This is true in the scenes between Philip and Kimberly. They are so difficult to watch. Yet, once again, these uncomfortable scenes are juxtaposed with things from the real world at the time like Love's Baby Soft advert, with its squirm inducing tag line: Because innocence is sexier than you think. Wha? 

The same is true, I think, of the anti-apartheid plot strand in this series. As a teenager, one of the first national political demonstrations I attended in London was against the racist S. African apartheid regime. The horrific scene of the necklacing was a reminder that those who were oppressed at the time, and those of us who supported them - even though they were many thousands of miles away - were not acting with perfect morality all of the time. The ANC and its allies may have had right on its side, and the course of history too, but they did things that made me stop and think: is this morally right? By the late 80s, on such demos, I remember discussions about the morality of such lynchings - usually carried out against people in the townships who were police spies or involved in anti-social behaviour. It was troubling, to me at least, how easily some white lefties dismissed such concerns about the brutal nature of these killings. Such questions remain difficult to this day.   

Anyway, I finished Series 3 last night and it was an incredible watch throughout. This has built itself up into a really great show. No question. 

And yes, Frank Langella is brilliant. I could watch 13 episodes of just him and Margo Martindale drinking tea.

I could watch Philip and Gabriel playing scrabble for hours. Love that. Avoids the easy chess cliche, too. But also shows how words and language are so important to these spies existences. It's what gives them their power, the ability to use language to seduce etc. Wonderful stuff.

[Ray K]

That was the most tense bus journey I've seen on screen since that Keanu Reeves movie. (I think that movie was called 'the bus that wouldn't slow down').

The Elizabeth and Phillip dynamic is incredibly well written and acted. From the scene where he tells her about the Est meetings (with her volunteering to go to the next meeting) to her resting ther head on his shoulder after telling him of her mother's death was an indication of how strong their marriage actually is.

I only realised after last week's episode with Philip's flashback - in the last episode of S2 he starts to tell the story of his bullies while waiting in the car (they were waiting for John Carroll Lynch to call them), but his story gets interrupted by police radio so he doesn't finish it.
The writers sat on that for a year and a half. They're confident that they'll be given time to tell their stories.

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

The Elizabeth and Phillip dynamic is incredibly well written and acted. From the scene where he tells her about the Est meetings (with her volunteering to go to the next meeting) to her resting ther head on his shoulder after telling him of her mother's death was an indication of how strong their marriage actually is.

Loved that scene. I'm sure most expected Elizabeth to blow up over the deception and see it as another sign of weakness in Philip, but they turned it completely on its head. Beautifully written and performed.

By the way, any of you lot watching that show Billions? I just realized as I was going to sleep last night that Pastor Tim is Dollar Bill on that show. Blew my mind.

[Flinstone]

BOOM!

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

Elizabeth pepper dancing her way into those Koreans' hearts.

Spoiler

Anyone else think Claudia is the one that Glanders'd Gabriel?

[close]

[Brian Blessed]

Elizabeth pepper dancing her way into those Koreans' hearts.

Spoiler

Anyone else think Claudia is the one that Glanders'd Gabriel?

[close]

Spoiler

Right now no. They've been pushing how delicate it was for a while now, I think it just broke.

I loved the Korean stuff. I wonder what the end game will be. Something to do with Star Wars, we're about at that time now.

When I saw the name of the episode, I wondered wtf it meant - Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. It all became clear

[close]

[Garrus]

Elizabeth pepper dancing her way into those Koreans' hearts.

Spoiler

Anyone else think Claudia is the one that Glanders'd Gabriel?

[close]

Spoiler

Yep.

Haven't they already implied that Gabriel's handled similar stuff before? No way he fucks up so badly on his own now.

[close]

[Flinstone]

Spoiler

Right now no. They've been pushing how delicate it was for a while now, I think it just broke.

I loved the Korean stuff. I wonder what the end game will be. Something to do with Star Wars, we're about at that time now.

When I saw the name of the episode, I wondered wtf it meant - Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. It all became clear

[close]

Lol, what are you talking about man? Star Wars?

[Brian Blessed]

Lol, what are you talking about man? Star Wars?

Thanks for making feel old

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Defense_Initiative

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

Thanks for making feel old

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Strategic_Defense_Initiative

Oh, Reagan, you silly bastard.

[sideshowme]

Elizabeth pepper dancing her way into those Koreans' hearts.

Spoiler

Anyone else think Claudia is the one that Glanders'd Gabriel?

