History is a series of decisive moments that only become clear in hindsight. The Americans has shifted ahead to 1987 to highlight the historical "detante" in U.S.-Soviet relations that paved the way for the collapse of the Soviet Union and ended that period of "Cold War." The opening hour displayed more callbacks to the real events and historical figures than ever before. I believe the Americans continue to be one of the best and most underappreciated series on television. While I’m sad this will be its final season, I respect the creators for sending the series out on a high note. The opening hour brought out all the reasons which I admire the show, use of music to add emotional context to scenes, being historically accurate and allowing the viewer to question and empathize with the choices of the characters.
A quick review of the previous season highlights the “second generation” program for spies for which Claudia and Elizabeth think Paige would be a perfect candidate. Oleg’s near brush with exposure by the U.S. intelligence services back in the Soviet Union is recounted. Stan’s girlfriend Renee makes Phillip question if she may be a fellow KGB officer. Phillip clearly desires to quit the game and Elizabeth decides she will continue to serve as a solo agent.
The hour opens with a montage set to Crowded House’s “Don’t Dream it’s Over.” A woman in bed sketches a sleeping Elizabeth in a pink uniform, glasses and frizzy blonde wig. Phillip oversees the travel agency, which has a bright new modern office with many employees. A man enters the bedroom where the woman is sketching Elizabeth and greets her with a kiss. An IV pole hangs in the background. Phillip toils alone at the office while across town Elizabeth showers after being intimate with a stranger. Elizabeth gazes out from her hotel room at the Washington Monument. Phillip walks home in the darkness. The song plays, “there’s a battle ahead, many battles are lost.” Elizabeth wears a baseball hat near a train station looking drained. Phillip drives a fancy new car, equipped with a car phone. He slows down by a movie theater, “Revenge of the Nerds Two”. “The Pick-Up Artist”, “Less Than Zero” and “Wall Street” posters are displayed which would have been playing in the fall of 1987. (The timeline has advanced roughly a year and a half. Phillip’s snazzy car resembles Gordon Gecko’s in Wall Street that came out in December 1987.) Elizabeth wearing a new wig follows behind some men taking pictures with her purse camera. Phillip sits at the kitchen table as Elizabeth comes home late. The song punctuates the wordless scene, “I’m walking again, to the beat of a drum, and I’m counting the steps to the door of your heart.” Elizabeth gives Phillip a small smile before heading upstairs. Elizabeth and Phillip clearly live alone and have parallel lives. But the longing for each other still exists as in the song’s chorus, “Hey now, hey now, don’t dream it’s over.” The scene cuts to the opening credits.
Paige watches a movie in Russian with Claudia and Elizabeth on a small color television. They all laugh together. Is this part of Paige’s language training? Does Phillip know that Paige is being trained? Phillip cheers for Henry at St. Edward’s Academy. Henry is popular with the young female students and Phillip seems to enjoy flirting the mothers in attendance. After the movie ends, Paige remarks how “normal” the women in the film seem, but a bit silly when it comes to chasing after men. Claudia mentions how much more power women have in the Soviet Union but how misogyny is still a problem. Paige gives Claudia and her mom some weapons information she’s obtained from her university class. The women seem surprised at how freely information is shared about the U.S.’s military capabilities. There is an upcoming summit between the U.S. and the Soviets. Paige is hopeful regarding the talks but Elizabeth is more cynical, noting the U.S. has not always followed through on their agreements. (For example, the SALT II talks were never ratified by Congress or enacted as a response to the Soviet’s invasion of Afghanistan.) Paige leaves to wait in the car while Elizabeth and Claudia debrief. Elizabeth has been staking out the Department of Energy that will be involved with the upcoming summit. Elizabeth is involved with Dean Haskart, one of the U.S. negotiators. Claudia informs Elizabeth that with about nine weeks ahead of the Washington summit, she’s received a signal for Elizabeth to meet someone in Mexico. (Marking this episode as mid-October 1987, the Washington Summit began on December 8, 1987.) As always, Elizabeth accepts this assignment. As she leaves, she muses to Claudia how much Moscow has changed since she left. Claudia commends her for her strong work and not being on the “boy-crazy” young women portrayed in the film.
