User Reviews

Elizabeth is given a very high stakes mission.

This is an excellent start to the series that presents a lot of character information in a cinematic way and throws out a very compelling hook to find out what will happen next.

I can't go into plot specifics without spoiling but it's safe to say the episode sets the scene brilliantly for a number of key characters. Life has changed and moved on and this is communicated superbly via sights, sounds and character actions. The plot hook for the final series comes towards the end of the episode and I think it is arguably the best path the writers could send the two main characters down to keep their arcs as intriguing as ever.

There is a lot of visual storytelling in this episode and despite what other reviewers have stated about the use of pop music, I think it is very well done. Nothing irritates me more on screen than seeing characters blandly delivering exposition dialogue just to let the audience in on what's happening, so to see The Americans use this more cinematic approach is satisfying. We are not told, but shown exactly when this story takes place and how everybody is living their lives up to this episode. A big point is made of visually contrasting the lives of the two main characters and it paints two completely different pictures through great cinematography, editing and sound.

All performances are as superb as ever with Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell giving great star turns.

Just as thrilling as ever ,, almost six years now, and the series feels just like it premiered yesterday ,,, man ,, back to this season's premiere it was nice seeing "Paige" on Action, apparently we'll see her more involved in some operations ,, but "Elizabeth " gosh!! she's getting herself in too deep i highly expect some shocking jaw dropping upcoming moments.

The script is still strong,, noticed they gave more time to the "Russian" part , it was fine,, not as dull as i thought it would go ,,

In general , this show still delivers and i just can't wait to see more of Elizabeth and hopefully "Philip's comeback".

Jesus christ. This episode is just surprise after surprise. Last time i watched such a beginning was in "The leftovers". Things are legit darker than ever in the show.

Back to her first and second season roots. She is Smoking, honey pottin', enemy killing and just kicking ass again!!!! After season 3 the old Elizabeth vanished. So happy she is back with a vengance.

I got so sick of being forced to listen to the idiotic "soundtrack" to this episode, which at times blared over the actors' dialogue, other times went on and on and on pointlessly while the actors just broodingly stared into space like they were ruminating on Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey.

I normally very much enjoy this otherwise superb series, even though I hate the whole Paige sideshow and her Polyanna religious fanatic schtick. But this introduction to Season 6 falls flat on its face, making a critical observer wonder whoever hired the idiot music director and who allowed him to create what is nothing more than a pointless and utterly imbecilic mix tape to serve as the audio for this episode. Crowded House and Fleetwood Mac were fantastic groups in the '80's, but their songs inserted here (at full volume, no less) have no relevance to the episode any more than would inserting a scene with pigs flying by. I fear for the rest of the season, if it's turned to crap so severely, that usually means that the series will soon be coming to an abrupt end, as the writers have exhausted their ideas. And usually, as with the end of Sons of Anarchy or Bloodline, by that time, the thing has gotten *so* bad that we're honestly and truly happy to see it go.