[close]

Spoiler

absolutely - gabriel was having off-message reactions to the pastor tim stuff which potentially made him a liability.  i wouldn't be surprised if he had been (attempted?) offed by claudia (and she arguably had no place in this episode were she not involved in gabriel's poisoning). 

sadly for claudia, it's impossible to take her seriously since i watched bojack

best scene of that episode was the way paige was briefed by her handler into her first ever mission as a spy for the USSR.  utterly beautiful the way such a monumental moment was disguised.  very, very smart writing.

[close]

[saoirse08]

Spoiler

Right now no. They've been pushing how delicate it was for a while now, I think it just broke.

I loved the Korean stuff. I wonder what the end game will be. Something to do with Star Wars, we're about at that time now.

When I saw the name of the episode, I wondered wtf it meant - Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow. It all became clear

[close]

Was wondering why they've bought the Koreans in. First thing that sprung to mind was

Spoiler

the downing of the Korean airliner in 1983. Would be interesting if they somehow include that incident. That really ratcheted up the tension between US & USSR at the time.

[close]

Up-to-date on this now. Excellent opening 3 episodes of Series 4 so far. Thrilling and intriguing as always.

[Ray K]

Was wondering why they've bought the Koreans in. First thing that sprung to mind was

Oh that's clever. I was wondering why on earth that storyline was happening. Wasn't making sense to me.


Always good to see respected Character Actress Margo Martindale back.

[Brian Blessed]

Oh that's clever. I was wondering why on earth that storyline was happening. Wasn't making sense to me.


Always good to see respected Character Actress Margo Martindale back.

It's similar to last season when Elizabeth befriended that black lady to get measurements for a propeller. All will be revealed.

[Buck Pete]

Brilliant choice. We're going to convert all of RAWK, one poster at a time.

I'm converted Vork

Watched the first 3 episodes of season 1 yesterday. Brilliant and I'm hooked!!

Another coupla eps today I reckon

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

I'm converted Vork

Watched the first 3 episodes of season 1 yesterday. Brilliant and I'm hooked!!

Another coupla eps today I reckon

Welcome. Only gets better.

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spoiler

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[close]

[Brian Blessed]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spoiler

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[close]

Yes. A thousand times over. That did happen, right?

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

Yes. A thousand times over. That did happen, right?

It did. What a fucking episode.

[Brian Blessed]

It did. What a fucking episode.

I was reading an interview with the creators...

Spoiler

And that was exactly how they used to do it. No notice, so the person didn't have to suffer the agony of waiting. Someone on either side for the inevitable slump to the needs. The person reading stepping out of the way to avoid blood splatter. They even had a bucket and mop in the corner, ready for clean up.


Anyway...



To Nina Sergeevna.

[close]

[Agent99]

Spoiler

Poor lovely Nina  The dream sequence where the sun started slowly coming into the room behind her was great. She will be missed

[close]

[Ray K]

Wow.

Spoiler

Poor Martha Nina Sergeevna Krilova.

The thing is, it was the right call from a storyline point of view. That subplot wasn't really going anywhere and not tied into the rest of the show.  It was beautifully done, with the dream sequence and the cold reality.

It drives me crazy that everyone isn't watching this and watching trash like The Walking Dead instead.

[close]

[Yiannis]

Wow.

Spoiler

Poor Martha Nina Sergeevna Krilova.

The thing is, it was the right call from a storyline point of view. That subplot wasn't really going anywhere and not tied into the rest of the show.  It was beautifully done, with the dream sequence and the cold reality.

It drives me crazy that everyone isn't watching this and watching trash like The Walking Dead instead.

[close]

Spoiler

Yep. She has been alone as a character for some time now, no interaction with agent Beeman or the Russian diplomat/spy and you could sense it coming. They wouldn't drag her story arc much longer. Not on this show. The dream sequence was superb and the ultimate signal for what was coming. The execution was shocking.

[close]

Your TWD comment is rather unfortunate but you're forgiven 

[Ray K]

TWD is trash.  Same shit happens over and over with the stupidest characters ever to appear on television  🔥 🔥 🔥
Best decision I've made was to bin that.

[Ultimate Bromance]

Spoiler

Got nervous as soon as the Dad said he'd take care of her, and her fate was sealed as soon as it was revealed that was a dream sequence. Definitely the right call for the character as her story had sort of come to its natural conclusion, but not every show would execute it was well, if you'll excuse the pun. Meanwhile, Martha's slowly unraveling, and is there some Russian shit in the computer? Don't get why they keep mentioning it every episode otherwise. I know Gabriel bought it, but I assumed it was just a regular off-the-shelf model.

