Episode discussion post: "START"

[jae]

Aired:
30 May 2018 in the U.S. and Canada

This is a discussion post for episode 610 of The Americans (the season and series finale), 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.)

Original promo trailer

Watch on YouTube

Comments

Re: Paige's life

[jae]

I think that's fair. I do think everything we saw of her in the finale suggests that she was broken by the idea of leaving Henry behind alone. She tried to convince them to go get him, then couldn't bear to talk to him on the phone. And I'm convinced that she stayed behind, above all, to serve as that link to their parents so that he can better understand his past and himself going forward. I can't imagine she wouldn't head straight there as soon as she pulls herself together a bit.

-J

Re: Paige's life

[shapinglight]

It's a shame we didn't see some Paige/Henry interaction this season, the way we did in seasons 1 and 2. That would probably have made it easier for me to get onboard that scenario.

It would have been a lot more interesting than all the travel agency woes.

Speaking of which, have the show creators had anything to say about why there was so much of that?

Re: Paige's life

[sistermagpie]

Yes and this isn't really about them being close as it is them sharing this experience with Paige having more understanding.

It also occured to me to remember how Henry dealt with his parents' separation by withdrawing anf his body language in the last scene is alao pulling away. It'll take him a bit too. His active social life isn't just going to go on as before.