This is what ultimately motivates Elizabeth (and Philip to a lesser extent): All that suffering, sacrifice and killing has to mean something. There HAS to be a greater cause. Did they do all this for NOTHING?
Have any of the experiences of the Russian actors or stories about their families been incorporated into the characters of Elizabeth and Phillip? Will we ever see the spies risk finding a way to share some piece of beloved Russian literature or music with their children?
Do you plan to continue the show through the fall of the Soviet Union?
I have always been curious about what happened to real "illegals" during the beginning of the fall, and through the turbulence of the final fall of the Soviet Union.
I am curious about what happens emotionally when the cause for which the agents killed so many no longer exists.
Thank you for such though provoking material.
IL
I have always been curious about what happened to real "illegals" during the beginning of the fall, and through the turbulence of the final fall of the Soviet Union.
I am curious about what happens emotionally when the cause for which the agents killed so many no longer exists.
Thank you for such though provoking material.
IL
How does Gabriel (and his two predecessors) gather the background information provided to Philip and Elizabeth? Are there five or twelve knock-off Philips and Elizabeths scurrying around D.C. gathering data, provoking members of the State Dept. or Pentagon or what/whomever? Are those agents birthright Russian or "converts" to the cause? Can you bring back Margo Martindale? In the first episode this season, Frank Langella's Gabriel was more a mouthpiece for the Soviets than an interesting person. Something better happen soon with Noah Emmerich (please) - like he confronts his instinct about Martha (seems to me he keeps approaching her because some part of him knows something is wrong but the news hasn't traveled to his intellect or to his cop-part yet). QUESTION: How'd you two get to be so very good at plotting and characterization? Thanks - a fan!
Do you think that Philip, Elizabeth, and Paige are seeking a redemption of sorts?What does that redemption look like for each or for all?
There is very little I watch on TV, but I LOVE your show. I think because the characters are like real people- they do things that you can believe people in their positions might do. Are the characters Elizabeth and Philip modeled after true life people?
Is Henry still playing hockey? I haven't seen Philip driving him to practice for at least a season now. What position does he play ? Please develop more of a storyline around that, as it could lead to a good cover for Philip's travel around the country and expand his range of coverage to assets outside the DC area.
How is it that all these civilians are killed but after then are put in a box or tossed away there is never any outcry police investigation, news report, manhunt? The whole operation is set in a big vacuum. I am thinking of one episode where Philip kills a brilliant young computer programmer. And nothing ever happened. You can imagine the outcry in real life. I know tv isn't life but still.
Love the show but 2 things don't make sense:
Isn't is illegal to be married t two people at the same time and wouldn't the authorities find out sooner or later?
It seems unbelievable that the FBI can't uncover Martha's duplicity. Wouldn't they have cameras and wouldn't they be able to trace who takes files and photocopies them?
Isn't is illegal to be married t two people at the same time and wouldn't the authorities find out sooner or later?
It seems unbelievable that the FBI can't uncover Martha's duplicity. Wouldn't they have cameras and wouldn't they be able to trace who takes files and photocopies them?
I'm surprised that Paige isn't asking her parents more questions about her own identity. If THEY are Russians, is Paige truly an American? We got a hint of her dilemma when Paige avoided being present for the "Pledge of Allegiance" in her classroom.
Is Paige afraid that she might have to "return" to the Soviet Union with her parents one day and live in a place with a culture and language that are incomprehensible to her?
Is Paige afraid that she might have to "return" to the Soviet Union with her parents one day and live in a place with a culture and language that are incomprehensible to her?
1
The funny mention of Henry's suffocating aftershave, brought up during a highly tense bit of espionage, made me wonder if this was foreshadowing. Will Henry become more than a passing reference in the show this season? He's heading towards adolescence. Could he be susceptible to the charms of a young-looking soviet agent?
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Sorry to be that person who asks about a specific episode.
"Do Mail Robots Dream of ..." featured the amazing Lois Smith whose screen tests with James Dean (for "East of Eden") are on Youtube.
Who approached whom about such a legend being on the show? Was the character of Woman Working Late written with a specific actress in mind? If she is still a working actress, why not have her in a few scenes and spread them out over several episode?
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Sorry to be that person who asks about a specific episode.
"Do Mail Robots Dream of ..." featured the amazing Lois Smith whose screen tests with James Dean (for "East of Eden") are on Youtube.
Who approached whom about such a legend being on the show? Was the character of Woman Working Late written with a specific actress in mind? If she is still a working actress, why not have her in a few scenes and spread them out over several episode?
1
How did Philip and Elizabeth do their job when the kids were babies? Surely they didn't leave them alone. Did they do fewer nighttime missions together? They must have had a sitter. Was it an agent?
