theamericans | Episode discussion post: "Tchaikovsky"

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theamericans

Aired:
4 April 2018 in the U.S. and Canada

This is a discussion post for episode 602 of The Americans, intended for viewers who are watching the show on the U.S./Canadian schedule. (Feel free to dive in to the discussion even if you're coming in late--and you should also feel free to start a new thread if it seems too daunting to read through what's already been posted first. If you're reading this at a point where you've already seen subsequent episodes, though, please take care to keep comments spoiler-free of anything that comes after season six, episode two.)

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From:

saraqael

I forgot to include this thought in my first post.

Elizabeth told Philip about Paige getting the naval guy's name wrong as a way to deflect Philip away from what was really bothering her (the suicide mission). She feels free to tell Philip that Paige made a little mistake, because that helps her trick Philip into thinking that he's being kept in the loop about Paige's training. All good. But what struck me in their conversation was when Philip commented that everybody makes little mistakes and they eventually learn, etc., Elizabeth replies very quickly that she was a fast learner. What prompted that crack? She was a fast learner compared to who? Paige.

I think that Elizabeth actually realizes that Paige is not nearly as ready as she should be by now. I think she expected Paige to become adept as quickly as she herself did but that's not happening. Whether she's ready to openly admit it to herself, I suspect that Elizabeth knows that Paige is failing as a trainee.

Edited Date: 2018-04-05 08:00 pm (UTC)

From:

sistermagpie

Yes, it's such a strangled conversation because it's hard for her to say anything and there's so many things it could mean. Is she thinking about how she didn't have the luxury of making mistakes? That Paige is no where near at the level she should be at by now? That she thinks she's going to die soon and Paige won't be ready? Is it just automatic pride in herself? The central message seems like it has to be about Paige's general non-readiness.

From:

quantumreality

I think Paige not having ever needed to relate her personal survival to her nation's survival in a way that Elizabeth had, is really the key. Paige could still do what Elizabeth does, but coming from a place of privilege means she will have to work a lot harder at maintaining the kind of mental discipline that comes easy now to Elizabeth.

From:

sistermagpie

Right--but really, why would she? Elizabeth (and Philip) had so many things in their life that explained their commitment. Imo, Paige just doesn't have the same reason. That's part of why the story seems kind of creepy. It's not just that I as a viewer knew the USSR is coming to an end, but that it's just clear that Elizabeth and Claudia can't create an experience for Paige that really gives her a reason to transform that way, imo.

In fact, some of the things their doing just validate how she already is.