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theamericans2015-02-04 07:45 pm
jae) wrote in theamericans2015-02-04 07:45 pm
Entry tags:
Episode discussion post: "Baggage"
Aired:
4 February 2015 in the U.S. and Canada
This is a discussion post for episode 302 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 three, episode two.)
Original promo trailer
Episode recaps
From Hitfix
From The AV Club
From The Atlantic
From the LA Times
From Slant Magazine
From IGN
From TV.com
From Sound on Sight
From Geeks of Doom
From TVEquals
From examiner.com
From TV Ate My Wardrobe
From the International Business Times
From Uproxx
From MovieNewsGuide
From MStarz
From Starpulse
From Romance at Random
From SpoilerTV
4 February 2015 in the U.S. and Canada
This is a discussion post for episode 302 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 three, episode two.)
Original promo trailer
Episode recaps
From Hitfix
From The AV Club
From The Atlantic
From the LA Times
From Slant Magazine
From IGN
From TV.com
From Sound on Sight
From Geeks of Doom
From TVEquals
From examiner.com
From TV Ate My Wardrobe
From the International Business Times
From Uproxx
From MovieNewsGuide
From MStarz
From Starpulse
From Romance at Random
From SpoilerTV
Re: Stan's scenes
I totally agree, the writing and acting were spot-on!! The weird, awkward-sounding, rambling message to his son--even down to, "Hi Sandra, also, and Arthur, I guess"--was so apropos. The gawky message showed just how out-of-touch Stan was with communicating and opening himself up to his family. Plus, almost getting shot in the back probably factored into his disjointed phone message, too! Kudos to the J's and Noah Emmerich!
At first, my cynical side thought Stan's breakdown in front of Sandra was just a ploy to get her back--similar to what he did by attending the EST meetings. However, I can't imagine any man wanting to go in the middle of the night to his estranged wife's boyfriend's house. Most men I know try everything to avoid such awkward encounters, save for visiting kids or beating up the new boyfriend! I think Stan genuinely needed Sandra that night. Watching Stan break down was like watching a gentle giant (both figuratively and literally, as Noah Emmerich is definitely over 6 ft tall!). Here's a man who has bottled up every emotion for years--always acting like the "big, tough-guy-hero"--and finally, he deflates and sobs. Additionally, it's interesting to compare how Stan and Philip reacted to releasing bottled-up emotions: Philip exploded in anger at Paige, while Stan broke down crying.
Re: Stan's scenes
It really was that combination that made it work so well--this is a perfect example of that.
I'm just delighted to see so much praise for the FBI side of this show for once. The show has neglected them comparatively for so long, it's great to see Stan get some meaty material for a change.
-J
Stan crying vs Philip not