The Americans on FX

The protagonists aren't intended to be heroes.
Again, I disagree that's a false dichotomy. There are elements that could be better executed, but that doesn't mean the sum total comes off false.

The dichotomy between job and cover life is what makes it compelling.

 

Alma continues to assume viewers are idiots. Of course they're not meant to be heroes.

Also, the children have had quite compelling plots this season, though Paige still can't act.

 

We don't know that he does...

Also some of the disguises look more like other disguises than they do Philip and Elizabeth.

 

True, but the way the cliffed off that scene made it seem like the kid was at least thinking about it.

On Emmett/Leanne and parenting better than Philip/Elisabeth----I don't think we know. I think if the same thing happened when Henry was at a pool, he'd say similar things about his parents that this kid is. Paige is going through her teenage stuff and sure Henry is mad about Intellivision, but how many kids weren't a little sour about being told no video games in those days? I think on balance they'd say they loved their parents just like any other kid.

 

Yeah, but Paige was snooping around in Season 1. Didn't buy the reason mom was away from home at the beginning of Season 2. Basically responded with "So do you!" when parents got on her about lying.

And for anyone so inclined, here is a look at Elizabeth's early training and the kids' childhoods.

Who on earth would take the time to write this stuff?

http://archiveofourown.org/works/1088743

 

JimmyHoward, that easily could be a false cliffhanger. But my guess is he recognizes Elizabeth's disguise from when she visited him. That was a similar disguise, and it explains why Stan didn't connect the dots.

 

Wasn't a sketch part of what triggered Stan's suspicion last year?
Anyway, the sketches haven't bothered me a bit.

The children's storylines would be more compelling if the kids were better performers, but what can you do.

The tension between their cover life and their job is what makes the show great.
They have children who are American. They have a lovely home (that I would have considered a mansion in 1982) in a nice neighborhood.
They have a successful business.
They have everything that people would think constitutes a good life, and they are working to end the cultural realities that make that kind of life possible.

 

I don't assume anything about the viewers. I'm rebutting the post directly above mine that suggests they'll retire and get out of the business. I think that's a rather...unlikely result, one often reserved for at least semi-heroic characters.

 

Ah great point. Completely forgot about the false grief counselor scene.

 

"I even love your toupee." ... "How long have you known?" This was one of the best episodes this season. Also, no chance in hell are they allowed to walk away scot free in the season finale

 

I still cannot truly figure out Nina and her true intentions, which shows how great her character is (especially the non-verbals she displayed in her scene with Oleg).

Does she want to use Beeman for stealth information? Does she really love Oleg and Mother Russia? Before last night, I was sure those answers were yes. Now I'm not so sure.

Or does Oleg just want her to "take the money and run" into a new life, get out of this situation altogether, and betray the Centre?

 

My guess for the finale:

Stan commits suicide, Elizabeth confesses to Paige, nothing happens with Martha.