The Americans (1 Viewer)

[Righetti]

Every Martha scene makes me uncomfortable. I really wish she was hot.

A hot chick probably wouldn't get rooked this easily. Martha's jumping on the first train she can find. And Chris...GTFO out of this thread. There are no flatscreens in 1981, buddy.

Agreed, no way she falls for Clark if she looks like Nina

 

[oso diablo]

agree on the duck, but not on the criticism of the granny stone-cold killer scene. i thought that was great.

 

[NMYMND]

Had to look this up this morning since the show gave me two time real time points - the show's final 10 episodes of the year took place in less than two months. They gave us Reagan shot in the 3rd episode - Monday, March 20, 1981 - and one of the scenes in the final episode referenced watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals - Thursday, May 21, 1981. The car chase - a day or two after the Stanley Cup game - was obviously filmed when there were no leaves on the trees, and that would be unusual in late May in DC - except maybe this year.

Not really earth-shattering or nitpicking, just something that clicked - partially because of the Star Wars sheets, and this was post Empire.

 

[johnnycakes]

agree on the duck, but not on the criticism of the granny stone-cold killer scene. i thought that was great.

Yeah, they seem to have transitioned granny from a loathesome automaton who blindly follows orders without question into a reasonably likeable character who does question her orders but follows them when she doesn't get the answer she wants. Somehow, I hope we haven't seen the last of her.

And I liked the coffee shop scene where granny tells Elizabeth she had to fill out a fitness questionnaire... 27 sections too bad Elizabeth didn't fire back with, "Granny, this isn't about you or me."

As for nina... the actress speaks 6 languages.

 

[meanjoegreen]

I enjoy the show. But don't think anyone is missing much if they skipped this. Would only recommend it to someone who just watches everything.

Thought the scene with Granny killing that dude could have been a bit slicker. His radar was up but then he just gave in. A bit weak after what happened to him.. She should have tasered him when he came back with the door slightly ajar then snipped the chain with a bolt-cutter. Doesn't take too much thought to script a more plausible scene.

The getaway? I can handle that. An instance where you have to suspend disbelief to have a show. Although Felicity should have been ducking in the car considering the authorities are looking for a couple. It's the little things.

Overall B+. Enjoyable but I'm not raving about it to anyone.

The authorities were looking for a specific car more than a couple riding in any car. I thought the granny scene was good. This isn't necessarily targeted at you, but I think it's silly to criticize fictional shows that are created for entertainment. It seems like it would suck the fun out of watching shows to constantly rag on what didn't seem real. I think people who want 100% realism should stick with watching documentaries.

 

[meanjoegreen]

Every Martha scene makes me uncomfortable. I really wish she was hot.

A hot chick probably wouldn't get rooked this easily. Martha's jumping on the first train she can find. And Chris...GTFO out of this thread. There are no flatscreens in 1981, buddy.

Agreed, no way she falls for Clark if she looks like Nina

Nina is getting it on with FBI guy who isn't better looking than Clark. Maybe you have never noticed, but there are a lot of good looking women in this world that love average looking men.

 

[snogger]

Every Martha scene makes me uncomfortable. I really wish she was hot.

A hot chick probably wouldn't get rooked this easily. Martha's jumping on the first train she can find.

And Chris...GTFO out of this thread. There are no flatscreens in 1981, buddy.

Agreed, no way she falls for Clark if she looks like Nina

Nina is getting it on with FBI guy who isn't better looking than Clark. Maybe you have never noticed, but there are a lot of good looking women in this world that love average looking men.

 

[Koya]

I had those Star Wars sheets!

Same here, except in dark blue. Told my wife. She was rather nonplussed at my excitement.

Realized that I was that kids age basically, maybe a couple years younger (born in '73)

 

[Koya]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

 

[jamny]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

I agree.

Solid show all around. No complaints, and I'm usually one who likes a little more action. Can't wait for next season.

 

[Insein]

Had to look this up this morning since the show gave me two time real time points - the show's final 10 episodes of the year took place in less than two months. They gave us Reagan shot in the 3rd episode - Monday, March 20, 1981 - and one of the scenes in the final episode referenced watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals - Thursday, May 21, 1981. The car chase - a day or two after the Stanley Cup game - was obviously filmed when there were no leaves on the trees, and that would be unusual in late May in DC - except maybe this year. Not really earth-shattering or nitpicking, just something that clicked - partially because of the Star Wars sheets, and this was post Empire.

Probably an oversight for wanting to get a hockey reference in there. I feel its been at least a year since the start with all the relationships built. The neighbors, Martha and Clark, nina and beaman, couldn't all be done in 2 months.

 

[Insein]

Nina is in a survival position and is trying to use her best asset. Martha is just an average women who never thought she'd get married.

 

[FlapJacks]

The show is strong, but it's the little things that keep it from reaching that Breaking Bad/Wire etc tier.

 

[jamny]

The show is strong, but it's the little things that keep it from reaching that Breaking Bad/Wire etc tier.

Very few shows are and I never expect a show to match those two.

I'd say it's on par with Homeland (I've only seen the first season) and better than The Following and The Killing

 

[Limp Ditka]

What are the odds of a 1981 Stanley Cup Finals game, between NYI and Minn North Stars, being broadcast on tv in Wash DC?

