Jarrett Kruse makes his way through episode 7 of The Americans and tells us what’s up.
The Jennings are still reeling from the beating they took from their own people in last weeks episode.
Seeing the Towers intact just for a moment is still haunting.
Sandras marriage is crumbling as Stan continues his rise in his new post at the FBI.
Amador convinces Stan to go out for a drink, despite his domestic obligations.
Stan replies to his bald Agent friend, Shes not my throw in.
Amador quips, what are you looking for, a blood donor?
Rather than approach one of the women at the bar, Stan calls Nina.
Yes, THAT Nina: the Russian hottie who is Stans inside source at the Russian Embassy.
If she only knew what the spy life is like.
The production design team onThe Americansis to be commended for their wonderful capturing of early 80s New York.
The cabs look a fresh yellow as the steam erupts from the subway grates on the street.
The raw New York before it was Disney-fied is one that is a constant state of gray and movement.
The majestic, towering buildings so tall and beautiful.
I went home with my neck hurting from looking upward for so much of the day.
Then of course my Dad took me to a wonderful restaurant he hyped up all day called Pushcardos.
I found out the hard way Pushcardos was just a hot dog pushcart.
Duluth (Reg Rogers) is the publisher of the fictional Conservative Statesman and a former American Communist.
He is an abrasive charmer, chainsmoking his way through politics and best of all, a Soviet sympathizer.
He is a good friend to Phillip and has helped him out of jams before with his inside sources.
Duluth conveniently excuses himself to let Irina do her bit.
The mugging was staged so that Irina could gain access to Bielawskis hotel suite.
As he tends to her skinned and bloodied knee, Irina doses his drink.
The trap is set.
Despite Irina offering herself to him, Bielawski declines her advances as he has taken a vow of celibacy.
Irina and Phillip catch up on old times and discuss their time together as kids in love.
She divulges that she was pregnant when Phillip entered the Academy.
Phil is taken aback by this development and is uncertain whether or not Irina is playing him.
He is confused about what is going on and sees pictures of a battered woman who was raped.
(Technically there is nothing to remember.)
Bielawski then makes a public statement that he will no longer seek to create a new government in exile.
Isnt that what we were told?
Stanford Prince is a degenerate gambler and easy to manipulate, as Liz can be very convincing.
Phillip arrives home like any Dad returning from a business trip.
Did you see any hobos or drug dealers?
asks the precocious Henry.
This was another outstanding episode in what is turning into a remarkably well done, freshman drama.
The characters are written brilliantly and every week a new layer appears.
Phillip and Liz are not just living double lives; they are living an innumerable number of lives.
But they have been doing it for so long that to them it is like tying your shoes.
And tying your shoes has never been so enthralling on TV.
Next week: Explosions!
