American Recap: “Stingers”

Several large bombs were dropped in “Stingers”, but typically American Fashion, they were treated quietly. The “singer” subplot could have been quickly removed (a brief reappearance of Kimmy, Nina who works as a scientist, Jennings who actually works at a travel agency, and Philip’s claim that Elizabeth asked her son for an early release). Gabriel telling to). it is not to blame. The most shocking and unbelievable thing that happened in “Stingers” is that Paige finally learned the truth.

That revelation has been teased since season 1, with Paige poking the basement, calling her parents, and setting up little ploys and tricks to try and catch them. So you’ve ruled out many other possibilities: Witness protection? Drug dealing? murder? alien?

Given how important this was to Philip and Elizabeth (asking Paige about what they were doing and whether she wanted to be part of it), the actual conversation was incredibly calm and subdued. Born in the Soviet Union, they help people’s causes and fight for peace. Not so bad, right? Oh, they also collect information that their own country has not been able to obtain.

For some teenagers, the revelation that their parents are international spies may be met with some excitement (you know, “betrayal of lying to me my whole life”). after the whole disappears). However, the contradiction with Paige’s information was very clear here. Although she chooses to keep the truth from Pastor Tim (barely), her idea that her parents work for Stan (or that he willingly works with them) is clear. It must also be assumed that she, seeing a conflict with her Christian beliefs here, will begin to weigh on her conscience.

But the best part of the conversation between the three, and its aftermath, was not what was said, but what wasn’t.The look Elizabeth gave Philip before almost imperceptibly nodding to tell Paige the truth was a study in nuance, as was Paige’s omission of words when speaking to Pastor Tim. like Americanthese clues only hinted at a real storm brewing.

The same was true for a very interesting short scene between Elizabeth and Philip at the hotel. Philip has already juggled a few women under an alias, but he suggests taking over the hotel’s seduction ploy by waiting for them to switch for a shift change, though Elizabeth goes ahead with it. , she does not with a determined look. she looks tired

Another important factor in all of this is Henry’s development. Most TV shows don’t know what to do with kids if the show isn’t about them. To be fair, American Henry mostly ignores it (although Paige being “forgotten” is part of the plot). But now something interesting is happening with his relationship with Stan. Stan bonds with him as a reminder of his relationship with Matthew before he went undercover, and Henry is delighted to have a father figure nearby who actually pays attention to him ( Plus, he definitely wants to run into Sandra). But it also potentially complicates Henry’s future development as a spy, or when he learns the truth about his parents. Or make him more effective? (Although I know Henry certainly enjoys the trappings of American life). Either way, it’s a fascinating new thread.

But back to Paige.The brightest part of the revelation is that the episode didn’t end there (I’m even more grateful Season It didn’t end there). We have three more episodes to see how this unfolds. But like Jennings, I don’t think we have any idea where things will go from here.

episode rating: ★★★★ very good

Meditation and Others:

— There’s not much to say about Kimberly’s scheming this week — she was drunk, so Philip took her home and changed the recording equipment.

— Nina, as I knew it, found a new angle with the scientist by showing that she spoke English and had been to America. !

— So it looks like Zinaida was right in her suspicions. Zinaida is really a spy. So The secret is that only two people in the Residentura know her.

— I’d love to see more of Arkady, the part where the two subplots meet, but there isn’t much to do other than go through paperwork and make phone calls.

— TronStrat-O-Matic!

— Henry’s quote Eddie Murphy SNL The sketch sewed me up. It might just be the most normal thing the show has ever done.

— Another great moment: Liz’s laughter after Paige says, “Are you trying to turn me into a travel agent?”