The Americans - "New Car" Review. How Far Would You Go?

Season 2, Episode 8

Air Date: Wednesday, April 16, 2014, 10 pm ET/PT on FX (Note the new time slot)

Rating: ★★★★★

“It’s nicer here; it’s easier. It’s not better.” – Elizabeth

While “New Car” exhibits Philip’s (Matthew Rhys) love for many things American, it also reaffirms his hatred for America when he learns the Americans planted the propeller plans he and Elizabeth (Keri Russell) stole last week in “Arpanet,” which led to the deaths of 180 Russian men aboard a submarine. In the meantime, despite Martha (Alison Wright) telling Clark/Philip “everything is great” between them, she attempts to throw a monkey wrench into the works concerning her job. She has no idea that what she’s asking Clark to do may very well signal the end of their marriage unless Clark can find a way to dissuade her. “New Car” deals with loyalty—to countries and people you love.

American Extravagances

Henry and Philip proudly showing off the new car.

Watching Philip and his son Henry (Keidrich Sellati) jamming to the Stray Cats’ 1982 song “Rock This Town” after pulling into the family driveway in their brand new Chevy Camaro Z28 brought a huge smile to my face. Despite the serious nature of Philip’s life, he knows how to let loose. The look of astonishment on Elizabeth’s face says it all, though. It’s not that she can’t believe Philip has been so extravagant; this isn’t the first time he has exhibited a penchant for the American lifestyle. What I find most interesting is Philip’s success in getting Elizabeth to admit she likes American conveniences and extravagances too. I don’t blame her; she is a woman, after all. But Elizabeth is afraid Philip is becoming too used to the lux lifestyle they’re enjoying as part of their cover. Unfortunately, the joy of the new car is extinguished when Kate (Wrenn Schmidt) divulges the news that the plans they stole were fake. Feeling the burden of responsibility fuels not only Phillip’s but Kate’s anger and desire for revenge. Once again, The Americans succeeds in making its viewers empathize with the very people they should hate—KGB spies.

A Very Angry Lucia

Elizabeth has to clean up Lucia’s mess after she confronts Larrick.

Lucia (guest star Aimee Carrero) is hell bent and determined to kill Larrick (guest star Lee Tergesen) for his role in the deaths of her father and countrymen. If I have one complaint about “New Car,” it’s how unprepared Lucia is when she breaks into Larrick’s home to take matters into her own hands. Unfortunately, it results in Elizabeth having to make a decision that will surely stay with her for the rest of her life. Elizabeth now has two excellent reasons to despise Larrick. Too bad she and Philip need his help with the Nicaraguan assignment – although Philip swears to deal with Larrick when the mission is complete. The manner in which Tergesen portrays Larrick makes it very easy to loathe him. It almost feels like Larrick is a real person, someone I also would hate for his despicable actions.

Oleg/Arkady/Stan/Nina

I can’t say I am surprised by what Stan (Noah Emmerich) does given how besotted he is with Nina (Annet Mahendru), although I question his loyalty. Just how far is Stan willing to go to protect Nina? Right now, it appears he is willing to give Oleg (Costa Ronin) the keys to the kingdom if requested. It looks like Nina truly appreciates Stan’s actions but with her being a double agent, it’s hard to tell. Kudos to Mahendru for pulling off this dual role to perfection. In the meantime, Stan works on gaining access to an American military program that will give him the upper hand in his dealings with Oleg. Too bad he has all that red tape to get through. Stan better do something quick before Oleg contacts him again, but more importantly, before his bosses find out what has transpired between the two men. I know Stan has bigger plans for Oleg if that doesn’t work out, plans Agent Gaad (Richard Thomas) doesn’t think are funny but I wonder if Stan would really go through with it. Over on the other side of town, Arkady (Lev Gorn) congratulates Nina and Oleg for their role in the Stan mission. Arkady draws Nina aside, though, warning her to be careful of Oleg. I can’t tell whether Arkady does this because he cares for Nina like a father would or whether he is hiding a more personal feeling for her as a woman. What do you think? No matter which, it’s good advice because I don’t think Nina’s relationship with Oleg is going to last very long. She may think she can stand her ground against him but when push comes to shove, let’s not forget how high up Oleg’s connections go.

A Very Contrite Henry

It is extremely heartbreaking to watch the scene where Henry apologizes to his parents for breaking into neighbors Christy (guest star Julie Reiber) and Bob’s (guest star Peter Benson) house to play video games. Over and over, Henry cries, “I’m a good person, I swear; I’m good.” I am impressed with young Sellati’s acting skills. He makes it very easy to believe how remorseful Henry is. Last week, in my review of “Arpanet,” I questioned how Philip would deal with Henry. I don’t fault Elizabeth or Philip for how they handle the situation because it’s hard to mete out punishment to a child who is truly repentant.

Random Thoughts

Why do the writers have Martha say, “Ooh, I cut myself” when taking the meatloaf out of the oven? A knife is nowhere in sight and she obviously has burned herself.

I love the juxtaposition of Oleg and Nina playing a video game at the same time Henry is discovered asleep in the neighbors’ house after playing a similar video game. The Russians are enjoying themselves while the boy is in for some severe consequences for his actions. Or one would think.

This Week’s Bits of Nostalgia

The Chevrolet Camaro Z28 – the pace car for the 1982 Indianapolis 500
U.S. Stealth planes

Overall

“New Car” is an interesting episode, once again showing us how far people will go to serve their country. Philip is willing to alter a tape that will hurt Martha greatly; Stan takes an unusual step to keep Nina safe; back in Russia, Vasili (guest star Peter Von Berg) plays on Anton’s (guest star Michael Aronov) deep Jewish roots to coerce him into doing something he wouldn’t ordinarily do; and Lucia attempts to take on Larrick for her own purposes, with fatal results. How far would you go to protect your country?

So, what did you think of “New Car?” Leave me a comment below, or tweet me @SeasideTV. I’d love to discuss it with you!

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

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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!