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The Americans

Paige finally gets baptized, Stan has his lady friend over for dinner (and dessert, if you know what I mean), and Philip and Elizabeth toke up and it’s nothing short of glorious.

…previously on The Americans.

After much ado, Paige Jennings was able to fulfill her wish of cleansing herself for Jesus, and Pastor Tim was right: it was pretty beautiful. In just half a season, Holly Taylor, who, like Paige, is wise beyond her years, has worked to mature her character in such a poignant way, and I can’t help but admire her optimism and grace. In this moment, I’m not only proud of Paige, but of the actress who has seamlessly transitioned from background noise to keen teen to admirable young woman who is now, more or less, running the show. Nearly every decision Philip and Elizabeth have had to face this season has circled back to concern for Paige’s future. In this episode, however, Elizabeth takes initiative (without Philip’s consent) in beginning to tell Paige a bit about her and Philip’s “rebellious” years. Of course, before we can find out if Elizabeth will spill the whole can of beans, the episode ends and we’re left breathing a sigh of exhaustion for Paige, who has just been born again twice, essentially.

Philip, on the other hand, is having the worst work week ever. First, Kimmy offers herself to him and he uses a newly acquired interest in Jesus as an excuse to get out of sleeping with her — something he’s trying to prolong indefinitely. Then, Gabriel is a triple threat of bad news: Irina (Philip’s pre-Elizabeth lover) was caught defecting in Brazil and is being sent back to Russia for trial (something tells me Nina is going to get a new roomie), her 20-year-old son is definitely Philip’s, and, oh yeah, he has to sleep with Kimmy. Centre’s orders. Yipes. No wonder Philip is considering the healing powers of God (even if he doesn’t want to admit it).

Speaking of spiritual enlightenment, Stan has his new ladyfriend, Tori, over for dinner at the Jennings’ for some good old-fashioned awkward dinner conversation followed by some awkward dry humping back at Stan’s place across the street. At first (and quite predictably), he isn’t feeling it because he still misses ol’ Sandra-Dee, but Tori is persistent and very pretty, so Stan goes through with it anyway. But soon thereafter, his post-lay bliss is interrupted by the news of an old friend dying in the line of duty, forcing him and Sandra (who was also close with the family of the deceased) to be in the same room with one another and acknowledge the fact they might need to travel to the memorial service as a family. Could the Beemans be a unit again? Only time will tell.

As you can see, a ton to take in this episode, but the shining moment was undeniably when Philip and Elizabeth lit up a fat joint and got super giggly.

Until next time, comrades!

Field notes and other spy observations:

1. Nina gets her sweet, harmless roommate to confess to the crime she committed before she was hauled off to God knows where for shaming the Motherland. Nina, however, was rewarded with a steak dinner and a room all to herself.

2. Martha notices the mail robot is no longer carrying classified documents. Clark is not going to be happy about this. (Martha, we missed you this episode, girl!)

3. Philip introduces Kimmy to Pink Floyd for the first time, and it’s pretty adorable in an odd, paternal way.

4. Paige catches Elizabeth smoking (cigarettes this time) in the garage and she’s all like, “Mom, chill out, it’s fine. But you should try praying.”

5. The latest development in KGB land involves Hans (Elizabeth’s latest recruit who has gotten astonishing good at memorizing license plates) trailing a college-aged spy with South African connections. According to Gabriel, the anti-apartheid movement is teaming up with the Reagan Administration and recruiting young people to infiltrate colleges and poke around for intel.

More The Americans recaps:

Episode One, “EST Men”
Episode Two, “Baggage”
Episode Three, “Open House”
Episode Four, “Dimebag”
Episode Five, “Salang Pass”

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Photos: FX/Everett Collection