So far this season has been a non-stop emotional rollercoaster. Each hour it becomes clearer that something or someone is going to collapse this house of cards. The divisions have never been starker, between the KGB and the glasnost wing in the USSR and between Philip and Elizabeth. Stan tries to keep away from counter-intelligence but keeps becoming drawn back in to help Dennis. The titular “Mr. and Mrs. Teacup” are Sofia and Gennadi who now are vulnerable as they enter witness protection after seeking political asylum. Philip struggles to find purpose in the private sector while attempting to be a long-distance father to Henry. Elizabeth and Paige have formed a strong alliance based on false pretenses, but Elizabeth is still very much alone with the true dirty nature of her work. Philip and Oleg may prove to be a volatile combination, which leads to the end of the secrets and lives of spies on both sides.
The hour begins with Philip and Oleg’s second meeting to discuss Elizabeth and the power struggles in the Soviet regime. Although neither man is active in the KGB, both share a hope for a better future for their country. They begin by comparing their experiences in the U.S.; Oleg explains he worked at the Embassy and Philip notes he’s been outside for so long it’s hard to remember the Soviet Union. Oleg observes, “One thing I learned is that they are NOT crazy, we can make peace with them, now maybe the best chance we ever get. That’s why I’m here.” Oleg explains that the Centre is actively trying to get rid or Gorbachev. The fear is that with choice, the people will not choose to be communists. Philip asks why Oleg left the KGB, Oleg pauses before carefully answering, “It wasn’t for me, there is something rotten about it.” Philip notes that Elizabeth “would never do anything to hurt our country.” Oleg replies, “We know how loyal she is, but that loyalty can be used.” Oleg implores Philip to find out what Elizabeth has been working on. Philip tells Oleg all he knows, but his information is only fragments now that Elizabeth no longer confides in him. Oleg states that they can’t meet in person again due to American surveillance of his movements.
Philip returns home free of his disguise. He sees Elizabeth outside smoking in the dark. Elizabeth meets Philip in the kitchen and asks, “How was work?” Philip replies fine and offers her a beer. She declines. Was Philip attempting to loosen her tongue with alcohol? Elizabeth is too savvy to be tricked in this way.
Elizabeth and a crew of lookouts, including Paige are at the warehouse to steal the radiation detection sensor based on information from the man she murdered last week. An agent turns off the power inside so that Elizabeth can enter the gates. The tension mounts as Elizabeth goes into the facility alone. Several guards soon pursue her as she makes her way in the dark with only the assistance of a tiny flashlight. She shoots out some lights that have come back on. It’s difficult to see what’s happening but it appears that she shots several guards with a silenced firearm. Outside, sirens begin to wail in the distance, the older woman, Paige and a man listen carefully, looking concerned. Elizabeth is deep inside the warehouse, trying to gain access to wrapped palates. Another security guard has responded to the commotion and is shot. Elizabeth is breathing heavily, she can hear the sirens and guards on walkie-talkies. The older woman waits in an alley for Elizabeth. Paige and the man drive away from the facility. Finally, Elizabeth rushes into the older woman’s car just as a line of police cars rush to the scene on an adjacent street.
Philip has donned his “Jim” disguise as the aging cool guy with great Afghan Kush. He’s meeting Kimmie, now a Michigan State junior. They continue to share an easy flirty friendship. (Philip is there to access the bug he’s placed on her CIA father.) “ Jim” wonders what his next move will be, “I’d like to use my powers for good.” Kimmie explains she’s going to Greece over Thanksgiving break with friends. She scoffs at him, “You’re stuck, you’re too great to be stuck, you need to ‘seize the day.’” It’s funny how even in their relationship based on false pretenses how Kimmie can see Philip’s true feelings.
Paige debriefs with her mom after the warehouse mission. Paige explains she loves the work but finds it hard to sleep afterward. Elizabeth confesses that she didn’t get what she needed at the warehouse and “it's like that sometimes.” Paige mentions she’s met a potential person of value, a young man working as an intern for a Congressman from Florida on the Armed Services Committee. Philip returns home, calls out to Paige before he notices that she and Elizabeth are “working.”
Paige ignores her father and he expresses frustration. “Right back into it! Is this how it is?” Paige offers to leave, but Philip probes her on her feelings about the General’s “suicide.” Paige calmly repeats her version of events, he was troubled and that her mom tried to stop him. Paige insists she’s fine. Philip directs his ire at Elizabeth, “Why did he kill himself?” She’s flippant, “You’d have to ask him.” Paige begins to answer her father, “Sometimes bad things happen in the world…” Philip frowns, “Don’t lecture me about ‘the world’!” Paige offers to leave again rather than see her parents fight. Philip exits the room.
