Last week ended on a dramatic note when Elizabeth executed her former protégé, Hans. The penultimate season has already set a tone of suspenseful foreboding. The Jennings' have operated for over a decade without detection but despite their expertise, the circumstances are spiraling out of their personal and Centre’s control. The Americans does an excellent job of keeping the tension wound tight around characters we care about deeply. Paige continues struggling though her vulnerable teen years with an incredible secret burden. (And you thought your parents were embarrassing!) Stan misses his former boss Agent Gaad and despite being “enemies” is concerned about Oleg. Elizabeth works to try to relate to her daughter while protecting the family. Phillip feels isolated by his daughter’s willful resistance regarding Matthew. All these emotional backdrops frame another hour of conspiracy and action, which begins after the events of last week’s night mission and ends with Paige learning her parent’s technique of handling their complicated lives.
Gabriel greets Phillip and Elizabeth after their biohazard mission to deliver the sample. When Gabriel asks, “Is everything all right?” the couple looks sober. Phillip haltingly informs him that Han’s hand was cut and therefore he had to be killed. Gabriel nods in jaded agreement with their actions but acknowledges that must have been difficult. Phillip hands over the sample, remarking that William would have appreciated the irony that his body ended up being specimen. Gabriel alerts them to the Centre’s latest fear that the United States is contaminating the grain the Soviets import. (As mentioned in last week’s recap, this was an era of crop failure in the Soviet Union and they were increasingly dependent on imports.) Elizabeth is disgusted at the notion that the U.S. would contaminate food harming innocent people. Pasha’s father is a consultant at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and will be making a trip to Illinois in the coming days. “The ‘Land of Lincoln.’ To think they once had a Lincoln, now a Reagan.” Gabriel observes. (Even the Soviet’s appreciated how Lincoln freed the slaves from oppression.) They part ways, with the Jennings driving home in silence.
Once home, Elizabeth and Phillip are horrified to find Paige missing from her bed. They worry she may have stayed with the Beeman’s, which would be especially disastrous if Stan figured out they weren’t at home in the middle of the night. Suddenly Paige emerges groggy from her closet. She mumbles sometimes she sleeps there when she has trouble sleeping at night. Elizabeth doesn’t respond but shows concern about her daughter’s mental state. Being a teenage girl is hard enough without seeing your mom murder an attempted rapist right in front of you. Elizabeth is keen to toughen her daughter up fast.
Oleg speaks with his new boss on his first day at in his new position with the anti-corruption division. He relates a story about how the City Directorate of the Party invited him and his wife to a party. When he planned to attend alone, they sent lavish presents to his wife, “samples of the delicious food” she would be missing. In disgust, he decided not to attend the party. Oleg asks, “Is it all really that easy for them?” The boss agrees with a sigh and proudly boosts that they are the only division of government which hasn’t been corrupted. He hands over files to Oleg to begin to investigate.
Phillip and Elizabeth arrive home. Stan intercepts Phillip in the driveway and again tells him about the woman he’s interested in from the gym. Stan is concerned he scared her off by stating he worked for the FBI. Phillip observes women probably have a romantic notion about his job. “Maybe when we were chasing Capone or Dillinger, it’s 1984!” Stan invites Phillip over to finish their discussion over beer.
Inside the house, Elizabeth unloads the groceries. Paige arrives, informing her mom Henry is at the library, “allegedly, probably at the arcade.” (Older siblings are naturally great spies!) Elizabeth suggests they have another self-defense lesson.
Stan notes that Matthew is busy applying for colleges, but not locally. Stan wonders if his relationship with Paige would alter his plans. Stan continues to tout how wonderful Paige is and that he’s happy about their relationship. However, after spending more time with her he’s observed “that maybe everything is not all right in Paige land.” Stan can’t pinpoint what the issue might be. Phillip has a hard time controlling his alarm but tries to shrug off the concern. “She’s always been that kind of kid, Stan, always takes things seriously and Matthew is her first boyfriend.” Stan agrees but he is also a man who trusts his own instincts. He's unlikely to forget his concern about Paige.
Paige is punching a pillow wrapped in duct tape. Elizabeth interrogates her about Matthew, asking pointedly, “Are you having sex? I don’t care if you are but it’s confusing, getting close to someone like that.” Elizabeth states she doesn’t believe Paige would ever intentionally betray the family but if she’s emotional, perhaps post-coital, it may make her slip up. Paige responds in a very typical way, “Fine, so I can’t just ever have a boyfriend ever!” Elizabeth notes that she would be happy with Paige having a boyfriend but it can’t be Matthew. Paige is angry but has already become skilled at hiding it. “I have homework.” But Elizabeth insists, “No, let’s finish this.” Elizabeth hopes Paige will channel her anger and become stronger. (Becoming more like her mother.)
Later that night Phillip and Elizabeth talk in the master bathroom. “Hans hadn’t talked to his parents for years. His sister was visiting in three weeks and he was all excited about it.” Like many parts of her life, this episode with Hans will not have any kind of closure. Elizabeth says she finally talked to Paige about Matthew but knows she just made her mad. Phillip relates his alarming conversations with Stan. “How long will it be before she slips up?” They acknowledge it is just a matter of time before Paige may betray them as she has been spending way too much time next door. But how can they forbid the relationship without causing more suspicion?
Stan is called into the “vault” to meet with his boss Wolfe and a man from the CIA. Wolfe assures him “It’s good news.” The man from the CIA relates that Oleg is back in Moscow working for the KGB. He notes it marks a good opportunity for them to get him “fully recruited.” Stan rejects the idea that Oleg would ever “turn” and work for the United States. Stan believes Oleg passed on information to him only because the bio-weapons program was dangerous to the whole world. The CIA agent would like to use the tape Stan made of Oleg passing information about the Soviet “defector” who happened to be working for the KGB. (Season 3 subplot, an outspoken critic of the Afghan war “defected” to the U.S., gained the trust of U.S. intelligence but was still working for the KGB.) Oleg could be killed in the Soviet Union for this act of treason. Stan angers, “I just don’t think you’re listening. Burov would sacrifice himself before betraying his country. He can’t be turned.” The CIA agent asks how Oleg would feel if his parent’s lives were also in jeopardy. (Dirty tactics!) Stan is frustrated. “You’re going to get him killed, you know that? If you want something to do why not figure out who killed Frank Gaad in Bangkok and why? Instead of going after the man who gave us the tip of the century and then went home to live his life!” Stan looks at both men in disgust.
Four men drive through rural Illinois. Elizabeth follows the car driving a large red truck wearing a hideous wig and spectacles. Mr. Morzov marvels at the bucolic paradise from the backseat.
Stan confronts Wolfe in the hallway, informing him he plans to go to Deputy A.G. to discuss the Burov matter. Wolfe fires back, “You have a self-destructive tendency!” Stan invites him to sit in on the meeting. Wolfe declines, adding he advises Stan to leave the whole matter alone.
Elizabeth follows the men to a farm with many buildings. The men get out of the car and enter a large greenhouse.
Phillip, in his blonde wig and pilot personae, removes a bird’s nest from the rain gutters at Tuan’s house. He asks the young man about the agents who watch the Morzov’s home. (Is the U.S. spying on Morzov because he defected and now works for the U.S. government?) Phillip questions Tuan about how his cover story would hold up if he were to be interrogated. Tuan is cocky, thinking he can easily convince a U.S. agent how he hates the communists for destroying his country. They look at the bird’s nest. Tuan reveals how he was adopted about age ten after being a “boat person.” Tuan first lived in Seattle, with a liberal family but he always felt like an outsider, that the family was secretly proud of adopting a boat person. (Makes you wonder if Angelina Jolie’s kids will ever tell a similar story about “trophy adoption.”)
