I’m a little confused on how they are handling Martha. In the past they just killed off whoever they needed to, and now they are concerned about Martha, who doesn’t share their philosophy. I don’t see them, as KGB agents, caring about Martha and she’s never said she wants to go into Russian witness protection.
Why is Elizabeth pursuing a friendship with the Korean woman?
Various fan sites & blogs indicate that Martha has been one of the most popular characters in the show. I think there would be a fan revolt if Martha meets an untimely end.
@FrancescaBennett It appears (episode 3 of this season) that Elizabeth is using Young Hee (Ruthie Ann Miles) to get to her brother Don (Rob Yang) for some reason that we don’t yet know. I suspect it will be the main story arc for the second half of this season. During the family dinner party scene Don was shown to have an alcohol addiction, which probably makes him susceptible either to blackmail or to making careless mistakes.
Miles (won a Tony for “The King and I”) and Yang (was in “The Bourne Legacy”) have major talent, like so many of the actors in this show. I imagine they’ll get increasing amounts of screen time as the season moves along.
Thanks @MidwestDad3. I was afraid I’d missed something.
After tonight’s episode, I can’t believe that Martha’s still alive. As far as her popularity with the fans, I don’t think that would have any effect on whether or not the writers kill her off. Nina was extremely popular, too.
@joblue SPOILER ALERT. Do NOT look at the IMDb database entry for “The Americans.” It has the cast listing for each individual episode of season 4, through to the end. You can almost predict the story arcs by who is listed as appearing in each episode.
Wow. After what IMO has been a lackluster season so far comes an episode that is utterly original, simultaneously slow & fast-paced, ties up so many loose ends, and uses a narrative technique we haven’t seen before. Was it Matthew Rhys’ directing that made the difference? The first few minutes of total silence in this episode? Langella’s decision to grant the leads a 7-month sabbatical? Whatever it was, I’m a fan again.
If Alison Wright doesn’t get an Emmy nomination for her role as Martha, there is no justice in this world. On top of everything else, she’s a British actress and her accent has been flawless.
@MidwestDad3. If you’re talking about the credit for Martha well Dylan Baker was credited for last nights episode. But he didn’t iirc appear
^I think this has come up before elsewhere, and I’m wondering if they are obligated to credit someone who appears in the “previously on” sequence at the beginning. Also, I suppose it is possible that they shot a scene with him that was edited out. You raise a good point.
Perhaps this episode emphasizes the schism between the “old” communists and the beginning of a new soviet union. Atheist versus Christianity…the state versus the individual…responsobility (personal) versus I did it for the state…I love this story.
Thanks for the warning, MidwestDad3. I will avoid IMDb for the rest of this season.
I was amazed at the mention of Gregory during Philip and Elizabeth’s fight as well as the appearance of Margo Martindale, whom I adore. Also, poor Paige is breaking my heart. She can’t possibly continue to function under all the strain she’s under.
I didn’t really understand why the ‘Martha leaving’ was carried over to this episode just to have her leave at the beginning. Seems like that should have been part of the last episode.
I’ve been watching the first 2 seasons on amizon prime. Boy, did I miss a lot the first time through!
I’m not really buying the ‘Let Reverend Tim and Miss Alice just simmer’ plan. No way would they not tell someone and no way would the Russians let them.
I have not seen any reporting yet as to renewal for a season 5. Last year it was renewed around March 31, so perhaps this does not bode well given that we’re already into the middle of May. Prove me wrong FX!
After this past week’s episode it looks as if Paige might be getting ready to take the plunge into spyhood. Hope she’s a better spy than a driver. And Elizabeth hit so many lows this last episode that I don’t know how she can sink any further. But there’s always next episode!
The Americans has been renewed for a 13-episode season five, and a concluding 10-episode season six. Way to go FX! A lot of fans will be looking for some Emmy respect this year.
How did Philip get the code for the lab door? After that elaborate setup failed and they didn’t find it in Don’s office, what else did they do?
I did love that Tim and Elizabeth shared a laugh together about the dinner party!
I assumed they found the code among files downloaded from Don’s computer.
FINALLY, some respect from the Emmys. Nominations just announced include Outstanding Drama, Outstanding Lead Actor (Rhys), and Outstanding Lead Actress (Russell). It’s about time!!!