Thursday, March 17, 2016

The Americans "Glanders" Recap


Great season premiere. Picked up right where we left off in season 3. This season already feels better than the last one. I know its silly to say that after one episode, especially since we've been waiting for new episodes, but there was more packed into this one. Let's get into it.

-That first minute or so with Philip's flashback? Holy shit that was gruesome. Little Phil just bashing other kids brains in with a big rock, blood splattering on his face, and in some creepy Soviet tunnel-type of thing. He's been through the shit and back multiple times in his life. It's only a matter of time before that bubbles over and he goes on a rampage.

-Right from there we transition into Philip going to Martha's to tell her the truth. Comes right out and tells her that guy Gene will be found dead in an apparent suicide with the recorder pen in his apartment that was found in the FBI office. Typical Martha doesn't really get it at first, and Philip literally has to spell it out for her that he did it to protect her. And Martha just being like "Yeah, killing that dude was over the line, but I'll keep helping you, Soviet spy who lied to me about his entire life and married me for information." And Stan is on her ass. He'll get the taste of blood and not let it go.

-Stan not wanting to go into work is such an obvious setup. He's not feeling, but something will come his way that throws him right back in. Could even happen next week.

-Phillip still going to the self-help EST classes isn't helping his internal conflicts. The more he looks inward and sees just how messed up his life and his psyche are because of how he was raised and what he's done, the more I think the guilt will eat at him and make it more likely he ends up defecting.

-We may already be seeing shades of Philip turning. He's at odds with Gabriel and he didn't follow through with a pickup form their new source. He may be intentionally sabotaging this. Though he could also be on to something. That creepy dude with the mustache and hat always seemingly being around the contact is shady as shit.

-That bastard Pastor Tim thinking a confidential meeting with Paige and her Soviet spy parents, who already hate him, would end any way other than horribly is hilarious. In fact I sort of hope it happens, so we can watch Philip stab him in his stupid face and bad hair 500 times.

-To be honest the whole Russian Center/Nina story arc is completely over my head. I don't know who most of the people at the Rezidentura are other than the tall Kristaps Porzingis looking dude and Arkady Ivanovich. Who's Tatiana? What's the deal with Nina and this scientist over in Russia? They need to tie them all back in quick, because right now they don't even seem like part of the show. It's like a side act, an extended commercial break that FX decided to out this weird universe thats somewhat related to The Americans.

This comparison seemed spot on in my head... Maybe because its just two lanky white dudes that speak languages I don't understand.

-That contact dropping a great line about being under surveillance: "I just thought random people couldn't stop staring at me because I'm so handsome."

-"This is to meningitis what bubonic plague is to a runny nose." Another great line out that dude. Love him already, going to suck when he's dead.

-Stan turning in Philip because he thinks Sandra is screwing him when they just go to EST together is a classic spin job by Stan's new girl. Even though we didn't see the conversation, I can guarantee you she told Stan they were basically having sex on top of the restaurant table when it was nothing more than some smiling, some laughing and just regular friend stuff. Not saying there isn't or won't be any sexual tension between Philip and Sandra, but it isn't there yet. Feel like Stan's girlfriend may have seeing as an opportunity to turn Stan off to Sandra completely so he focuses all on her. Not really connected to the plot of the show but just a relationship thing.

-How about Paige just being overdramatic in a way only she could? Oh you just found out your parents are Soviet spies and just got back from a trip to East Germany where you met your Soviet grandmother behind the back of your parents Center handler and now you can't bear to say the Pledge of Allegiance? Cry me a river. That alone tells me she isn't KGB material. She can't act the part, can't act tough when she needs to. Hey Paige, heads up, your mom put a finger in a dudes ass EPISODE 1 OF THE SERIES and last season murdered an innocent old woman, watching the life leave her slowly with every second that ticked on the clock. Your dad took a dead girl and broke her bones so she could fold up and fit in a suitcase like a t-shirt. Saying the Pledge is a goddamn cakewalk compared to what they had to. Hell, look back to the opening scene. Before your dad was even in the illegals program he was cracking skulls with a rock. Go say the Pledge so your parents aren't disgusted by you. Already one of the least favorite characters in the show and she just keeps upping the ante with how hateable she can be.

-The post-show preview was for the whole show rather than just episode 2, but oh my god this season is it. I just know it. Its all going to hit the goddamn fan this season. Stan isn't on Philips side any more, things are escalating and theres more distrust between every, and I mean literally EVERY, party involved in this show. Martha and Gabriel meeting? Arkady talking extraction, the FBI searching what looks like Martha's apartment, helicopters and what looks like Philip and Elizabeth clearing things out of the house, Nina not being released, Paige's situation about to reach its breaking point. New week, "Pastor Tim", is going to seriously strain the relationships within Jennings family. Pastor Tim is getting got, mark my words. He knows too much. (Unless he's KGB like the theories say) Watch it:


This served as a good re-introduction to the series in what should/needs to be a fantastic season. Good story for the next episode to expand on so far. Next weeks recap may belonged or shorter, it depends on the episode. I may also see about adding video or screen caps to the recaps and refining the different points to make sure its just the essentials. Until then hit me up with theories, questions, comments, let me know if you think I missed anything here, the whole 9 on Twitter @TheSituAsian508. Имейте хороший товарищей.


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