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Is there any consideration to having Philip stay in the US with the kids and Elizabeth returning to Russia, since she's the more intense communist agent?
Is there any possibility (God forbid) of their "nuking" their daughter now that she knows the truth?
Is there any possibility of Philip and Elizabeth's being executed for treason by the Russian govt?
Is there any possibility (God forbid) of their "nuking" their daughter now that she knows the truth?
Is there any possibility of Philip and Elizabeth's being executed for treason by the Russian govt?
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This show, as others have attested, is incredibly well written and executed by the actors. I also enjoy reading these recaps on NYT. My question is based on the snippets of upcoming episodes, and my love for Henry's oblivion about his family (or is he?). What will become of him once he's thrust into a situation he knows nothing about?
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I've been a huge fan since the pilot. You guys are awesome! Q: When you're breaking story arcs for the season, which comes first: the political/espionage storylines or the personal/family storylines? Or is it impossible to focus on one angle without incorporating the other? In general, as an aspiring TV writer, I would just love to know how you break the stories for each episode or season. Thanks!
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I loved the scene where Philip had to pull Elizabeth's infected tooth.
So weirdly intimate - almost sexual.
Was that inspired by a real incident you'd heard about or entirely invented?
So weirdly intimate - almost sexual.
Was that inspired by a real incident you'd heard about or entirely invented?
1
I worry about Phillip and Elizabeth. At the end of the series (hope there will be a season 5) what will happen to them? They have killed so many people that their fate can't be "...and they returned to the Soviet Union and lived happily ever after."
How, as writers, do you handle this?
Thanks
How, as writers, do you handle this?
Thanks
A showrunner is a person who is responsible for the day-to-day operation of a television series—although usually such persons are credited as executive producers.
Is the Travel Agency they run financially successful?
Is the Travel Agency they run financially successful?
No questions. Just praise. I was a latecomer to the series and watched three seasons over the last two months. I am hooked. Side note: as a serial multi-tasker, I find it difficult to stray from any episode because of the percentage of dialogue that is spoken in Russian. Viewers must read the subtitles! The Americans is a terrific show and a prime example of the incredible programming one can find during our television renaissance. Bring on season four!
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We also just binged on the first three seasons in the past month or so via Amazon prime (bought the Amazon receiver just to watch "The Americans"). It's fantastic-- absolutely among the best television shows ever made. The character writing and acting is phenomenal, and the ethical dilemmas have prompted many enjoyable (if heated) discussions. Thank you!
In the show our sympathies clearly lie with Phillip and Elizabeth, so how do you guys feel when conservatives see this as a show that champions Reagan and the fight against "the evil empire."
I'm an avid fan. As someone below said, Matthew Rhys is the hottest husband on TV. Question: Is Pastor Tim a good person or bad person? There's something creepy about him and I wondered if this was intentional. Also much as I love the show the suitcase and burning alive episodes were too much for me. Couldn't watch. If Was there any debate about these scenes?
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Any chance a fan can be an extra in one of your episodes next season?
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Favorite show on television. Two questions:
1. As a Brooklynite, I notice that the show's exteriors are largely shot in and around the Borough (while watching the show, I have spotted a few LI locations as well). What has been your experience in filming in our communities, and what was the toughest location to find that mirrored '80s-era DC/Virginia?
2. Regarding the show itself, do you know already how it is going to end, and if yes, how does that affect the writing process?
1. As a Brooklynite, I notice that the show's exteriors are largely shot in and around the Borough (while watching the show, I have spotted a few LI locations as well). What has been your experience in filming in our communities, and what was the toughest location to find that mirrored '80s-era DC/Virginia?
2. Regarding the show itself, do you know already how it is going to end, and if yes, how does that affect the writing process?
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Where do they store those the hundreds of wigs worn in the show?
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I don't have a question at this point, probably because the show has been out of my consciousness for several months. I'll come back to this article after the premiere. I do want to say that I absolutely adore Philip. He is the hottest male character on television right now - a loving father and husband, a principled assassin, a man who will kill for you AND do the dishes.
3
Did either of you watch "Deutschland 83" and if so, do you think The Americans influenced it (or might it possibly influence The Americans)?
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Dear Joe and Joel,
As you know I'm a huge fan of Matthew Rhys..I would like to know if Matthew could switch to another role in the show..which would it be and why?
Huge thank you for all your hard work on the show!
Suzette Bakelaar
(webowner of Matthew Rhys Online)
As you know I'm a huge fan of Matthew Rhys..I would like to know if Matthew could switch to another role in the show..which would it be and why?
Huge thank you for all your hard work on the show!
Suzette Bakelaar
(webowner of Matthew Rhys Online)
1
Where do the Jennngses keep all their wigs, makeup, and outfits? In that room in the basement? Amazing that they can change so quickly -- it's almost as if there's a studio makeup artist living down there or in the back seat of the car!
