Previously on The Americans: Stan betrays Nina and she is shipped off to Russia, the KGB wants to recruit Paige, and neither are overly receptive to the idea.
With the exception of Stan's continually never ending marriage/divorce (it still isn't over by the way), the second season of The Americans was a phenomenal improvement over the already fantastic first season. One episode in to the third season and it seems that The Americans is simply going to continue its current trajectory of getting better and better with every episode. While I was hesitant to like the idea of the "Second Generation Illegals" program (I believe I referred to it as Spy Kids) last year, by the end of this episode I was able to appreciate it for exactly what it was.
The first scene of the new season opens to a nostalgic feeling Elizabeth. In a short flashback/daydream sequence (it's unclear which) Elizabeth thinks back to when she first taught Paige how to swim. While Phillip & Henry worked through it slowly in the shallow, Elizabeth opted for the more direct method by throwing Paige into the deep end. This seemingly insignificant flashback/daydream draws the audience to consider how Elizabeth will approach Paige about becoming a spy for the USSR and, even more importantly, how Phillip will react to it. Phillip and Elizabeth have had major disagreements in the past, but this one will certainly be different.
Newly cast Frank Langella shines as Phillip and Elizabeth's former handler "Gabriel". Gabriel works well as a surrogate father for the two of them and is just as interested in Paige's future as her parents are. Gabriel's influence will undoubtedly play a major role in how Elizabeth and Phillip go about their spy lives this season. As I said before, he is playing the role of a surrogate father at this point, but given Frank Langella's fantastic acting range it wouldn't shock me to see him turn into a more sinister character at some point in the future. This, however, is pure speculation on my part.
This episode is Nina-absent (she will return of course), but her absence is felt very strongly in the scenes at the Russian embassy. Dealing with a post-Nina world, Arkady and Oleg are also caught in the midst of the political fallout of the war in Afghanistan that could cause rifts amongst allies. For those history buffs out there, do you remember a certain major event in Russian history that happened around this time? Also be prepared to meet more of Oleg's family this season!
Rating: 9.8/10
Overall, I enjoyed the premiere a lot. My favorite episode of The Americans is still "Martial Eagle" from last season, but this episode was so well balanced in terms of action, drama, and tension that it has become a very close second. The Americans continues to be one of television's finest dramas with twists and turns that are unpredictable, yet completely sensible. The premiere episode also features a good bit of action and a few scenes that will reach up and punch you right in the nose (you'll understand that after you watch, I promise!)
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.
Quotes:
I can make this go away. - Phillip
I told him what he needed to hear. - Elizabeth
Could be the same illegal we were going after before. - Stan
You were always yessing me to avoid conflict and disagreement. - Sandra
She wasn't one for paperwork. - Oleg
Ideologically, she's open to the right ideas. - Elizabeth
Additionally, SpoilerTV will be discussing the third season of The Americans with comrade Matthew Rhys (Phillip Jennings) on Monday, January 26th. If you have any questions for him, please post a comment on this page.
