# The Americans; season 5 (open spoilers) **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [March 3, 2017, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255 "2017-03-03T01:15:17Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 21
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2017, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/401 "2017-05-13T02:39:47Z")
Yep, different shows. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2017, 5:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/402 "2017-05-13T05:08:40Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > Depending on what you mean by “secret plots” in a show where, by its nature, pretty much everything is plotted in secret, nothing you just said necessarily conflicts with anything I’ve said. Claudia probably is doing exactly whatever it will take to do what her bosses want. I’m saying the Centre asked her to tell them X, Y, and Z, and she told them X, Y, and Z. My assumption is that in cases when she is hiding something from them (as with Philip’s biological son Mischa) we are being given an omniscient view that this is the case. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > The acting between P & E is mostly unbearable. You’re entitled to your opinion, but it’s highly heterodox. They were both nominated for Emmys this year, and this is what some major publications had to say about their acting chops: [The Guardian:](https://www.theguardian.com/film/2017/jan/05/golden-globes-2017-tv-predictions) > [@](#): > > [T]he real dark horse candidate, and the one who really should win, is Matthew Rhys…As Philip Jennings, Rhys has to play every single tone The Americans covers, from goofy 1980s suburban comedy to spy thriller to marital drama to existential, ideological conflict and conspiracy, and moves between them seamlessly. > [@](#): > > Keri Russell, somehow nominated for the first time, deserves all of the acting awards in existence (and some that aren’t) for her thrilling, emotional, terrifying performance as Elizabeth Jennings on The Americans. [TIME:](http://time.com/4463252/heres-who-will-and-should-win-emmys-this-year/) > [@](#): > > **Should win:** Keri Russell, The Americans > There’s a credible case to be made for both Henson and Wright—both of whom are single-handedly keeping their respective shows from spinning out of control with steely, contained star turns. But Keri Russell does a similar job, acting as the stoic, tough center of The Americans, all while also generating real chemistry with her costar. Watching Russell and Rhys, even in their shortest scenes together, one feels the crushing weight of character history. The pair, Rhys coping with the emotional toll of spying through New Age philosophy and Russell by toughening up yet further, elevate one another. [Vanity Fair:](http://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2016/09/2016-emmy-predictions) > [@](#): > > But if there’s a dark horse stalking Malek, it’s The Americans star Matthew Rhys. The FX series is enjoying its first year of Emmy recognition in major categories, and while Rhys’s performance is not quite as flashy as Malek’s, once you factor in all his wig work, it might be a tie. Plus, the Welsh actor has turned in four years of deep and compelling work on a series that, unlike Mr. Robot, has only grown stronger since its first season. The brilliant FX series absolutely deserves some hardware beyond Margo Martindale’s guest-actress wins, and Rhys—ever a closer on The Americans—might be the one to get the job done. > [@](#): > > There’s no way to praise Matthew Rhys and not give equal respect to his fellow Americans wig-wearer, Keri Russell. [USA Today:](https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2016/09/14/robert-bianco-usa-today-emmy-predictions/90322216/) > [@](#): > > And if, by chance, someone does pull an upset and beat [Malek], I’d rather it were Rhys, whose work has been overlooked for too long. > [@](#): > > **Should win:** Keri Russell > **Will win:** Viola Davis > > Make no mistake: Last year’s winner, Davis, is a fabulous actor, and a second win by her should generate few complaints. But while her performance was as good as ever, the writing just did not make as good or varied a use of her talents — which could open the door for Russell, who had her best season yet as a woman torn between her duty to her country and to her child. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2017, 6:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/403 "2017-05-13T06:34:28Z")
> [@voltaire](#): > > Seriously, sometimes some of you make me wonder if we’re watching the same thing. Heh. This happens every coupe of weeks. Recently some guy writing on Entertainment Weekly posited the idea Ollie and Philip were actually brothers … think about that from a professional reviewer. And about the same time someone on here thought Gabriel was about to defect to the USA. I have no idea … Maybe it’s an indication of the quality of the showrunners and writers. > [@QuickSilver](#): > > The acting between P & E is mostly unbearable. They interact as if they only recently started dating and are perpetually afraid to say something that will hurt the other’s feelings. It’s even worse when the kids are in the scene. It’s like they are talking to new foster kids. Welcome to the world of teenage children, which can mean parents walking on egg shells for a few years. Fwiw, I love the natural acting between P&E - it was especially sweet when they got married, which I also think was the showrunners indulging the two leads somewhat (who had got married in real life). ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2017, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/404 "2017-05-13T13:24:48Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > You’re entitled to your opinion, but it’s highly heterodox. They were both nominated for Emmys this year, and this is what some major publications had to say about their acting chops:… I can’t be the only one that thinks there is absolutely zero chemistry between them on screen. Despite the fact that they are husband and wife in real life. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [May 14, 2017, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/405 "2017-05-14T00:33:07Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > I can’t be the only one that thinks there is absolutely zero chemistry between them on screen. Despite the fact that they are husband and wife in real life. That’s what makes it so impressive - that despite being married IRL they still manage to portray what are essentially live-in co-workers so well (ie, no real chemistry but they do an excellent job of pretending). The hints of vague jealousy when one of them has to sleep with someone else as part of their work are quite well done too, I think. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/406 "2017-05-15T16:39:48Z")
> [@Martini\_Enfield](#): > > That’s what makes it so impressive - that despite being married IRL they still manage to portray what are essentially live-in co-workers so well (ie, no real chemistry but they do an excellent job of pretending). > > The hints of vague jealousy when one of them has to sleep with someone else as part of their work are quite well done too, I think. Some of the other stuff I have been predicting, I could absolutely turn out to be wrong about. There could be Margo Martindale twists galore; Renee could turn out to be a spy; the series could certainly end with Stan finding out about his neighbors and everything turning pear shaped. But I guarantee you that Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell are not attempting to portray what you are describing, and lauding them for. Not in the show’s “present day” (in flashbacks to before the pilot, sure). Either they are doing a poor job of acting, or (what I’d call more likely) you’re doing a poor job of watching. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 5:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/407 "2017-05-15T17:01:42Z")
