Granny is Back. Review: The Americans – “A Little Night Music”

Season 2, Episode 4

Air Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 10 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“We’re failing them…we’re failing to help them stand up to the distraction of consumerism. Look at this country—church, synagogue—that’s what’s holding it all up, the opiate of the masses.” – Elizabeth

It’s been a while since we’ve seen Claudia (Margo Martindale), aka granny, and what a personality change she has undergone! Exit the brutal, ruthless handler; enter a soft-spoken, caring woman who wants—no, needs—to find the person responsible for the Connors’ deaths. Of course, this means I was wrong when I surmised Claudia was the one responsible for those deaths. Or, was I? Maybe she just wants to get rid of the only person who can connect her to the crime.

Claudia unexpectedly approaches Elizabeth and Philip. Photo credit: Patrick Harbron/FX.

So, whom does she turn to for help? Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Philip Jennings (Matthew Rhys), of course! In addition to this non-sanctioned activity, Philip must check out Anton Baklanov (Michael Aronov), a Jewish scientist who defected from the Soviet Union to America years ago. As you can imagine, Mother Russia doesn’t look kindly on people who do that.

Lies, Lies, and More Lies

When will Paige (Holly Taylor) learn lying never pays off for anyone? She lies about where she’s been and what she’s doing. I get she’s a teenager and all but she’s already been warned about not telling the truth. You know this is going to bite her in the ass. But let’s face it—with parents as strict as Elizabeth and Philip, how can you blame Paige for wanting to be a part of her new friend Kelli’s (Lizzy DeClement) fun bible study group? I thought Elizabeth was going to have a heart attack when she finds out what Paige is up to in her spare time. Sooner, rather than later, Elizabeth is going to have to come to terms with Paige’s extracurricular activities. Philip, on the other hand, is too smart to believe “saying grace” is all that’s involved. Come on guys, lighten up! You may be Commies but your kids are Americans.

Will the Real Claudia Please Stand Up?

Claudia seems genuinely concerned about Elizabeth. Photo credit: Patrick Harbron/FX.

Martindale is one fantastic actress, as evidenced by her award-winning turn as Mags Bennet in Justified, and this year’s ensemble cast award for August: Osage County, to say nothing of her Emmy® nomination for The Americans. The way she turns Claudia into a compassionate and devastated Soviet handler is nothing short of brilliant. The concern etched in Martindale’s face when Claudia inquires about Elizabeth’s physical and mental condition could almost be interpreted as loving. But why is she being so secretive about what she wants Elizabeth and Philip to do? Is she using them for her own gain? Given her past, should we believe her? She’s not the most trusted Soviet spy right now.

The Targets

This baby face is putty in Elizabeth’s hands.

Claudia names two people she thinks are responsible for killing the Connors—Brad Mullen (guest star Jefferson White), a seaman recruit, and Andrew Larrick (guest star Cliff Marc Simon), a teacher at the Naval Academy for S.E.A.L.S. The manner in which Elizabeth gets close to Mullen is inspired. Russell never ceases to amaze me with her acting. The picture she paints of a supposed rape scene makes you believe the sexual assault actually happened. Kudos to the casting department for selecting White for this part; his fresh-faced innocent look and his understanding manner are perfect for the role.

Things of Note

Igorevich (Costa Ronin) sure has a set of brass balls. Talk about using one’s connections! I wonder what he will do with the information he gleans from reading Nina’s (Annet Mahendru) reports. I don’t trust him for one single, solitary minute, and am skeeved by the thought of him reading about Nina’s affair with Stan. Kudos to Ronin; it is not often an actor can draw out that kind of feeling from me.

***

Martha (Alison Wright) doesn’t get the “long, lazy romantic morning” she had planned with Clark/Philip. Instead, she sees a whole different side of the man she married—angry and insensitive. The argument Martha and Clark have is so typical of a marriage whose bloom has worn off the rose. I wonder what this means for their (fake) marriage? With Clark not returning Martha’s calls, I smell trouble ahead.

This Week’s Bits of Nostalgia

Intellivision – It is fun to watch Henry (Keidrich Sellati) trying to convince his parents Intellivision is the wave of the future. For those of you who don’t know, or have never heard of, Intellivision, it is one of the first video game consoles created, second only to the Atari 2600.

Overall

“A Little Night Music” is a good episode, with plenty of intrigue at the end. The fight scene is extremely well choreographed, and the dialogue throughout sharp and particularly believable. Things don’t go as easily for the Jennings in “A Little Night Music” as they’ve gone in the past. This may be the first time The Americans leaves us with such a surprising cliffhanger at the end of an episode. Were you as shocked by what happens as I was?

Leave me a comment below or tweet me @SeasideTV after you’ve seen “A Little Night Music.” I’d love to hear your take on the episode.

Tune in to The Americans Wednesdays at 10:00 pm ET/PT, only on FX.

LIKE The Americans on Facebook.

Follow the show on Twitter, #TheAmericans, as well as these cast members: Philip @MatthewRhys, Stan Beeman @NoahEmmerich, and Nina @AnnetMahendru.

Visit the show’s official website.

And don’t forget to check in with The Americans at tvtag, formerly known as GetGlue.

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!