[close]

[Yiannis]

TWD is trash.  Same shit happens over and over with the stupidest characters ever to appear on television  🔥 🔥 🔥

I agree with the last part mostly but other than that is good entertainment. Each to his own etc.

Spoiler

Definitely the right call for the character as her story had sort of come to its natural conclusion, but not every show would execute it was well, if you'll excuse the pun.

[close]

 

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

Spoiler

Definitely the right call for the character as her story had sort of come to its natural conclusion, but not every show would execute it was well, if you'll excuse the pun.

[close]

Very well said.

Spoiler

I'm looking forward to Oleg going after the KGB a la Jason Bourne after Marie was killed.

[close]

[sideshowme]

Yes. A thousand times over. That did happen, right?

Spoiler

if this were TWD, she'd still be alive, even after that

i think the final moment was telegraphed to me because i was sure i heard a gun being cocked as she walked out of the cell.  i've watched it back since, and it could be any number of other things, but it made the moment for me.

such a horrific moment though, and gives a chilling new dimension to the word 'shortly'.

i agree it was probably her time though - the story has been meandering for a while.  now we can enjoy the fallout.  smart writing.

i'm really enjoying the paige storyline, and the way she is being gradually and inadvertently inducted into the lifestyle of espionage.  beautifully done.

can someone remind me, why does beeman suspect martha?

[close]

[Vork+The Knights of Good]

Spoiler

if this were TWD, she'd still be alive, even after that

i think the final moment was telegraphed to me because i was sure i heard a gun being cocked as she walked out of the cell.  i've watched it back since, and it could be any number of other things, but it made the moment for me.

such a horrific moment though, and gives a chilling new dimension to the word 'shortly'.

i agree it was probably her time though - the story has been meandering for a while.  now we can enjoy the fallout.  smart writing.

i'm really enjoying the paige storyline, and the way she is being gradually and inadvertently inducted into the lifestyle of espionage.  beautifully done.

can someone remind me, why does beeman suspect martha?

[close]

Spoiler

Could be wrong, but I don't think it was any one thing. Just a few moments around the office where he's paid attention and noticed her slightly out of countenance. Nothing but good ol' police intuition.

[close]

[red mongoose]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Spoiler

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[close]

Seriously. SERIOUSLY.

Spoiler

They always, always kill the scrumptious ones. Golden Age of TV, my left nut. AND my right nut. Absolute fuckers. Bastards.

Having said that, it was great. For the story. The c*nts. Poor Nina. I could lose myself in her eyes. Well, before. Light's gone out, innit.

[close]

[Ray K]

Spoiler

Could be wrong, but I don't think it was any one thing. Just a few moments around the office where he's paid attention and noticed her slightly out of countenance. Nothing but good ol' police intuition.

[close]

Spoiler

It's the bugged pen that got Beeman's antenna twitching. She supplied the pens to her bosses, and Phillip killed Gene to cover it up, but Stan's not convinced...

[close]

[Flinstone]

Shit is gonna hit the fan soon.

[Yiannis]

Shit is gonna hit the fan soon.

Yep, you can sense it.

Spoiler

Poor Martha. Unless (since they make it obvious it's gonna be her on the receiving end of something bad) they surprise us with someone else

Good episode, lovely acting as usual(Rhys especially was top notch once again).

Nice exchange between Arcady and Oleg (and with his father previously about the war). Arcady while sad, still has faith in the system and believes Nina must have done something awfully wrong ("they don't execute people for nothing") while Oleg's response with his look and denial for a drink was telling.

[close]

[Ray K]

Yep, you can sense it.

Spoiler

Poor Martha. Unless (since they make it obvious it's gonna be her on the receiving end of something bad) they surprise us with someone else

Good episode, lovely acting as usual(Rhys especially was top notch once again).

Nice exchange between Arcady and Oleg (and with his father previously about the war). Arcady while sad, still has faith in the system and believes Nina must have done something awfully wrong ("they don't execute people for nothing") while Oleg's response with his look and denial for a drink was telling.

[close]

Well, that saved me from having to type that out     Poor Martha indeed.
The scene between Oleg and Stan was also terrific.  Such a great show.

[Brian Blessed]

A long but good article about how an episode is made, from start to finish.

http://www.vox.com/2016/4/14/11411564/how-tv-gets-made-americans-fx-production

[sideshowme]

a bit slow to catch up with last week's episode.  it's all getting very intense... that impromptu military funeral was particularly striking.  some really nice camerawork too, in an episode directed by noah emmerich.

the whole stan/henry relationship looks so odd through 21st century eyes. 

as an aside, it only just struck me that the main characters share names with our royal couple...