The Americans
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
You dont think Im a human being?
Elizabeths tone is understandably incredulous.
The radiation censors, the death of Lyle Rennhull, the Russian negotiators, the botched Chicago mission everything.
We believed in something so big, he reminds her.
She would say the same thing, only without the past tense.
The Americanshas been building to this episode the entire season.
and the stabbing of Mr. and Mrs. Teacup with their young son in the next room.
(And thats to say nothing of an incidental murder to protect Paige.)
We know that anti-Gorbachev forces within the KGB and the military are working to subvert his agenda.
Going to Chicago gave him the currency to question her humanity without getting questioned in turn about his devotion.
(I would do anything for you, he says.
I just did.)
Full-on regret presents a tougher road back, because shell have to take responsibility for what shes done.
Most of The Summit strands her in a fascinating middle ground between duty and disillusionment.
Shes both the Angel of Death and the Angel of Mercy.
The key sequence of the episode has her taking care of Erica for one last time.
(The fact that she was forced to stay in the room is crucial.
Its easier to dismiss art as frivolous when youre not confronted by it.)
When Glenn fails horrifically in assisting her suicide, its Elizabeth whos uniquely suited to get the job done.
She knows how ugly it can be to kill another person.
At the same time, Elizabeth is still capable of compartmentalizing.
So long as she can justify the violence she perpetuates, she can continue to absolve herself.
In the meantime, she grasps at redemption where she can find it.
She doesnt even get a solid promise from him to keep his mouth shut.
(Tell me you understand.
I dont understand.)
She and Philip sacrificed themselves for a government that perverted their ideals and exploited their commitment.
Now theyre on the other end of it, stateless and stranded, exiles in suburbia.
Hammers and sickles
Chekhovs cyanide pill remains intact.
But its being saved for a special occasion, apparently.
Chekhovs live-in girlfriend hasnt gone off yet, either: Renee secures a job interview at the FBI.
Theyll want to know if youre a loyal American and can keep secrets, Stan advises her.
Shes got the job half in the bag at least.
She ultimately opts for the practical option, but the flames eerily complement the portraits ghostly quality.
His big play is to bring her a copy ofThe Big Heaton VHS.
The kid never stood a chance.
The trouble is, whenever a lie is exposed, that protection looks a lot like betrayal.
