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A few weeks back, SpoilerTV was participated in a conference call with Matthew Rhys about the first four episodes of season 3 of The Americans. We will have a full transcript from this conference call posted once the fourth episode airs, but in the meantime here are a few snippets from the interview where Matthew reflects on Phillip's life as a spy, discusses Phillip's relationship with Paige, and also teases the upcoming fourth episode.
The first question that I was able to ask was written by "BeTelevised" and involved how the Clark character was related to who Phillip really wanted to be. I asked Matthew if he believed that Phillip saw himself more in Clark than in the cold hearted KGB spy that is his every day life? Matthew agreed completely adding that all Phillip wants is a simpler domestic life with healthy relationships. Where he is forced to constantly combat Elizabeth's more hardlline Soviet spy status as Phillip, he is able to simply relax as Clark. Matthew believes that Martha's role in the series serves that need well.
My followup question was in relation to something that occurs in the fourth episode involving an asset that is the same age as Paige. Matthew pointed out that Phillip was deeply, deeply upset by not only the situation with Paige, but also with the effect that his line of work has on his loved ones. He went on to say that Phillip is disturbed by the effects that a simple association with someone like a CIA or KGB agent can have on a person's life. Having already watched the fourth episode, I can tell you, you will not want to miss it!
Additionally, Matthew explained that while his character has seemed to do very little to mourn Anneliese (who was killed by Yousaf in the season premiere) he tends to see Phillip as someone who bottles his emotions up until a giant eruption. Given the high stakes this season with Paige, we can only hope that Phillip is able to maintain his cool when it is absolutely necessary. Matthew was also able to talk a little about why Phillip fears for Paige in the way that he does. Besides the obvious danger in the spy world, Matthew said that Phillip worries about Paige being introduced to such madness at such a young, impressionable age.
In the recently released promotional photos for episode four, the Jennings have Paige's friends from church over for dinner. Matthew mentioned that he believed Phillip and Elizabeth to have been largely absent parents up until this point. Phillip's outburst last season in the Martial Eagle episode showed just how strongly he cares about making sure his children are not brainwashed into a certain way of thinking which Matthew related to Phillip's indoctrination in the Soviet Union.
Again, we will post this entire interview, as well as an interview with Annet Mahendru (Nina), once episode four airs tomorrow, so be on the lookout!