Elizabeth assures her daughter that Philip loves her but “something got lost” in him; the work was too much for him. Elizabeth adds that she is so proud of Paige. This is likely the approval Paige has always been seeking from her mother. Elizabeth asks her daughter to “forget about this intern.” Elizabeth elaborates, “If you want to date somebody, great if you want to go after someone as a source, great, but you don’t mix the two things.” Paige promises that she won’t pursue him. Elizabeth cautions her that she is not prepared to “work a source.” Elizabeth reminds Paige that the goal is to prepare her for a job as an asset in the State Department. Elizabeth has vowed to keep her safe and prepare her for that life.
Philip works in the upstairs bedroom when Elizabeth confronts her regarding Paige. She accuses him of being out of line, and that this was not "their deal." Philip states she put Paige’s life in danger. Elizabeth promises it won’t happen again but Philip notes, “How can you know that?” Elizabeth is confident Paige will “learn from her mistakes.” (Not that one can always prevent mistakes, especially in this work.) Philip turns over the tape from Kimmie’s father; her vacation to Greece will bar any further tapes until Christmas. Elizabeth is furious; the tapes are vital before the upcoming summit in early December. Phillip shrugs, he can’t help Kimmie’s travel plans. Elizabeth storms out, “I’m going downstairs, don’t wait up!”
Oleg phones his father at the Transportation Bureau. It’s clear that they both know the call is being recorded. They exchange small talk and assurances about the health of Oleg’s family. Oleg gives his father “academic” information about train algorithms. (Is this to cover for the “official purpose” for his visit to the U.S. or is this coded information passed between father and son?)
Elizabeth debriefs Claudia about the tape from Kimmie’s father. It appears that the CIA might have a “guy inside” of the Soviet government who may be working on the upcoming negotiations. Claudia has found out about Stan’s ongoing case in counter-intelligence. They know about the defections of Gennadi and his family. Claudia wants Elizabeth to “deal with” the couple prior to their entrance into witness protection. Claudia is upset at the prospect of the United States using a former member of the Soviet national hockey team for capitalist propaganda. “Picture him in Time magazine talking about how terrible we are!” It sounds like things are even more dangerous now for the unhappy couple. Elizabeth asks what they should do next with Paige. Claudia suggests another movie. Claudia and Elizabeth have their own propaganda campaign going on with Paige.
Philip calls Henry at school. Philip attempts to find out how his son is doing, the discussion turns to the familiar subject of hockey. Henry is looking forward to being named team captain next season, his senior year. Philip tries to explain how the travel agency is not doing well since the expansion. Henry isn’t sure how that relates to him; Philip confesses he doesn’t know if he can afford the private school next year. Henry is speechless and essentially hangs up on his father.
The contrast between the parents is illustrated in these short scenes, Paige has her mother’s affection and attention while Philip has failed Henry by failing at the business and potentially failing to keep him sheltered from the family’s problems. Where Elizabeth continues to lie to Paige earning her admiration, Philip is brutally honest with his son, earning his scorn.
Nestorova walks into his hotel, the KGB team is keeping tabs on his movements. The older woman reports to Elizabeth, “He’s in room 1203, the team is cycling every eight minutes, Julie is next.” Elizabeth hands information to the older lady about Stan and Gennadi. She hopes that by tailing Stan, they will lead them to the safe house where the family is hiding temporarily. She cautions the lady not to use “Julie” in this case, as she’s “too inexperienced”. Julie is Paige’s alias, and if she were to follow Stan it could have disastrous results given how readily he could identify her. Paige follows the negotiators down the hallway and takes pictures with her purse phone. Elizabeth has really fast-tracked Paige’s training.
Philip and Stan go out for a drink at a bar. Stan talks about his son Matthew who is soon to graduate from college and has a serious girlfriend. (The memory of him and Paige still seems heartbreaking; it seemed to be her only chance for an honest relationship.) Stan hopes his son doesn’t settle down too quickly. Philip confides that he’s having a difficult time with the travel agency. Philip feels the pressure to grow in business. Stan adds, “My father used to say, the more you want, the more you get and that’s both good and bad.” Philip may have fought too hard to prove he could achieve the “American dream.”
On a cold Moscow night, Oleg’s father meets with Arkady. Igor passes Arkady the notes he took from his conversation with Oleg. (So it was in code.) Igor tells Arkady that Oleg’s mother and wife are worried sick about him. They want to know when he’s coming home. Igor confesses, “He told me to trust you completely, it’s not easy.” Arkady says, “It’s not really about trusting me, he wants to do something that matters and that’s because of you.” Oleg wants his father to be proud of him, as he was of his brother who perished in the Afghan war. The men part ways.
Elizabeth joins Philip in bed where he continues to look over his business expenses. She coos, “Are you rich yet?” Philip confides that they are not doing well; even cutting back on the business may not fix it. He recounts his conversation with Henry, about pulling him out of school. Philip isn’t sure how Henry is taking the news. Elizabeth sighs, “Well, he’s your department.” (Does she even like her son?) Philip puts his papers away and switches off the light. He turns to her, “How’s Paige?” Elizabeth says she’s fine, adding that he could ask her himself “we're not keeping her from you.” He touches her arm and asks how she’s doing, kissing her on the mouth. Elizabeth says only that she’s “tired all the time.” She rolls over, literally turning away from him.
Stan drives his FBI car tailed by some KGB spotters.
Elizabeth discusses art with Erica. “I looked at some of your paintings in the basement, I liked the one with the woman and the broken eggs.” Erica states that’s her least favorite work because it is too sentimental. (Something no one has ever accused Elizabeth of being.) Erica recalls that when she first became ill she thought it was okay because her work, “the best of her” would outlive her. Now, she wrestles with the idea that her work is meaningless and she wishes she had spent more time with Glenn. Even though Elizabeth does not value art, she can perhaps understand the dying woman’s words, she too hopes her “important work” will be her legacy. Erica tries to teach Elizabeth how to draw, focusing on drawing the dark parts and not to be afraid to experiment. “Start towards the dark, work toward the light.”
Glenn enters the room, he says how some of the team will be watching the World Series with “one of the Russians” tomorrow. Glenn doesn’t want to leave her so Elizabeth suggests that Erica goes to the party. Elizabeth claims it will be good for Erica to get out and Glenn warms to the idea. “I think it would be good for everyone, a change of scenery, some baseball.” And of course easy access to Elizabeth’s Soviet mark!
Stan is interrupted by a summons from Dennis. Stan joins Dennis in the vault to discuss counter-intelligence matters. They don’t have the resources to keep a close tail on Oleg due to the Summit. “Mr. and Mrs. Teacup are giving everyone on the team a hard time, they say they only want to deal with you!” Stan objects, “I’m done babysitting those lunatics!” Dennis implores Stan to help out by checking on them several times a week until they are relocated. Stan can’t refuse.
Philip crunches numbers again at the office. He sighs, grabs his cowboy boots and heads out to the line-dancing bar. (Did he develop his love for country music that time he and Elizabeth went to Kansas, is he trying to re-create happier times.) Eddie Rabbit’s “Drivin’ my life away” sets the tone for the montage. Elizabeth steals Glenn’s lucky baseball jacket to have it outfitted with a wire. Paige flirts with Brian the intern, he seems very interested in her as the martinis flow. “Ohh, I’m driving my life away, looking for a better way for me!” The jacket is returned to Glenn’s house and closet. Paige and Brain kiss in the street. The song continues, “Well the truck stop cutie is coming on to me, trying to talk me into a ride, said I wouldn’t be sorry, but she was just a baabbyy!” Elizabeth stares at Erica’s haunting portraits of woman in black and white. Paige looks around Brian’s room as the young man sleeps after a night of passion. Paige hones in on Brian’s intern badge.
Elizabeth and Glenn help Erica into the co-worker’s house for the party. Glenn is wearing the Japanese baseball jacket. Nesterenko asks about the why the Minnesota team is called the “Twins.” The men make small talk about the game. Glenn checks on Erica but she urges him to enjoy the party. Erica laments, “I shouldn’t have come.” Elizabeth tries to make her feel comfortable while staring at Glenn and his interaction with Nesterenko. The party crowd seems uncomfortable around Erica. Suddenly, Erica begins to projectile vomit and Glenn rushes to assist her. Elizabeth cleans up vomit; Nesterenko also arrives to assist her. The two Soviets briefly lock eyes. Erica cries, “Why did I come?” Glenn says they will leave the party immediately.
Elizabeth listens to the recording later in the laundry room. Nesterenko was telling Glenn he is sorry about Erica’s condition, he might have said something more important about a “very hard thing” but then Erica vomited and the tape cuts off.
Philip is crunching numbers while slowly eating potato chips. He stares at a turkey sandwich he’s left untouched. Philip flashes back to his young years during the war. He and other children are seen scrapping the bottom of dirty pans, clearly starving. Maybe he’s feeling guilty for having come so far, gaining so many material things but still wanting more…
This hour continued to add layers to Elizabeth's struggle to keep her secrets from both Paige and Philip while pressure mounts on her as never before. Oleg continues to climb without a diplomatic safety net which may endanger him and his family back in Moscow. Paige has decided to go against her mother's advice with Brian in an attempt to further demonstrate her commitment.
Next week show will continue the struggle between Philip, Paige, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, “Everything I’ve worked for comes down to this.” Philip counters, “She’s just a kid.” Elizabeth says, “Not anymore.” Did Paige confess to sleeping with Brian for work? Does Philip have a plan how to save Elizabeth and Paige from exposure? The series timeline ticks away and I am savoring each hour and the stellar performance of this incredible cast.
Next week show will continue the struggle between Philip, Paige, and Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, “Everything I’ve worked for comes down to this.” Philip counters, “She’s just a kid.” Elizabeth says, “Not anymore.” Did Paige confess to sleeping with Brian for work? Does Philip have a plan how to save Elizabeth and Paige from exposure? The series timeline ticks away and I am savoring each hour and the stellar performance of this incredible cast.
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