Paige studies at Matthew’s house. He senses she’s upset. Paige shares that she’s in a fight with her mom. “Everything always has to be her way!” Paige’s complaints seem vague and she soon asks Matthew about what kind of relationship he has with his mother. Matthew admits that his mom could be incredibly selfish. Paige notes that she’ll be leaving soon in a few years and needs to start making decisions on her own. Matthew says she already does. Paige recalls when she first met Matthew, revealing that she had a big crush on him. “I can’t blame you!” He adds playfully, moving in closer to her. They begin to kiss and make out. Matthew feels her chest and after a moment of protest, Paige gives in to the experience. Things are continuing to move in the direction her parent’s fear.
It’s nighttime in Illinois by the time the men leave the green house. Elizabeth watches through binoculars at a safe distance away from them.
Stan meets with the Deputy A.G. in the “vault.” Stan relates his concerns about the CIA’s intentions with Oleg Burov. The Deputy admires Stan’s passion but states its now out of their jurisdiction since Oleg is now back in Moscow. Stan knows that the Deputy could have influence over the matter; ultimately the President could even have sway over the situation. The Deputy notes the Soviets don’t play by the rules, so they can’t either. Stan pleads that Oleg was a decent man who trusted him and saw the bigger picture. Stan doesn’t know what kind of organization they have if they punish someone like Oleg. The Deputy notes it’s hard when you lose control over an operation but Oleg’s fate is out of his hands.
Elizabeth approaches the greenhouse that is secured only by a few gates and padlocks. She enters to see a multitude of wheat plants. The first section contains dead and withered crops. There are some bangs, and the whir of a few fans, finally a click but no one else is present. Elizabeth looks at another section of plants, which are green. As she comes closer, insects start to bloom in the air, attacking the plants and her legs. She looks at the insects in disbelief.
In the next scene, she is home in the shower, itching and washing the insect residue off her body. She runs her fingers through her hair and her disgust is palpable.
Phillip and Stan wait for a squash court to open up at the gym. Stan complains about work. “Something you can talk about?” Phillip asks casually. Stan notes, “No, it’s just sometimes I wish I ran the whole FBI!” Stan tells Phillip about his date with Renee, she likes beer and knows more about sports than Phillip. “It was like being out with the female version of you!” (Oh my!) Renee appears and Stan introduces them. (Laurie Holden, from the Shield and Walking Dead.) Stan asks her out again and she agrees. Phillip definitely notices how attractive she is when she walks away!
Oleg makes his way home by foot in the dark. A man in a dark coat who bears a strange resemblance to Steve Bannon is following him. It’s likely the CIA.
At the travel agency, Phillip asks Elizabeth about her findings from the farm. He wonders if Morzov knows about bugs, the six legged kind. Elizabeth says, “He knows he knows about wheat and what can kill it.” Phillip suggests that they “just get rid of him.” But Elizabeth notes they will not be able to figure out what is happening to the crops without the man’s expertise. I sense another awkward dinner with Morzov’s.
Oleg continues his walk home, being observed by an unseen eye. A man in a long grey coat nears him, “Don’t look at me, and keep walking. Stan Beeman sent me, we need to talk, privately and soon!” A note is pressed into Oleg’s hand. Oleg continues to walk but looks visibly shaken by the encounter. Is someone going to warn Burov about the CIA’s plans to turn him or is this man from the CIA, using Stan’s name to gain trust?
Oleg arrives home to his family. His mom asks whether he’d like tea but Oleg excuses himself. Alone in his room he looks at the paper that was passed to him. It appears to be a map, with a meeting time of 21:30. (Military time for 9:30 pm) Oleg sits down and rubs his face with his hands. Oleg has little choice but to cooperate or be killed.
