The Americans – “Stealth” Review. They’re Getting Closer.

Season 2, Episode 11

Air Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2014, 10 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

This week’s installment of The Americans delves further into the technology needed for the stealth program, and the lengths the Russians will go to obtain it. In addition, Philip (Matthew Rhys) finds out the FBI knows about the Connors, and also learns Stan (Noah Emmerich) has interviewed the Connors’ son Jared (Owen Campbell). This doesn’t bode well for Philip and Elizabeth (Keri Russell), now does it? And let’s not forget, Larrick (Lee Tergesen) is still lurking about. He’s a very dangerous man.

RAM and ECHO

As “Stealth” opens, Anton (Michael Aronov), back in Russia, explains to Vasili (Peter Von Berg) his need for RAM (radar absorbent material) and ‘ECHO,’ “a computer program that determines if a planned design for a ‘stealth’ aircraft will or won’t result in a plane that is invisible to radar” in order to continue his work. Without it, Russia will have nothing more than a “model airplane.” Even the beautiful blonde and wonderful food Vasili serves Anton to coerce him into helping with the cause can’t diminish how badly he misses his family. I feel terrible for Anton. He most likely will never see his family again.

What Will Nina Do?

Stan has a lot on his mind.

The race for stealth technology is ramping up for both the Russians and Americans. Oleg (Costa Ronin) and Arkady (Lev Gorn) think it’s time to press Stan for information on the program using Nina (Annet Mahendru) to get what they want. They think Stan’s marital problems, along with his love for Nina, will make him tell her what they need to know. I don’t think Nina likes this idea very much, a fact that is quite evident to Arkady. I’m not sure whether she thinks she’ll fail or whether she wants to protect Stan. Nina has no idea, however, what fate will befall her should she not succeed with this mission. My question is, why does Arkady tell Oleg about Nina’s treason? I thought it was supposed to be kept secret. What does he hope to gain? Perhaps it’s to cover his ass. He has no one to protect him should the mission fail but Oleg does. You can see the wheels turning in both Arkady’s and Oleg’s heads at the end of this conversation.

Ted the Vietnam Veteran

Philip, aka Ted, has enough money to get what he wants.

Philip, posing as Ted, a Vietnam veteran, pursues John Skeevers (guest star Željko Ivanek) as a possible contact due to his knowledge of the stealth program, specifically RAM. I think Ted is my favorite alter persona for Philip. He looks exactly like the Vietnam vet he is supposed to be. They say money makes the world go round and apparently, that is the case for Skeevers. He can’t afford to pay for the myriad of medications he must take as a result of working with RAM so he practically drools at the wad of cash Ted throws on his table. Although RAM failed to work, Skeevers tells Philip about an alternative that did.

Skeevers is wary of Philip, aka Ted, at first.

I hope this isn’t the last we see of Skeevers as Ivanek is one of my all-time favorite actors. Known for his roles in such movies as Donnie Brasco, Argo, and In Bruges, and TV series Damages, Revolution, Mob Doctor, and Big Love, the Emmy® award-winning actor captures my heart mostly for his bad guy roles. As a matter of fact, a user on IMDb created a list entitled “The Best at Playing Bastards,” which, of course, includes Ivanek. In “Stealth,” however, Ivanek doesn’t play a bad guy but I love him just the same. He is extremely convincing as a cancer-ridden patient who has a grudge against America for making him work on RAM even though they knew cancerous materials were being used.

Larrick Strikes Again

Philip and Elizabeth enter Kate’s apartment very carefully.

Elizabeth doesn’t learn much after her visit to Jared’s house although later, she sees Kate (Wrenn Schmidt) contact Jared inside a coffee shop. While the Centre said they would take care of Jared following his parents’ murders in this season’s premiere, the Jennings had no idea Kate was in contact with him. I wonder what this means. Speaking of Kate, remember last week when Larrick killed George (David Adkins) and then found out Kate’s phone was one of the numbers involved with the coded messages? In a very intense and gripping scene, what Larrick does to Kate after breaking into her home is difficult to watch. He wants to know who was responsible for killing his friends at the Nicaraguan training camp. I found myself holding my breath as Larrick questions Kate because nothing good ever comes when Larrick is around. Before being captured, though, Kate leaves a coded message for whoever finds her should things go awry, a message the Jennings find.

Random Thoughts

I don’t think Paige (Holly Taylor) could be more sarcastic to her parents if she tried. I love when Elizabeth responds, “because I’m your mother” when Paige wants to know her reason for not allowing her to attend the church summer camp. This is a perfect commentary on how today’s parents treat their children. The scene reminds me of all the times my mother said, “Because I said so,” when she didn’t want me to do something I desperately wanted to do. Today, parents have to explain their reasons so their kids will understand why they say “No.” While I am all for keeping up with the times, I prefer the old-fashioned way of dealing with children. It taught them to respect authority, something that is lacking in today’s kids, and kept children as children until they were ready to make adult decisions. I digress…

I think Oleg proves his feelings for Nina are real when he tells her to run. It’s interesting that Nina chooses to run straight into Stan’s arms. But how will Stan protect her?

This Week’s Bits of Nostalgia

John Dillinger – The infamous convict comes up during Henry’s (Keidrich Sellati) interview of Stan for a school project.
FBI comic books – Also mentioned during the interview. The FBI is mentioned in many comic books. Click here and here for a list.

Overall

With only two episodes left in season two, “Stealth” does a nice job of setting up the rest of the season. Stan’s marriage is on the bricks, making his relationship with Nina even more important to him. Neither Stan nor Sandra (Susan Misner) knows what’s next for them now that Sandra has returned from her weekend with a lover. Oleg puts his own life on the line when he tells Nina what will happen if she fails with her mission. I definitely did not see that coming! The FBI is getting closer to finding out who Elizabeth and Philip really are. Will Jared put two and two together? And what does Kate’s coded message, “Get Jared Out,” really mean? Whom is she trying to protect Jared from? So many questions as season two draws to a close. I hope we get the answers.

What did you think of “Stealth?” Leave me a comment below, or tweet me @SeasideTV. I’d love to discuss the episode with you!

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

Looking for FX Networks or The Americans on social media? Check out these links:

FX Networks
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FX
Twitter – www.twitter.com/fxnetworks
Tumblr – www.fxnetworks.tumblr.com
Instagram – www.instagram.com/fxnetworks
Pinterest –www.pinterest.com/fxnetworks
TVTag – http://getglue.com/tv_shows/fx

The Americans
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TheAmericans
Twitter – https://twitter.com/theamericansfx
Tumblr – http://theamericansfxnetworks.tumblr.com/
Instagram – http://instagram.com/theamericansfx
Pinterest – http://www.pinterest.com/fxnetworks/the-americans
Google+ – https://plus.google.com/+TheAmericansFX
TVTag – http://getglue.com/tv_shows/americans

You can also follow these cast members on Twitter:

Philip @MatthewRhys, Stan Beeman @NoahEmmerich, and Nina @AnnetMahendru.

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

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!