The Jennings' are given a tough assignment to plant a bug in the home of the US secretary for defence.
I enjoyed this episode for the decent caper and the interesting character focus on Phillip and Elizabeth.
As a story about Russian spies plotting against the US and doing pretty nasty things to achieve their objectives, it does a reasonable job of getting viewers emotionally invested in the main protagonists. However, it only goes so far with me as I found myself empathising with their victims more here, as unlike the the pilot, these were innocent people who happened to be associated through employment to a particular character. Nevertheless, the plot unfolds in a compelling way and runs alongside something of equal significance on the opposite side of the spy game. I think this indicates that anything will go in the world espionage and counter-espionage presented by The Americans from both US and Soviet perspectives.
Mixed in with the main events are interesting character moments for both lead characters with some focus on Elizabeth's relationship with Paige and Phillip's potential longing for a different life.
As in the pilot all performances are excellent, with Matthew Rhys in particular doing some very dark things and managing to come away without being completely despised.
The use of technology is a positive as it is interesting to see what types of equipment were used and it helps to reinforce the period setting.
I enjoyed this episode for the decent caper and the interesting character focus on Phillip and Elizabeth.
As a story about Russian spies plotting against the US and doing pretty nasty things to achieve their objectives, it does a reasonable job of getting viewers emotionally invested in the main protagonists. However, it only goes so far with me as I found myself empathising with their victims more here, as unlike the the pilot, these were innocent people who happened to be associated through employment to a particular character. Nevertheless, the plot unfolds in a compelling way and runs alongside something of equal significance on the opposite side of the spy game. I think this indicates that anything will go in the world espionage and counter-espionage presented by The Americans from both US and Soviet perspectives.
Mixed in with the main events are interesting character moments for both lead characters with some focus on Elizabeth's relationship with Paige and Phillip's potential longing for a different life.
As in the pilot all performances are excellent, with Matthew Rhys in particular doing some very dark things and managing to come away without being completely despised.
The use of technology is a positive as it is interesting to see what types of equipment were used and it helps to reinforce the period setting.