Tag Archives: Watching the Americans

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.

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 19-Season 3 Episode 1 EST Men

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:23:59 — 48.4MB)

The Americans is back for Season 3! We begin with an astounding debut, “EST Men,” written by Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg, and directed by Daniel Sackheim. The original air date for the episode was January 28, 2015.

The news connects with the show yet again! We have a story from the New York Times detailing three Russian secret agents recently uncovered by the government. We also have great news about ratings for the season opener!

In our episode discussion, we see Elizabeth with a disgruntled CIA agent who gives her a list of CIA and FBI operatives helping the Soviet forces in Afghanistan. She is trailed by agent Gaad and loses the information during a fight. At the rezidentura, the Soviets watch a video of one of their soldiers being executed. Stan goes with Phillip to an EST meeting to try to save his marriage. He thinks it is stupid and tells Sandra so to bad effect. Phillip and Elizabeth visit their old handler Gabriel who wants to get them to bring Paige into the fold. Elizabeth tells him it’s moving along and enrages Phillip. Phillip contacts Annalise who has fallen in love with Yousaf from the Pakistani ISI. Annalise and Yousaf have a romantic encounter with a shocking outcome.

In the history segment, we discuss South African Apartheid, the Mujahedeen in Afghanistan, Hershey’s Kisses, Soviet Leader Leonid Brezhnev, the TV show The Jeffersons, and the Kama Sutra. In our technology of yesteryear we look at the payphone, video rental shops, the adding machine, and carousel slide projectors.

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 17- Listener Feedback & Theories

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Season 3 is almost here and we are talking about it!

We start off with some news about our favorite show. Forbes has a review stating that The Americans Remains FX’s Best Drama in Season Three, while Digital Spy reveals that The Americans should last for at least 5 seasons, according to FX’s boss, and Canada.com notes that The Americans creator Joe Weisberg is talking about real-life events in Russia. Then we follow with two articles in TV Guide anticipating the return of The Americans, and finish up with Entertainment Weekly listing teasers from Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg about historical and cultural reference points for the upcoming season.

In our free-wheeling discussion, we revisit questions we had at the end of Season 2 and speculate about where things will head in Season 3. Plus we introduce some crazy crackpot theories!

We finish this week with some great feedback from our listeners and reveal why we slightly changed our Russian introduction!

WTA 16- Season 2 in Review Plus DVD Extras

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Watching the Americans Episode 16 provides a recap and discussion of Season 2 of FX’s show The Americans.

In our discussion, we outline the big events in each episode from Season 2 and talk about our favorite moments and characters. We also look at the recently released DVD set and examine the deleted scenes and other extras – a gag reel and two featurettes: “Operation Ghost Stories: The Real Directorate ‘S'” and “Shades of Red: The Morality of the Americans.”

WTA 15-The Americans Opening Credits

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In this week’s Watching the Americans Episode 15, we present a special frame by frame analysis of the opening title sequence for Seasons 1 and 2 of The Americans.

In our discussion, we take each frame of the opening and discuss the images presented, giving historical context for them and relating them to what we know about the show so far. We also talk about some other sites that have done analyses of the opening sequence. We have a link to a blog post by one of its creators, and another look at the sequence with notes by another poster.

We finish by sharing more of your feedback for the Season 2 finale “Echo.”

WTA 14-Season 2 Episode 13 Echo

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:36:20 — 55.5MB)

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

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:20:50 — 46.6MB)

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

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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.