Monthly Archives: May 2014

WTA 14-Season 2 Episode 13 Echo

In this week’s Watching the Americans, we are amazed by the Season 2 finale of The Americans with Episode 13 “Echo.” This mind-blowing and very satisfying episode was written by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg and it was directed by Daniel Sackheim. The original air date was May 21, 2014.

In the news, we recap the uptick in the finale ratings and agree with The Wire’s “Wig of the Week” selection. We link to a gallery of Season 1 wigs and a story on screeninvasion.com on why The Americans is the best drama on TV. We also find out there is a great charity auction to raise money for the poor that has one prize we would love – a visit to the set of the Americans in Season 3!

For the episode discussion, we see the payoffs for all the action in Season 2. Stan makes a decision while Nina’s fate hangs in the balance. Fred gets the paint for Stealth and pays a steep price for it. Larrick at last makes his move and sets up a classic confrontation with Philip and Elizabeth at the cabin. We learn the identity of the Conner family’s killer, and we see where Jared will end up. Paige takes part in a demonstration that could foreshadow her future. Finally, a familiar face returns and gives new shocking orders to Philip and Elizabeth, who must decide whether or not to follow them.

In our history segment, we rock with Golden Earring and their classic 80s cut Twilight Zone, visit Cheyenne Mountain, and learn about Civil Disobedience/Nonviolent Protests. During tech of yesteryear we boot up a floppy disk, see an EMP grade hardened safe, and sport a Smith & Wesson Ladysmith.

We love to hear your thoughts about The Americans so please send them by emailing text or audio feedback to watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans. Please like us on our Facebook page Watching The Americans.  And if you do enjoy the show, please rate us or better yet rate and review us in iTunes!

WTA 13-Season 2 Episode 12 Operation Chronicle

In this week’s exciting Watching the Americans, we decode The Americans Season 2 Episode 12 “Operation Chronicle.” This sad and thrilling episode was written by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg and it was directed by Andrew Bernstein. The original air date was May 14, 2014.

In the news, we recap the latest ratings and once again dispute The Wire’s “Wig of the Week” selection. We mention two fun interviews, one with “Martha” aka Alison Wright in the Huffington Post and another on NPR with Matthew Rhys.

For the episode discussion, we follow the action as the ramifications from earlier this season are finally coming to a head.  We see the imminent danger ahead for Jared and Elizabeth’s attempt to protect him. Larrick closes in on his targets. Philip and Elizabeth turn to Fred to get crucial samples of the Stealth paint while playing on his ego. Stan and Sandra come to a fateful decision. Stan tries to help protect Nina and meanwhile, Oleg is doing the same thing. Arkady turns the tables on Stan and ups the ante regarding Nina’s future. And Martha makes a very surprising revelation regarding Clark.

In our history segment, we go to journey to space with Kirk, Khan and the crew from Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan and meet Jim Corrigan aka the Spectre. During tech of yesteryear we ride in the Chrysler K-Car.

We love to hear your thoughts about The Americans so please send them by emailing text or audio feedback to watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or calling us at 919-907-0542. Follow us on Twitter @WatchAmericans. And please like us on our Facebook page Watching The Americans.

WTA 12-Season 2 Episode 11 Stealth

In this week’s exciting Watching the Americans, we decode The Americans Season 2 Episode 11 “Stealth.” This dark episode was written by Joshua Brand and it was directed by Gregory Hoblit. The original air date was May 7, 2014.

In the news, we review the latest ratings and dispute The Wire’s “Wig of the Week selection.” We talk about Time’s article that features The Americans’ showrunner Joel Fields aboutwhy there’s so much rape on your favorite TV shows. We also reveal from This Week what The Americans gets wrong about Russian spies, share an LA Times interview with Matthew Rhys, and mention his appearance on the Today show and his knowledge of the 80s TV show “The A-Team.”

In our episode discussion, we talk about the word “Stealth” and how much it permeates this episode. In the Soviet Union we see what Anton and Vasili have been doing about Stealth technology. Philip befriends someone who may have crucial information about how to create key components of Stealth. Elizabeth once again confronts Paige about her involvement with the church and makes a surprising decision. Arkady pushes Nina to step up her efforts with Stan, and she makes a desperate plea for Stan’s aid. Stan and Sandra reach a an emotional abyss. Larrick returns and has a violent confrontation with Kate. Elizabeth visits Jared and witnesses an unexpected encounter. The Jennings discover that something is very wrong and must protect Jared.

In our history segment, we go to Vietnam and learn about the Battle of Hamburger Hill and the notorious gangster John Dillinger. During tech of yesteryear we take off in an SR-71, and learn how to use a one-time pad to make unbreakable codes.

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.

 

WTA 11-Season 2 Episode 10 Yousaf

In this week’s all-new Watching the Americans, we analyze The Americans Season 2 episode 10 entitled “Yousaf.” This episode’s story was by Stephen Schiff and Stuart Zicherman, and it was directed by Stefan Schwartz. The original air date was April 30, 2014.

In the news, we go over the latest ratings and The Wire’s feature “Wig of the Week.” We also talk about Pete Townshend’s collaboration with show composer Nathan Barr on the new song “It Must Be Done”  which debuted in this week’s episode  Finally, we look at a neat interview in Rolling Stone with actress Alison Wright who plays Martha

In our episode discussion, we pick up right where the last show ended and begin with Philip and Elizabeth’s tender moment after the emotional exchange with Pastor Tim. Later, Elizabeth has terse exchanges with Philip and Paige about the teen’s desire to go to a religious camp for the summer. We also talk about the return of Annelise, a character from Season 1. Agent Gaad comes back to the FBI and there is a second confrontation between him and Arkady. Stan reveals Sandra’s affair to Nina and later questions Jared Conner about his parent’s murder. We see Larrick’s return and his interactions with Ma Bell in his hunt for those responsible for the Contra base attack. And Philip and Elizabeth have a short time frame mission to set up a new source of Intel from the Pakistani ISI intelligence service.

In our history segment, we learn about the ISI, the doctrine of mutually assured destruction and the Cold War, the First, Second, and Third Worlds in geopolitics, the Golden Guinness Girls, the Young Pioneers, and the Glow Worm. During tech of yesteryear we relive old analog phone tech like rotary dial phones, junction boxes and switchboards, and of course Ma Bell.

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!