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The Body Count Continues to Rise. Retrospective: The Americans – “Covert War”

  • By

  • April 17, 2013

  • 6 mins to read

Season 1, Episode 11

Air Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2013, 10 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

 

“They kill us. We kill them. That’s the world we live in. But even in this world, there are lines that can’t be crossed.” – Agent Gaad

Elizabeth understands the importance of knowing everything about her target.

While Agent Gaad (Richard Thomas) delivers a chilling speech to his FBI team foretelling the assassination of three top level Russian spies, General Zhukov’s (Olek Krupa) murder unfolds before us. But these events require no retaliation, according to Claudia (Margo Martindale). Russia wants the escalation of war to stop but with her close relationship to Zhukov, Elizabeth (Keri Russell) doesn’t see it that way. So why, then, does Claudia give Elizabeth the name of the man responsible? There’s nothing worse than a spy with her own agenda, especially when it goes against direct orders from the Motherland.

As Philip (Matthew Rhys) rightfully points out, they “just got finished defying orders,” but Elizabeth couldn’t care less. This is personal for her; Zhukov was her mentor and she has great respect and love for him (as seen in various flashbacks). So Philip reluctantly agrees to help her carry out her vendetta against Richard Patterson (Paul Fitzgerald), a CIA director and the “architect” behind Zhukov’s murder. I love the way Elizabeth seduces Patterson; she’s a real professional in that she knows everything she needs to know prior to getting him where she wants.

Sandra is one hot mama!

While Elizabeth and Sandra (Susan Misner) are having a fun night out dancing and drinking, Philip is spending a quiet evening with Paige (Holly Taylor) and Henry (Keidrich Sellati) in his motel room. This is quite a commentary on the Jennings’ life post separation, or pre-separation as the case may be for Sandra. She knows Stan (Noah Emmerich) is cheating on her and has taken all she can possibly take. I must commend Misner for how well Susan plays the injured party in her rant to Stan. I could picture myself shoving my husband just like Susan does if I were in her shoes. I don’t think there’s any way Stan can get out of this dilemma; Susan is no longer looking at her marriage through rose-colored glasses.

Meanwhile, Nina (Annet Mahendru) has been promoted  to senior lieutenant and is briefed by Arkady (Lev Gorn) on her first mission. It’s surprising Nina doesn’t tell Stan about the bug planted in the library of Casper Weinberger’s residence but since she’s not getting what she wants from him—the identity of Vlad’s (Vitaly Benko) assassin—why should she? Especially after Stan tells her the sexual part of their relationship has to stop. But who’s kidding whom? There’s no way he’s going to end it, even though Susan knows he’s cheating on her. And, let’s face it—Nina is a beautiful woman, and quite the seductress when she wants to be.

Elizabeth questions Patterson.

It appears that by Philip helping Elizabeth, she’s ready to take him back. I think she finally understands what’s important in life. But when Philip tells her he’s rented an apartment so he doesn’t have to take the kids to the motel again, I could almost hear Elizabeth’s heart break. She thought he understood her wishes, but he totally misses the mark. I can only hope they’ll repair their marriage, not only because of the kids, but because they’re so much better together than apart.

Memorable lines:

Elizabeth: “Wow! You look amazing.”

Sandra: “Well, I have more paint on my face than a new Buick.”

**

Claudia to Elizabeth: “I neither agree nor disagree. I follow orders.”

**

Claudia to Elizabeth: “I thought the Americans understood that even covert wars have rules. I was wrong.”

**

Additional thoughts:

I love the 80s references, particularly the Harvey Wallbanger and Tequila Sunrise alcoholic beverages (Tequila Sunrise was my drink of choice back then too), Howard Cosell, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Stan not understanding Matthew’s (Daniel Flaherty) statement about throwing “toilet paper and toast against the screen” cracked me up, as did his reaction to Matthew wearing makeup to the movie theater.

**

Did you catch the price of drinks on the chalkboard at The Wheel House? A Cosmopolitan for $1.00!? Bring those days back, please!

**

There is a telling conversation between Elizabeth and Claudia at the end of “Covert War” during which Elizabeth struggles to understand Claudia’s motivation for giving her Patterson’s name in the first place. Did Claudia actually want Elizabeth to go against orders and kill him? Or, does she hate Elizabeth and Philip so much—because they’re better at the job than she ever was—that she’s setting them up for failure? Or, was killing Patterson personal for Claudia too? What do you think the last lines of the episode mean?

Claudia: “You’re so new at this, my dear. So much to learn.”

Elizabeth: “This isn’t going to go well for you, old lady.”

With just two more episodes until the exciting season finale, the body count continues to rise.

 

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

LIKE The Americans on Facebook, and follow the show on Twitter. Visit the show’s official website for fun things to do, download wallpaper, and watch exclusive videos and more.

You may also want to follow some of the show’s actors on Twitter:  Philip @MatthewRhys, Stan Beeman @NoahEmmerich, Nina @AnnetMahendru, and Chris Amador @maxitois4real (Max Hernandez).

All photos courtesy of Craig Blankenhorn / © 2013 FX Networks. All Rights Reserved.

 

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!

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!