The Americans - S4E11/S4E12 - Dinner for Seven/A Roy Rogers in Franconia

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Previously on The Americans, “Munchkins”

Oh, Jiminy

Consciences. Always complicating matters. Whether they help or hurt depends on which side you’re on.

Pro FBI - Oleg’s conscience leads him into Stan’s car, giving the FBI agent a Grade A certified, genuine lead even Stan can’t mess up. William’s conscience makes him reluctant to bring possible melting destruction to the masses. He wastes time being convinced to play along, allowing the FBI to catch up.

Pro KGB - Pastor Tim and his wife feel remorseful for accusing the innocent (for once) Jennings. This only works to draw them closer to the Jennings. Don’s guilt over Patty’s “death” causes him to leave Gabriel and Librarian Spy (?) in his office. Elizabeth’s heart weighs heavy over what she did to do to Young Hee. She tentatively seeks Pastor Tim’s counsel. Confiding in Pastor Tim actually may work in Elizabeth’s favor. Showing vulnerability and humanity is a great way to secure trust. Vulnerability and humanity look really awkward on Elizabeth.

Paige the Spy

As if she didn’t have enough to worry about, Paige witnesses her mother kill a man and the spy game becomes far too real for her. At the same time, she’s a natural. Like her parents, she uses emotions and a bit of the truth to get people to trust her. Just as Elizabeth went to Pastor Tim with her worries, Paige asks Matthew if he is concerned about his dad’s safety. She kisses him…wait…did she just create her own beginner honey pot to use on Michael? Looks like the Center may get their way, after all.

Lots of mother-daughter time. They take a walk, kill a mugger, share secrets, and watch TV.

“It’s not logical, it’s emotional”

“Were you scared?”

New Haircut, Who Dis? – Henry gets a haircut. Minus the proto-Bieber bangs, he’s unrecognizable

I’m Too Old for This Sh… – It looks like William is going to be apprehended before he can finish his one last job. It also looks like Gabriel makes it through one last job, but I doubt he’ll make it out of this season alive.

We are Never, Ever, Ever…Oh, Nevermind. - Stan breaks up with Oleg, but Oleg just can’t quit Stan. He gets into Stan’s car and unburdens his… conscience. Stan didn’t even have to blackmail or beg.

Mail Robot and Other Electronics – Mail Robot’s spy days are over as he and his handler are discovered. Will the Jenning’s computer be as successful in espionage?

Strange Bedfellows (or dinner companions)

An FBI agent, Social Justice Christians, and Communists all sit down to dinner. The Communists are the normal ones.

The Finale Question

The FBI is on a roll. The Mail Robot, the tip from Oleg and some good, old-fashioned data crunching leads them to William. We’re watching the dominos start to fall. It was well-scripted and well-shot, as painful as it was to see the dissection of the Mail Robot. There’s no doubt William is bound to get caught. But Philip is on his way to meet him. We know there are only two more seasons (but hooray for two more seasons) of this show left. There’s a really good chance Stan is about to meet the real Philip.

Spy Baby

“Elizabeth isn’t the only one with a roast in the oven” – The bursting Alice looks like she’s carrying Keri Russell’s baby in addition to her own. Keri Russell, on the other hand, looks like she’s just hungry for an enormous salad.