The Americans - Episode 2.09 - Martial Eagle - Advance Review

     Previously on The Americans: Henry has become a cold blooded criminal (not really), Paige has become a devout Christian, Martha questions the spying that she does for Clark, Stan has some success in learning more about secret operations in the FBI, and Phillip continues to be reluctant in completing his missions with a bullet to the head.

     Something I touched on in my last review of The Americans was the writers’ ability to use small amounts of screen time for Paige and Henry’s stories, but still make their stories worthwhile. In many ways the children’s story lines act as epiphany moments for viewers. For example, in the last episode Henry questioned whether he was a good person. The episode ended with Henry pleading with his parents to recognize him as “a good person.” Phillip and Elizabeth remained silent because Henry’s pleas are not entirely foreign to them. They want to fight for their country, but are constantly questioning the legitimacy of their missions (Phillip more so than Elizabeth) because of the unfortunate and often lethal side effects of these missions. As a result, they are never entirely sure if they are "good" people. This plays a major role in this episode for Phillip. Without giving away too much, Phillip is forced to do something that leaves him extremely depressed, but it is not revealed until the very end of the episode how this links in with Paige’s story.

     Decidedly unprofessionally, Phillip seems to be unable to conceal his inner thoughts. Throughout the episode, he changes disguises, but keeps hold of the same melancholy attitude. It’s a wonder that he and Elizabeth have been such successful spies given his inability to separate his personal feelings from work responsibilities. Obviously these lines are blurred when you’re a spy, but looking at what happened to Lucia, it's hard to imagine a spy having much success with this attitude. Despite his bad attitude, Phillip is able to accomplish a few tasks for his comrades and is also able to find a bit of down time.

     If you read my last review for The Americans, you know that I was fairly annoyed that Clark did not play the edited tape from Gaad’s office for Martha. I can reveal that Martha will hear the tape in this episode and it is used excellently, both by Phillip plot wise and by the writers story wise. While I thought that perhaps Phillip felt sorry for her before, after watching this episode I believe that he held it back for sheer strategic advantage. He uses it to his advantage in this episode in a truly cruel, but entertaining fashion.

     In his other disguise, Phillip spends a small amount of time with Fred (John Carroll Lynch) who learns that the FBI is getting close. Given recent revelations I would estimate that Stan is setup for a collision course with Phillip and Elizabeth just in time for the end of the season. Can you believe this is the ninth episode already?!?!? Only 3 more left this year!

Hints: 

1. The first eight minutes of this episode are the most suspenseful of the season, only to be topped by the last five minutes of the same episode.

2. Gaad gets a fair amount of screen time and meets a character that he has never shared a scene with before.

3. Elizabeth is working a new angle.

Rating: 9.9/10

This episode was very, very good. Action packed and thought provoking! I see two different interpretations for the ending that I can't wait to write about. Be sure to check SpoilerTV for my full review after the episode airs.

Tune in to The Americans on Wednesdays @ 10/9c on FX Network. Be sure to come back here to SpoilerTV to let everyone else know what you thought of the episode.

About the Author - Brandon Rowe

Brandon is a senior in high school and enjoys watching a lot of TV. Brandon likes to write articles about favorite films and especially his favorite shows which include Homeland, Dexter, Fringe, Suits, and more than can be written on this page. Brandon also managed the "In the Hot Seat" competition here on SpoilerTV in 2012 and would like to do it again in 2014 if possible. Feel free to use the Facebook, Twitter, or G+ links below to contact him.