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Last season the show centered around Paige. This season will the show center around Henry?
Last season the show centered around Paige. This season will the show center around Henry?
Thanks for one of my favourite shows of all time - not to mention a letter-perfect portrait of the 1980s.
Week after week, you have Philip and Elizabeth doing horrific, sometimes despicable things—and yet you keep them so compelling and relatable that we're rooting for their characters despite ourselves. Have you ever set out some kind of golden rule or touchstone to yourselves for ensuring we never stop liking the Jenningses?
Week after week, you have Philip and Elizabeth doing horrific, sometimes despicable things—and yet you keep them so compelling and relatable that we're rooting for their characters despite ourselves. Have you ever set out some kind of golden rule or touchstone to yourselves for ensuring we never stop liking the Jenningses?
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Love this show! Martha (Alison Wright) deserves an Emmy for putting up with "Clark." I can't get enough of those two. Keep up the great work.
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I really enjoyed this show at first, but eventually it became too heavy and dark for me. I guess it is just me, because I had the same problem with with Homeland and House of Cards. Oh, and Justified, too. I can take flawed characters, but full-time violence or depravity eventually wears me out. I wish show developers didn't feel they had to keep upping the ante. Keeping more of a balance would keep me viewing.
On a plot level (which you probably can't answer): Is Philip's son Mischa real or just a ploy to emotionally manipulate him? Did Irina really go to Montreal in Season 1 and will we ever see her again?
"The Americans" is so consistently good I'm also curious if you're given full creative freedom over the show? How much does the network get involved? Do you ever feel any pressure to get ratings up or steer the show in a certain direction?
"The Americans" is so consistently good I'm also curious if you're given full creative freedom over the show? How much does the network get involved? Do you ever feel any pressure to get ratings up or steer the show in a certain direction?
Love the show. I'm wondering how many identities a Russian agent would typically juggle at any given time. Phillip and Elizabeth always seem to be juggling more than is logistically possible--just artistic license, or in your research did you really find that to be the case?
I adore the show. It's one of the smartest, most compelling pieces of television out there.
It's my understanding that Philip and Elizabeth are based upon "illegals" who were living in Montclair, NJ. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration for Gabriel and Claudia's characters? Frank Langella and Margo Martindale are amazing in these roles.
I, too, would like to know more about what happened to these people when the Soviet Union fell.
Keep it coming!
It's my understanding that Philip and Elizabeth are based upon "illegals" who were living in Montclair, NJ. Can you tell us a bit about the inspiration for Gabriel and Claudia's characters? Frank Langella and Margo Martindale are amazing in these roles.
I, too, would like to know more about what happened to these people when the Soviet Union fell.
Keep it coming!
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Why did you choose to set the show in the early-to-mid 1980s as opposed to the 1970s, 1960s, or 1950s? Was that decision tied to your having come of age around that time (and thus being more familiar with it) or to something else (e.g. the dramatic potential of multiple storylines spawned by the US-Soviet conflict during the Reagan administration)?
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Which character (if any) do you empathize with the most? Which character's arc has surprised you the most as the series has progressed relative to how you conceived her or him at the beginning?
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I'm sure the wig department will be kept very busy
"The Americans" has become such a profound study of family relationships, influences, and responsibilities. Was that part of the original conception of the show or did those possibilities in the narrative surprise you, evolving as the children grew?
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I'm a big fan of this show. Season 3 left me with a number of questions, including: Was that really Elizabeth’s mother who was brought to the room for the moving reunion scene - and is it possible that she and Gabriel double-crossed Philip in the service of recruiting Paige? Inquiring minds want to know!
I love the writing in this show. Very tense & dramatic. But this has been bugging me since last season. Does each of Philip's alter-egos keep his own apartment? When Martha demands to be taken to his place, he delivers her to a pitch-perfect bachelor apartment, complete with Martha photo. Also, as the disguises become more ornate, I'm starting to wonder if they have stylists on standby. Removing that wig for Martha at the end of last season--that wasn't just slapped on his head as he ran out the door.
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I'm often struck by the relevance of themes from the show to our own time. Have any particular recent events inspired plotlines? What do you hope the show can contribute to the conversations around these events?
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There was some graphic violence that was pretty hard to watch in the last season (I'm thinking of the suitcase and tire scenes, in particular). How do you decide if and when showing that kind of brutality is necessary to the story and character development?
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One could argue that espionage has a positive effect on international relations...your treatment of the Reagan assassination was a case in point...loved the way the correct information "came out" and averted dangerous responses. Similarly with the impossibility of "star wars", although its not clear that the Soviets believed this....are there any instances of this effect to come as a major theme in future episodes?? Love this show!
