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.)

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Comments

The two pop songs in the finale

[jae]

In the critical response to the finale, one of the things that has divided people is the use of music. And if you'd asked me on the night the finale aired, I would have told you that neither of the songs really worked for me. One of the things this show has always done well is choose songs that never quite penetrated the public consciousness to a great extent, so that lots of viewers had either never heard the songs before or hadn't heard them in many years. By going with songs that had either been used to classic, widely talked-about effect in other Big TV Moments (in the case of "Brothers in Arms") or were just so ubiquitous that you associate them more with being overplayed than with any particular emotion (in the case of "With or Without You"), the show broke that pattern, and it felt pretty jarring to me. (Also, it doesn't help that I don't like either song very much, but I admit that's just me.)

In the days since the finale, though, I haven't been able to get either of them out of my head. And while I'd have sworn at the time the finale aired that there would be no way those two songs would attach themselves emotionally to those show-moments in the way other songs used on the show always have for me, I have to admit that when that subconscious soundtrack is playing, I'm running those moments from the show through my head again, too. I still would have preferred different, less overtly popular songs, but I can't really claim they didn't do their job.

What does everyone else think?

-J

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[sistermagpie]

I had a similar reaction to it--though I was humming the U2 song a lot. But then, I'm still constantly humming Don't Dream It's Over, another song I never particularly liked!

I would note that at least once before they did something similar and pulled it off. Phil Collins' In The Air Tonight is not only really well-known but is totally associated with the beginning of Miami Vice to the point that people thought it was really audacious to even use it. But it worked for me beautifully!

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[jae]

Ooh, of course they did this once before, you're right. Maybe it's good, then, to have those super-popular bookends!

-J

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[treonb]

"With or Without You" worked for me, especially since I loved the montage and feelings it portrayed. "Brothers in Arms" didn't (though it did get me to run through Dire Straits again).

In general, the more popular songs worked better for me, since the less-known songs also had more obscure lyrics which required me to read them and understand them in order to appreciate what they wanted to say. Having a "With or Without You" sign in big bold letters over Stan and Oleg might be cliche, but it's also very clear.

As far as popular songs, they also had "All Out of Love" and "99 Baloons" (I think?).

Did they ever use American songs?

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[saraqael]

I had the opposite reaction to these two songs. 'Brothers in Arms' worked well for me. I found the U2 song 'With or Without You' to be too much of an anthem.

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[jae]

Did they ever use American songs?

Huh! They must have, right? I mean, they used a LOT of songs. But you're right, all the ones that are occurring to me are not American. In fact, they're from everywhere OTHER than the US.

-J

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[sistermagpie]

A couple come to mind: To Love Somebody by Roberta Flack and the Eddie Rabbitt song Philip line dances too. Drivin' My Life Away I think?

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[jae]

Right! Of course.

-J

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[sistermagpie]

Thinking back on the songs I listened to at that time they probably were more often not American, I think.

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[treonb]

I was also thinking back, because I started wondering where American music disappeared to in the 80s. But, of course, there were a lot of very popular Americans too, like Michael Jackson, Madonna, Springsteen.

Where did they use "To Love Somebody"?

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[jae]

First season, "Only You." Gregory's death.

-J

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[treonb]

Thanks!

(and there goes my theory)

Re: The two pop songs in the finale

[andy73]

Both songs worked for me very well.