In Moscow it is night, former head of the Rezidentura Arkady rings the bell of Oleg’s apartment. Oleg appears surprised to see his former boss, in order to speak privately the men leave the apartment for a walk. Arkady begins, “I have an idea about what happened. I’m Deputy Chief of Directorate-S, I know a lot.” Oleg politely congratulates him on his promotion but seems wary to speak about his past. Arkady notes that Oleg was “lucky” he wasn’t shot for previous conduct, he assures Oleg what he’s about to ask, “isn’t a trap.” Arkady explains he needs someone to take that kind of risk again. Oleg looks pained, “No, I have a one-year-old son.” Oleg also notes he has a secure job at the railway ministry. (Like his father.) Arkady continues, “There are some in our organization that don't believe in Gorbachev, they don’t want change. I need someone I trust to go to the United States, quietly.” Oleg’s government position would allow him greater freedom to travel than most. Arkady has heard that a general is “going behind his back to meet an illegal in Latin America.” (This is certainly Elizabeth, who has an upcoming secret meeting in Mexico.) Arkady hopes that Oleg can reach out to the “illegal’s husband.” He explains that Phillip has quit his active service for a few years; he believes Phillip could be a potential ally of Gorbachev and the reformer wing of the government. Oleg remains skeptical, not wishing to step in between a husband and his wife. Arkady pleads with Oleg that the future of the country is at stake to be won by the reformers or the KGB.
Elizabeth walks down the sunny streets of Mexico City carrying brightly colored flowers. She walks into a café to meet a man waiting for her in the back. He introduces himself in Russian as General Kovtun of the Strategic Rocket Forces. (Soviets always loved wordy bureaucratic names.) He flatters Elizabeth and her work. He cautions her that neither the Centre nor her husband can learn what he is about to tell her.
At the travel agency, Phillip encourages his agents to “go beyond the brochure” and share their personal travel experiences with their clients, both positive and negative. (Phillip dreams of Yelp in 1987!)
The General explains the Strategic Rocket Forces have begun work on a system called the “Dead Hand.” In the event of the United States launching a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union, a computerized system will launch a counterattack against the United States, ensuring the final destruction of the enemy. The General hands her a picture of a man, Fyodor Nesterenko who works at the office of the foreign ministry. Nesterenko is close to Gorbachev and will be attending the upcoming Summit. The fear is that Gorbachev would trade the “Dead Hand” technology for an agreement by the United States to give up its “Star Wars” program. “This can’t happen!” Declares the General. Elizabeth is to report if she learns that Nesterenko is planning on negotiating regarding these technologies. The General adds ominously, “You know about the Dead Hand now, you cannot be arrested.” He slides over a black jewelry box to her. Elizabeth nods. Peter Gabriel’s “We do what we’re told” begins to play. On the plane home, Elizabeth makes a trip to the airplane bathroom. She opens the black box and looks at the necklace that features an opaque stone. She slides open the back of the stone to reveal a small white tablet. It likely contains a cyanide capsule to take in the event of her arrest. The song chants ominously, “One life, one goal, one truth.” Elizabeth stares at herself in the mirror and places the necklace around her neck. Elizabeth has always seemed resigned to the fact that she may end up dying for her country.
Stan and Renee are hosting a dinner for all their friends, including Elizabeth, Phillip and Paige, Dennis Aderholt and his wife and infant. Paige challenges Stan on the controversial nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court, recounting his past racist views. (Bork would end up failing to be confirmed.) Stan seems bemused by Paige’s passion and attributes it to her college-age idealism. The conversation shifts to Henry’s hockey career at boarding school. The women excuse themselves to begin dishes in the kitchen. Renee joins Dennis’s wife as she feeds her baby. Elizabeth strains to hear their conversation regarding their husbands work at the FBI. Renee explains its hard to get any information out of the guys, they simply will not talk about work at home.
In Moscow, Oleg tries to explain to his young wife Elina that he must go to the United States to help Arkady. She begs him not to leave, knowing just how dangerous it could be for Oleg. Oleg counters, “What kind of life will our son have if good people like me just stand by?” Oleg assures Elina that Arkady has always been honest with him. He embraces her, tells her he loves and promises to return. Elina begs, “Don’t do this to us!” Later, Oleg embraces his young son Sasha before he leaves. In this scene, Oleg reveals himself to be willing to risk his life to fight corruption and for a better future for his family even at the risk of sacrificing his own life. (In contrast to Elizabeth who is prepared to die to preserve the old order and ideals.)