I don’t know how many of you have been married for 15+ years. I liked the scene when they’d been out with Stan and Renee fr an evening. Once alone, couples switch off again. Isn’t ‘chemistry’ for the kids? These two are middle aged and tired every day. Really not La La Land. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 5:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/408 "2017-05-15T17:14:44Z")
The early seasons had them doing a lot more “Mum and Dad” and “Husband and Wife” stuff than they do recently. Including dealing with a bratty teenager and a broody one. And have 69 in their bedroom with each other. Later seasons have cut down on that. ---
**Author:** ![E-DUB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/e-dub/32/403_2.png) [@E-DUB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/E-DUB)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/409 "2017-05-15T17:44:18Z")
The “69” was stage to keep Paige from _ever_ coming into their bedroom without knocking. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 11:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/410 "2017-05-15T23:40:01Z")
> [@SlackerInc](#): > > Some of the other stuff I have been predicting, I could absolutely turn out to be wrong about. There could be Margo Martindale twists galore; Renee could turn out to be a spy; the series could certainly end with Stan finding out about his neighbors and everything turning pear shaped. > > But I guarantee you that Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell are not attempting to portray what you are describing, and lauding them for. Not in the show’s “present day” (in flashbacks to before the pilot, sure). Either they are doing a poor job of acting, or (what I’d call more likely) you’re doing a poor job of watching. 😛 I really have a hard time understanding how you seem so sure of yourself while also so sure others are wrong. What **Martini** said was pretty much exactly what I was going to say. Why \*wouldn’t \*the married actors attempt to play their characters exactly that way, since it’s exactly the way those two characters should be played. You know what, forget I asked. But why do you watch the show if the two main characters are “acting wrong” according to you? ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2017, 11:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/411 "2017-05-15T23:52:02Z")
Uhhh…according to _me_? No. Try reading that again. ---
**Author:** ![voltaire](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/voltaire/32/313_2.png) [@voltaire](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/voltaire)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/412 "2017-05-16T00:07:01Z")
No. You. ---
**Author:** ![Martini\_Enfield](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/martini_enfield/32/11123_2.png) [@Martini\_Enfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Martini_Enfield)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2017, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/413 "2017-05-16T04:10:06Z")
Interestingly, Elizabeth is supposed to be the ranking officer, too. ---
**Author:** ![Don\_Draper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 2:16am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/414 "2017-05-17T02:16:53Z")
Mail Robot! It is alive! ---
**Author:** ![alphaboi867](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alphaboi867/32/3898_2.png) [@alphaboi867](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alphaboi867)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/415 "2017-05-17T03:14:30Z")
Well at least the Centre didn’t send them after an innocent woman. That was still much harder to watch than most of their killings though. ---
**Author:** ![SlackerInc](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/slackerinc/32/275_2.png) [@SlackerInc](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SlackerInc)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 10:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/416 "2017-05-17T10:48:53Z")
> [@alphaboi867](#): > > Well at least the Centre didn’t send them after an innocent woman. That was still much harder to watch than most of their killings though. Yeah, I knew it was going to be rough as soon as they arrived. But the husband was truly innocent! ☹ There was a lot of other interesting stuff earlier in the episode, but it’s hard to bring to mind now, after that overwhelming ending. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 12:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/417 "2017-05-17T12:56:16Z")
yeah. Ouf. Powerful. ---
**Author:** ![Don\_Draper](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b2d939/32.png) [@Don\_Draper](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Don_Draper)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 1:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/418 "2017-05-17T13:28:46Z")
What makes the murder of that old lady and her husband even worse is the thought of the amount of time and resources the KGB must have put in to track her down and punish her for crimes she was compelled to commit 40 years earlier in the midst of a brutal war. The Soviets couldn’t figure out how to sustain their starving population, yet they could pay back a decades-old grudge. ---
**Author:** ![up\_the\_junction](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/f1d935/32.png) [@up\_the\_junction](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/up_the_junction)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 1:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/419 "2017-05-17T13:50:08Z")
I guess that was the point: Ollie is chasing his tail with two-bob secretaries and the Jennings’ are validating the KGB in the wake of the wheat fiasco. The woman died for the self-interest of the KGB. I still maintain all of it is a metaphor for a system on the edge of imploding; the three men standing together after one of them sent someone to a mental asylum, for speaking the truth they all knew, seems to underscore where we are. They ar all trying to hold up a system that’s falling through the floor. Instead of ‘Winter is coming’ I think we can probably say ‘Gorby is coming’. Even Elizabeth can hear something in the wind. ---
**Author:** ![AK84](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/85e7bf/32.png) [@AK84](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AK84)\ **Post date:** [May 17, 2017, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255/420 "2017-05-17T13:58:45Z")
> [@Don\_Draper](#): > > What makes the murder of that old lady and her husband even worse is the thought of the amount of time and resources the KGB must have put in to track her down and punish her for crimes she was compelled to commit 40 years earlier in the midst of a brutal war. The Soviets couldn’t figure out how to sustain their starving population, yet they could pay back a decades-old grudge. Yeah, how awful that the Soviets were sore about having a genocidal war imposed on them. :rolleyes: And it’s not like they ignored their agri sector in order to hunt the women down, they got a break recently. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255.md?page=20) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-americans-season-5-open-spoilers/781255.md?page=22)