Tag Archives: FX

WTA 30-Season 3 Episode 11 One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov

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This week’s episode of The Americans allows us to breathe a bit after last week’s shocking revelation. A bit! It is Season 3 Episode 11 entitled ”One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov” written by Stephen Schiff & Tracey Scott Wilson and directed by Andrew Bernstein. The original air date was April 8, 2015.

In this episode, more and more pressure mounts as Martha expresses worry over her interview with agent Taffet. Paige continues the adjustment into her new reality. Gabriel informs Elizabeth that her mother is close to death, which prompts Phillip to lobby for a visit. As Elizabeth is making strides on one front, at the hotel; she’s hit with an untimely ultimatum from Lisa’s husband. Anton Baklanov slips further into Nina’s emotional grasp.

We have a couple of items in the news for you. The Atlantic believes the long-anticipated revelation has reinvigorated The Americans, and Vox states that The Americans is on one of the best runs of episodes in TV drama history!

Cool history and tech await us this week! We begin with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s compelling novel One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, then we take a look with Agent Gaad inside the FBI Vault – Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility, and we lament the demise of the United States Football League with Oleg and Tatiana. In tech of yesteryear we swing a pulwar, and then we check into that hotel with its fancy EECO hotel management system.

We love to hear your thoughts about The Americans so please send them to us! You can email text or audio feedback to watchingtheamericans@gmail.com or signal us (we have replaced the operator!) 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, kindly rate us or better yet rate and review us in iTunes!

WTA 29-Interview with Kelly AuCoin aka Pastor Tim

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We couldn’t resist, and he couldn’t say no to our request…Kelly AuCoin, aka “Pastor Tim” on “The Americans” is back with us in a special episode for you!

After Philip and Elizabeth’s mind-blowing revelation to Paige last week, we checked back in with Kelly to find out the scoop on his performance in the episode, his terrific opening scene with Matthew Rhys, and his thoughts on how he approaches Pastor Tim. Plus, we get to talk just a bit about his new role in Season 3 of “House of Cards”!

WTA 21-Season 3 Episode 3 Open House

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Adventures in dentistry await you in this week’s all-new The Americans entitled ”Open House”. It was written by Stuart Zicherman and directed by Thomas Schlamme. The original air date for the episode was February 11, 2015.

After the ratings news bummer last time, there is reason to feel better via Deadline with the DVR numbers added in for last week’s show. We also get the ratings from this week from Headlineplanet. There are a couple of neat stories, one from Hitfix with a Keri Russell interview, another interview via Vulture with director Thomas Sclamme and the story behind The Americans’ excruciating, beautifully shot tooth-pulling scene, and we wind up with both TVLine eyeing the return of Claudia and the Dallas Morning News teasing Margo Martindale is returning to The Americans.

Tonight’s episode starts with Philip at Gabriel’s apartment, playing a game of Scrabble. They discuss Paige’s future, with Philip arguing for her to choose her own path and Gabriel assuring that she will. Gabriel warns Philip about their recently selected CIA target Ted Paaswell being someone under observation and to be careful. Elizabeth and Philip remain very distant with one another while having another discussion about Paige. They later spy on Paaswell and plant a bug on an early cell phone he has. They follow him to listen to his conversations, and Elizabeth realizes they are being followed by the CIA. Philip escapes and gets Elizabeth help. After a harrowing chase, she returns home in severe pain and Philip takes action to relieve it. He revisits Gabriel who warns him off Paaswell for now, but Philip and Elizabeth tail him again and make a startling discovery.

In our history segment, we learn econ with Sir John Richard Hicks and Evgeny Evgenievich Slutsky, see the cover of Time Magazine from November 22, 1982, get more econ via the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, and try to unwind with a friendly game of Scrabble. In our technology of yesteryear we make a call with a Bag Phone and watch an old-timey TV Sign Off.

WTA 20-Season 3 Episode 2 Baggage

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A crushing episode awaits you with this week’s all-new The Americans! ”Baggage” was written by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg, and directed by Daniel Sackheim. The original air date for the episode was February 4, 2015.

After a great start for the season, the ratings news was surprising and disappointing. We check them via Headline Planet.

In this episode, we see the return of Nina, alive and imprisoned at the notorious Leforto prison. From there the scene switches to right where “EST Men” ended up – the hotel where Yousaf met Annalise. Philip calls Elizabeth for help disposing of a body with bone-crunching results. Philip pressures Yousaf to arrange a meeting of CIA operatives involved in the Afghan conflict. Philip and Elizabeth follow Yousaf to his meeting at a bar and surveille. Oleg confronts Stan about Nina and Stan lives to walk away. He goes to Sandra’s new home to talk with her and she pushes him away. Oleg’s father, the Minister of Railways, visits Nina in prison. A woman defects from the USSR and Stan takes charge of her safety. The strain between Elizabeth and Phillip intensifies, and we get a flashback that helps explain why Elizabeth is so adamant about recruiting Paige. At the end of the episode, Elizabeth tells Phillip about her being approached by the KGB at 16 and her mother not hesitating to tell her to serve her country.

In this week’s history segment, we explore Reaganomics, the Leforto Prison, The Soviet Ministry of the Means of Communication aka Railroads, The Institute for US and Canadian Studies, and the Soviet newspaper Pravda. In our technology of yesteryear we sneak a peek at a KGB Spy Camera, vending machines, and the Oldsmobile Toronado.

WTA 18- Interview with Kelly AuCoin aka “Pastor Tim”

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We hope you are ready for a special treat!

Live from Brooklyn, NY we have the amazing Kelly AuCoin, known to us all as “Pastor Tim” on The Americans!

Kelly graciously took time out of his busy schedule to talk to us about the role of Pastor Tim. He discusses his approach to the character, fills us in on the incredible confrontation scene with Philip, and shares some fun tidbits from behind the scenes. Plus we talk about his career and question how it is he has appeared on most of our favorite TV shows over the years!

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 14-Season 2 Episode 13 Echo

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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.

WTA 13-Season 2 Episode 12 Operation Chronicle

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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

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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 09-Season 2 Episode 8 New Car

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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.

WTA 07-Season 2 Episode 6 Behind the Red Door

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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