The next scene is another montage of action to the mournful Talking Heads song, “Remain in the light.” Elizabeth sits alone in a café called “La Bocca” near the Department of Energy. Oleg arrives in Washington where he stares at the Washington Monument as he exits a taxi the song lyrics add, “Mojique holds a package in quivering hands, he feels the time is now or never.” Oleg checks into The Potomac Inn, as the song continues, “wind in my heart, dust in my head.” He appears overwhelmed with memories of his time in America and likely Nina. Elizabeth wears a pink uniform as she arrives for her shift as a caregiver to Dean Haskert’s wife. Elizabeth has brought Dean food. She explains that his wife Erica likes to brag that Dean is “saving the world.” Dean blushes, “I’d like to think I’m doing my part so that we don’t blow each other to bits!” Elizabeth laughs nervously, “Yeah, that would be good.”
Elizabeth relieves the previous caregiver. Erica notices that Elizabeth is staring at the painting that hangs behind her bed. The abstract piece appears to be of a woman screaming and dissolving. Erica explains that she painted it after her mother died. Elizabeth confesses, “Art isn’t really my thing.” Erica scoffs, “That’s like saying life isn’t really your thing, beauty’s not your thing!” Elizabeth can’t seem to appreciate the abstract nature of Erica’s work. She asks the ill woman how many paintings she’s made. Erica doesn’t answer but looks at a loss to answer such an unimportant question. A tension lingers between the women.
Phillip is making the most of life by going line dancing! He doesn’t appear to have a special partner but looks genuinely happy.
Later at the Haskert home, Elizabeth watches Erica groan in pain in her sleep. Despite the fact that Elizabeth is really only there to spy on Dean, she looks with concern at the dying woman. Elizabeth touches Erica’s shoulder and she quiets down. Elizabeth glances at the painting that depicts an abstract, nearly faceless woman. Does Elizabeth see herself in that, a woman who has disappeared after assuming so many identities?
Oleg goes out for a walk in the darkness. Along his walk, he marks a blue post box with white chalk. Phillip drives by the mailbox and sees the mark the following day. Even though Phillip is out of the game, are there still some signals he monitors?
Paige sits at “La Bocca” with an older man. The powerful cords of Fleetwood Mac’s “Gold Dust Women” begin. “Take your silver spoon, dig your grave.” It appears that Paige is acting as a lookout for the Centre. Phillip toils alone at the travel agency. “Chose your path and I’ll pray," Stevie Nicks cautions. Elizabeth drives in a car with an older woman. Phillip leaves work for the day. As he walks, he removes a note hidden in a cinder block off the sidewalk. Paige finally leaves the café with an older man. It isn’t clear what her mission was but she’s been closely watching the comings and goings of the café customers, entry-level Centre work.
Phillip goes to the laundry room and decodes the message he obtained from the cinder block. The song fades, “Do you know how to pick up the pieces and go home.” Gold Dust Woman touches on themes inheritance and loss. Phillip seems to have lost both Elizabeth and Paige to the work.
Paige reads a book alone in a car. A naval officer raps on her window that she reluctantly rolls down. “I noticed you were sitting here for some time, this is not the best neighborhood.” Paige replies she’s waiting for a friend. The officer requests identification, Paige hands him a fake drivers license. “The picture doesn’t do you justice Ellen Terero.” The officer notes that she’s near several restricted areas, including the Vice President’s house. He asks for a second piece of identification and Paige hands him a college id. He asks if she wants to join him for dinner but Paige declines, stating she’s waiting for a friend.
Nesterenko leaves the Department of Energy; Elizabeth is signaled to this event by static on her walkie-talkie. Elizabeth’s companion exits the car and walks in front of a group of men including Haskert and Nesterenko. Elizabeth listens to the men’s conversation but it’s merely small talk about the hotel.
The Naval officer is disappointed at Paige’s refusal to go out with him. He says he’s going to keep her student id, she can get it back only by agreeing to go on a date with him on Saturday. Paige is upset but feels unable to refuse; an escalation in the situation is bound to lead to more questions.
