Monthly Archives: April 2014

WTA 10-Season 2 Episode 9 Martial Eagle

In this week’s all-new Watching the Americans, we analyze The Americans Season 2 episode 9 entitled “Martial Eagle.” This episode’s story was by Oliver North & Tracey Scott Wilson, the teleplay was by Tracey Scott Wilson, and it was directed by Alik Sakharov. The original air date was April 23, 2014.

In the news, we discuss the latest ratings for the show and The Wire’s feature “Wig of the Week.”

In our episode discussion, we talk about how dark the emotions are for all of the main characters, especially Philip. We go over the startling beginning of the episode and the ramifications that follow. We explore Paige’s big day at church and how that affects her parents. We look at how Stan finally gets clearance to really dig deep into the US government’s Stealth project while simultaneously losing Sandra. Agent Gaad has a surprise meeting with Arkady. Philip goes very dark with his daughter, and also with Martha and with Pastor Tim.  He can barely pull back from more violence in the end.

In our history segment, we learn about Abundant Life from John 10:10, discover invisible rabbits, learn about Alcoholics Anonymous, and find out who Dr. Ruth is. During tech of yesterday we review the audio microcassette.

We love feedback so please send in your thoughts about The Americans by emailing us watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans. And don’t miss our brand-new Watching The Americans Facebook page!

 

WTA 09-Season 2 Episode 8 New Car

In this week’s all-new Watching the Americans, we analyze The Americans Season 2 episode 8 entitled “New Car.” This episode was written by Peter Ackerman and directed by John Dahl. The original air date was April 16, 2014.

In the news, we discuss the exciting announcement of the renewal of The Americans for Season 3, discuss the latest ratings uptick and the surprise involvement of Oliver North with an upcoming episode.

In our episode discussion, we talk about Lucia’s inability to let go of her hatred for Larick and its consequences, Philip’s rash new purchase and Elizabeth’s reaction to it, and the difference in Philip and Elizabeth’s views about living in America.  Throughout the episode there are themes about what it is to be a “good person”, how the characters view “right” and “wrong”, and the balance between making decisions based on emotion or based on a greater cause. We also look at how the various KGB agents react after they learn that one of their operations may have resulted in the deaths of Soviet submariners, and end with Henry’s feelings about himself after being caught doing something wrong.

In our history segment, we rock with the Stray Cats, and go to Gorky Park, while during tech of yesterday we review the U.S. Stealth Technology program, pinball, and the ultra-cool third generation Camaro Z28.

We love feedback so please send in your thoughts about The Americans by emailing us watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans. And don’t miss our brand-new Watching The Americans Facebook page!

 

WTA 08-Season 2 Episode 7 ARPANET

In episode 8 of Watching the Americans we share our thoughts on The Americans season 2 episode 7 entitled, “ARPANET.”  “ARPANET” aired on April 9, 2014, was written by Joshua Brand, and was directed by Kevin Dowling.

In our episode discussion of “ARPANET” we discuss all of the lying and Nina’s ability to beat the polygraph test.  We also talk about Henry spying, Philip wanting the American dream, Philip not pulling the trigger, Charles’ glasses, and what we might get in next week’s episode, “New Car.”

We also talk about the history of silly putty, ARPANET, lie detectors, Cleopatra, Selva Negra Cloud Forest, The Heritage Foundation, The Illegals Program, and Bic pens.

Send in your thoughts about The Americans by emailing us watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans

WTA 07-Season 2 Episode 6 Behind the Red Door

In episode 7 of Watching the Americans we share our thoughts on The Americans season 2 episode 6 entitled, “Behind the Red Door.” “Behind the Red Door” aired on April 2, 2014, was written by Melissa James Gibson, and was directed by Charlotte Sieling.

In this episode of Watching the Americans we share a news article from TV Guide about the actor who plays Oleg, Costa Ronin. We also share a report from CNN about rumors that Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys are a real life couple, and an article from Entertainment Weekly about the various wigs used in The Americans.

During our discussion about “Behind the Red Door” we talk about Oleg playing Stan as a fool, the red door and why the number 33 is significant, some of the wild and uncomfortable moments of the episode, and the ending goodbyes of Elizabeth and Claudia. We also talk about Optical Character Recognition, dot-matrix printers, and ARPANET, and share some listener feedback!

Send in your thoughts about The Americans by emailing us watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans

WTA 06-Season 2 Episode 5 The Deal

In episode 6 of Watching the Americans we share our thoughts on The Americans season 2 episode 5 entitled, “The Deal.” “The Deal” aired on March 26, 2014, was written by Angelina Burnett, and was directed by Dan Attias.

We share our insights on the episode and talk about the exchange of Anton and the 1500 Israelites, Anton’s heartbreak as he looked at the moon, and all of the episode’s plot lines and character developments. We also discuss Kibbutzim, Shamans, ARPANET, Hill Street Blues, David Copperfield, Coloumbia House Records, and Obyta Cigarettes.

Send in your thoughts about The Americans by emailing us watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans