Episode 8: “Mutually Assured Destruction”
Philip and Elizabeth, married KGB spies, must stop an assassin from killing key US scientists, while Stan and the other FBI agenta hunt the assassin. Grandma Russian Agent shocks Elizabeth with the truth of what happened between Philip and Irina in New York. FBI neighbor Stan’s and Nina (his Rezidentura mole) continue to ratchet up their relationship.
What I liked about this episode:
* This episode began with the 20 year arranged marriage of KGB spies Philip (played by Matthew Rhys) and Elizabeth Jennings (played by Keri Russell) continuing to turn real for both of them. But this was short-lived as their bliss would be eroded during the episode . If you recall, 2 episodes ago Elizabeth cast doubt on Philip’s loyalty to Mother Russia. Last episode, in retaliation, Philip cheated on Elizabeth with his former love Irina while on an assignment. At the end of the last episode, Elizabeth asked Philip if he slept with Irina and he lied to her face and told her no. They reconfirmed their commitment to each other but it was based on a lie.
* Count me as a viewer that sees that a rocky marriage between Elizabeth and Philip is more interesting.
* Elizabeth gets the bad news from Grandma Russian Agent that Philip betrayed. She rejects this truth but Grandma Russian Agent makes an excellent point that relationships in this line of work are never real.
* When Elizabeth confronts Philip about the betrayal he does not lie. Elizabeth declares the “real” part of their marriage is over and it is strictly business. Philip drops the bomb that they don’t have to stay married to do their job and suggests ending their marriage as an option.
* Philip’s relationship with the secretary at the FBI ratcheted up. She wants sex and he wants information. Keeping her focused was tricky because she wanted bedroom action not conversation. Eventually she comes thru with information that helps Philip and Elizabeth accomplish their mission. However in doing to, Stan’s FBI partner Chris, and a former lover, begins to suspect her. At the end of the episode he begins to follow her.
* Stan, the FBI neighbor, is granted a safe house (an apartment) to meet Nina. She is pleased and takes their relationship up a notch.
* Oh yeah, their mission this week wasn’t too bad. The irony of the KGB having to find and stop an assassin the KGB hired was amusing. They got the job done but didn’t know the assassin had cleverly set an explosive in motion that ended up eliminating the target AFTER Philip and Elizabeth eliminated the assassin. Philip and Elizabeth were cool coming into the hotel room from opposite sides with guns blazing. Their team work confronting the assassin was top notch.
Asian drama fan
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