Elizabeth, Phillip and Tuan meet the Morzov’s at a family steak house restaurant. (Judging by the decorations, it appears to be St. Patrick’s Day.) Mr. Morzov marvels at the abundance of food and portions. Again, his wife dislikes all his anti-Soviet talk. Elizabeth continues to elaborate on their “life in Michigan” and with their busy work schedule, family dinners have had to occur at restaurants. Despite trying to change the subject, Mr. Morzov continues, “If I want to say I hate Soviet Union, I can say it!” He tells them his father was imprisoned for years for “just being alive!” A tense silence follows. Pasha complains to his father about his anti-Soviet rants. His father wants him to speak English and be grateful for the United States for accepting them. Pasha replies, “I’d rather die back home than live here!” Elizabeth and Phillip need to pretend that they don’t understand the teen. The father apologizes for spoiling the dinner. Elizabeth says, “We understand.”
On the way home, Tuan asks Elizabeth what Pasha said at dinner. Tuan reacts, “That’s such a stupid thing to say! My whole family died back home.” He tells the story of how the Americans bombed his village when he was away with his grandmother. Perhaps he envies Pasha for still having parents. He boosts, “I can get Pasha to do anything I want, he’s weak.” They discuss the surveillance around the defector’s house. They hope it will disappear soon. Tuan requests the leftovers from the dinner, perhaps to show he doesn’t take his full belly for granted.
Stan and Aderholt are doing surveillance in room with file boxes and a table littered with take-out. They take notes. Maybe Stan is being assigned grunt work by the higher ups after his disagreements. Stan explains the issue with Burov in Moscow and how it bothers him. Aderholt notes it’s just a side of the job. Their discussion soon turns to women and the latest hot spot in town; it has a see-through grand piano!
Elizabeth and Phillip pull in the garage. Elizabeth states firmly, “I’m just tired of treating her like a God-damn kid!” Both parents enter Paige’s bedroom and she immediately senses something is up. Paige tries to tell them she was about to go to sleep but Phillip insists, “We just need to talk, it’s important.” Elizabeth wants to “help her manage things so the relationship is safer.” Both parents agree that sex will muddle things, even though Paige maintains she hasn’t had sex. Paige gets defensive, “I’ll just be alone for the rest of my life!” Elizabeth pauses, “Are you finished? There is something we can show you, a technique, which will help you control your emotions. If you can learn this thing, really master it, you can keep seeing him.” Elizabeth adds that if she feels like she’s ever losing control in her relationship with him she should back off and just say she needs time to think. Intrigued, and maybe a little frightened, Paige sits down on her bed. Elizabeth instructs Paige to rub her thumb and her forefinger together, “To remember who you are and where you come from. Picture me and your father.” Phillip adds, “It’s just a little thing but if you practice, it will always be there for you." They approve demonstration of the technique.
Next week’s preview shows Aderholt and Beeman confronting a man in a diner. Elizabeth and Phillip speak forcefully to a man from the greenhouse, demanding to know what they are doing there. Paige learns from her parents that the U.S. is conspiring to contaminate the grain they export to the Soviet Union. Paige appears stressed on a date with Matthew. Her parents discuss how she may not be able to handle more secrets.
This episode explored the theme of “pests” both physical and psychological. Stan is facing a crisis in his career. He may be entertaining the thought of putting his personal life first for a change. One marriage collapsed in part because of his career, it seems dedicating his life to an organization, which he’s increasingly at odds with, bothers him. Paige is pestered by her parents to give up Matthew, and failing that, told to hold her emotions tightly in check. Paige wants to take refuge in her boyfriend, like she did once with her faith. She dreams of a life apart, in a place where she will no longer have to defend her parents. Phillip and Elizabeth are facing the actual pestilence in the episode. But both Phillip and Elizabeth are bothered by their lack of control over their operations. Elizabeth is hurt by the loss of Hans but it’s a scratch she can’t afford to itch. The adult characters can see the broader implications of their actions and neither picture is pretty. I hope by the end of the series it will become clear that everyone starts in intelligence with high hopes and morality but it’s practice ultimately sullies it’s participants into a moral gray area.
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