Elizabeth meets with Paige. Paige explains the sequence of events, scared of disappointing her mother and endangering the mission. Elizabeth assures her that it’s not a huge problem, she kept cool under pressure and only gave up a fake alias and id. When Elizabeth returns to the car and her companion is not so generous about the situation. “I told you, she’s too young!” Elizabeth replies coolly, “I have a lot of faith in this one.” Obviously, other members of the organization are not to know that Paige is Elizabeth’s daughter.
Elizabeth asks the woman to drive her to a new location. Elizabeth spots the officer who questioned Paige. She asks him for a light, verifying his the name on his uniform. Elizabeth quickly stabs the young man in the neck, killing him quickly. She coldly removes Paige’s fake identification from the man’s wallet. This makes the second time Elizabeth has murdered a man to protect her daughter. But unlike the man last year who attempted to sexually assault Paige, this young man’s only crime was being a bit pushy in order to go on a date.
Oleg strolls in the park. Phillip approaches him in glasses and a wig. Phillip initiates the conversation about the weather in Washington. Once they’ve run through the code Phillip asks if Oleg was followed. Oleg notes it took him half the day to shake the multiple FBI tails. Oleg starts by stating Arkady sent him, and he’s there because many of the “old guard” does not like Gorbachev. Gorbachev can’t simply get rid of his opponents. Phillip maintains he’s “out of it.” Oleg continues that powerful people are resisting the changes under Gorbachev, including a General from the Strategic Rocket forces who recently met with Elizabeth. Phillip says dryly, “My wife does her job.” Oleg notes that everyone is divided between progress and the old ways, Elizabeth is with the “old ways” faction. Oleg implores Phillip to find out what Elizabeth is doing and “stop her.” Phillip replies forcefully, “She’s MY WIFE!” Oleg pauses and explains that he left his wife and infant son on this risky mission to help shape the future of our country. Oleg notes that in his present position he has no immunity if his activities are discovered he’ll be executed. Oleg leaves Phillip with a newspaper, perhaps containing another coded message.
Elizabeth smokes a cigarette before entering her home, looking drained and tense. Phillip reads the newspaper in the kitchen. Phillip mentions what he’s reading about the upcoming Gorbachev-Reagan summit. Elizabeth remarks that she’s working on it. Phillip says it seems like a good deal to get rid of some weapons. Elizabeth is dismissive, “Maybe for them, not for us!” Phillip tries to asking her what is wrong, noting how much she’s smoking and working with very little rest. He observes that he thinks the job is finally getting to her like it did for him. He says he wants to talk to her about something important. Elizabeth becomes more frustrated, thinking Phillip must want to talk about something she considers trivial compared to what she’s working on. (Like Henry!) Elizabeth demands Phillip wait until after she’s slept. Elizabeth seems like she’s on the verge of breaking down for the first time. Phillip lets her go upstairs to bed. He continues to work alone in the kitchen. Once in the bathroom, Elizabeth stares hauntingly at her own reflection and at the necklace. Her face is as disturbing as the painting of the faceless woman.
This first hour has set the stage for the crescendo of the final season. Things look very ominous for Elizabeth, if she continues to breakdown her destruction seems assured. Does Phillip know how involved Paige is becoming in the “family business”? If not, what will he do when he finds out. The Soviet Union is so close to collapse it is understandable the “old guard” would have been very fearful. After the changes made by Gorbachev and experiment with Yelstin’s brand of democracy, the old guard did indeed return in the form of Vladimir Putin in the new millennium. If Gorbachev would have managed to truly reform and remove his enemies in the KGB might things be different today? The Americans may be “just a TV show” but it is highlighting real events and historical players by a creator who worked in the field during the era.
The previews of the upcoming episodes look increasingly dangerous for many characters. Paige is shown to have a “boyfriend” but is she just using him or does she have genuine feelings for him? Stan notes that some of his Soviet counterparts in intelligence “do not want peace.” Elizabeth continues on her mission to protect the regressive forces, which may end in her own exposure and demise. It clearly seems that this season will be filled with decisive moments that may have long-term repercussion for both the characters and their respective countries.