By a long shot the best show on television. I hope that the series continues to be excellent this year, as it has been heretofore.
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Do we know what actually happened to such spies planted in the US toward the end of the Cold War? Were they taken back home? Were they left to fend for themselves? Did some seek asylum, hoping to remain in the US? Have you decided yet what will happen to this family when that time comes?
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U've got to be kidding. U really believe the "evil" commies had "sleeper" spies. Hilarious.
The first seasons' tie-ins with the Civil Rights movement (Gregory) and anti-Apartheid movements (Reuben/Venter) were compelling. Will there be any comparable plotlines this season?
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I may have questions tomorrow night after the premiere. What I won't do is read any articles now that preview what will happen this season and spoil any surprises. I don't want to have any clue in advance about what's going to happen.
Page - yikes!
Comment to Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields - this is absolutely a sensational show, season after season! Easily the best show on tv! The lack of critical success reminds me of how "The Wire" managed to fly under the radar for 5 perfect seasons.
Anyway, well done! Keep it coming!
Page - yikes!
Comment to Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields - this is absolutely a sensational show, season after season! Easily the best show on tv! The lack of critical success reminds me of how "The Wire" managed to fly under the radar for 5 perfect seasons.
Anyway, well done! Keep it coming!
Last season ended in March 1983 with President Reagan's Evil Empire speech. From 1983 to 1985, the USSR changes leaders thrice, from Yuri Andropov to Konstantin Chernenko to Mikhail Gorbachev, I'm curious how or if these changes will have on the characters. And will Samantha Smith get a mention?
This is the only tv show I watch. How about adding some of the 80's rebels to your soundtrack. The Clash. Bruce Cockburn and don't forget Jackson Brown
Jackson Browne a rebel? LMAO! Doonsebury was making fun of his irrelevance almost a decade before the setting of The Americans.
Why O WHY does FX not re-run (with high publicity) the prior season in the run-up to a new season ?? Husband & I save such via DVR, but it seems a no-brainer to refresh viewers, spark them up for the premiere, & suck in new devotees, especially to "The Americans," which benefits from repeated viewings.
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Streaming. It's all there.
I think they did rerun last season's eps (minus the high publicity) as I noticed a few in a row airing in the middle of the night. Unfortunately that's when FX tends to run it prior to a new season, 2 or 3 eps on one weeknight at around 2AM over a few weeks. They've done that with other series.
Paige and Henry have always been model children, and Paige has always looked out for her little brother. How will she keep the secret from him as to their parents' identities? Also, it would be natural for her to draw away from them after the big reveal, and that would also leave Henry more alone and vulnerable. How will he deal with that?
Are you excited to get to the point in history when the USSR starts to fall apart? I'm sure you've thought about how all that will effect those characters...
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I want to know more about the other star of the show—the wigs. Who designs them (in real life, not in the show)? Where do Phillip and elizabeth keep their massive wig collection? I'm imagining a false wall with racks and racks of wigs behind it, or maybe a safe house just for the wigs. Will we ever get to see their rationale for picking a particular wig for a partcular mission, and their process of getting into disguise?
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Wigspy could answer but then you'd have to be evaporated.
As a computer geek who came of age in the 1980s, I love all the VT100s and DEC computer equipment shown during the series. Who did you work with to get (or fake) a working DEC-20 and IMP (Interface Message Processor)?
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How long historically do you want the show to go? Until 2010? Or would you like to have the main characters (or may be the kids?) become the mastermind behind the current crisis in Ukraine, Crimea and Syria ?
I really don't want an answer to that. I just want the show to play out.
Will the rise of Solidarity in Poland be explored? Especially its effect on our favorite Soviet spies. I always thought that the the rise of an actual workers union with anti-communist ideology was very important to the eventual end of Soviet Communism. The Soviet ideology said that the Communists were the protectors of the working man, but the Solidarity Union showed how empty that premise had become. It must have shaken true believers, like Ms. Russell's character.
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The series has been very interesting thus far. I think that 1989-90 must have been very challenging in lots of ways for these types of agents in real life, and I am wondering if you have a been thinking of ways to get to that period.
The term has spread like wildfire -- or the kudzu vine -- but I am at a cultural loss: What is a "showrunner"?
Ditto
The person who "runs" the show, used to be called the executive producer.
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I love the period music interjected into the episodes. I thought the choices were excellent. It seems like less and less music is being used with each season. Is that a conscious decision?
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Hi -
Love the show, can't wait for the return! Question: have you seen any changes in the actors' relationship on screen now that they are involved off-screen?
Love the show, can't wait for the return! Question: have you seen any changes in the actors' relationship on screen now that they are involved off-screen?
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http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-milton-mankoff/defending-the-americans-...