 

[Psychopav]

Had to look this up this morning since the show gave me two time real time points - the show's final 10 episodes of the year took place in less than two months. They gave us Reagan shot in the 3rd episode - Monday, March 20, 1981 - and one of the scenes in the final episode referenced watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals - Thursday, May 21, 1981. The car chase - a day or two after the Stanley Cup game - was obviously filmed when there were no leaves on the trees, and that would be unusual in late May in DC - except maybe this year.

Not really earth-shattering or nitpicking, just something that clicked - partially because of the Star Wars sheets, and this was post Empire.

Pretty sure mom didn't throw out the SW sheets when Empire came out just because there was a new movie.

I'm just sayin'...

 

[oso diablo]

What are the odds of a 1981 Stanley Cup Finals game, between NYI and Minn North Stars, being broadcast on tv in Wash DC?

source

"All Stanley Cup finals games from 1981 to 1994 were on carried nationally on cable in the United States, via USA Network, ESPN, SportsChannel America and then ESPN again."

 

[Major]

Had to look this up this morning since the show gave me two time real time points - the show's final 10 episodes of the year took place in less than two months. They gave us Reagan shot in the 3rd episode - Monday, March 20, 1981 - and one of the scenes in the final episode referenced watching Game 5 of the Stanley Cup finals - Thursday, May 21, 1981. The car chase - a day or two after the Stanley Cup game - was obviously filmed when there were no leaves on the trees, and that would be unusual in late May in DC - except maybe this year.

Not really earth-shattering or nitpicking, just something that clicked - partially because of the Star Wars sheets, and this was post Empire.

And the sons baseball cards on his bedpost were mid-late 80s Topps. smh

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

The kids on this show should teach the kids on Homeland how not to be annoying.

Henry: Dad! Check it out! Big screen TV!

 

[oso diablo]

And I liked the coffee shop scene where granny tells Elizabeth she had to fill out a fitness questionnaire... 27 sections too bad Elizabeth didn't fire back with, "Granny, this isn't about you or me."

i can't remember the exact quote, but i liked what Elizabeth actually said better than this. Some sarcastic crack about how dangerous her (granny's) job is.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

Excellent finale. Loved the use of Games Without Frontiers. Killer tune, and a great spot for it.

"She's so funky! Yeah!"

 

[Limp Ditka]

The kids on this show should teach the kids on Homeland how not to be annoying.

Henry: Dad! Check it out! Big screen TV!

We had one like this.

http://www.technikum29.de/shared/photos/kommunikationstechnik/sony_kp5010.jpg

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

The kids on this show should teach the kids on Homeland how not to be annoying.

Henry: Dad! Check it out! Big screen TV!

We had one like this.

http://www.technikum29.de/shared/photos/kommunikationstechnik/sony_kp5010.jpg

You must have been rich.

 

[Limp Ditka]

The kids on this show should teach the kids on Homeland how not to be annoying.

Henry: Dad! Check it out! Big screen TV!

We had one like this.

http://www.technikum29.de/shared/photos/kommunikationstechnik/sony_kp5010.jpg

You must have been rich.

I believe the correct term is frivolous.

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

The kids on this show should teach the kids on Homeland how not to be annoying.

Henry: Dad! Check it out! Big screen TV!

We had one like this.

http://www.technikum29.de/shared/photos/kommunikationstechnik/sony_kp5010.jpg

You must have been rich.

I believe the correct term is frivolous.

Or you grew up in a Pizza Hut or Shakey's.

 

[Limp Ditka]

The kids on this show should teach the kids on Homeland how not to be annoying.

Henry: Dad! Check it out! Big screen TV!

We had one like this.

http://www.technikum29.de/shared/photos/kommunikationstechnik/sony_kp5010.jpg

You must have been rich.

I believe the correct term is frivolous.

Or you grew up in a Pizza Hut or Shakey's.

Depends on the year

 

[ATC1]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

 

[ATC1]

How did Granny find out who shot her "lover" Russian leader?

 

[Officer Pete Malloy]

How did Granny find out who shot her "lover" Russian leader?

Hint: They're spies and the writing isn't perfect.

 

[Sabertooth]

Holy crap... Martha's old-as-dirt father was "Larry Dallas" from Three's Company.

Ol' Larry ain't a swinger no more.

I saw it immediately.

 

[ATC1]

How did Granny find out who shot her "lover" Russian leader?

Hint: They're spies and the writing isn't perfect.

I thought the scene was well done. i had no idea how this guy was involved in the story (did not remember him as the assassin) until Granny shows him the picture. I thought maybe I judt missed where Granny found out.

 

[Hawks64]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

 

[jamny]

How did Granny find out who shot her "lover" Russian leader?

Hint: They're spies and the writing isn't perfect.

I thought the scene was well done. i had no idea how this guy was involved in the story (did not remember him as the assassin) until Granny shows him the picture. I thought maybe I judt missed where Granny found out.

It's the same guy that Elizabeth seduces and kidnaps, then lets go instead of killing. Claudia told Elizabeth that he was in charge of the assassination in order to get her to kill him. She had to do it herself.

 

[Hawks64]

How did Granny find out who shot her "lover" Russian leader?

Hint: They're spies and the writing isn't perfect.

I thought the scene was well done. i had no idea how this guy was involved in the story (did not remember him as the assassin) until Granny shows him the picture. I thought maybe I judt missed where Granny found out.

He wasn't the assassin. He is the CIA guy who is responsible for all operations.

 

[Sabertooth]

The grannykill was awesome. Cold blooded. I thought that was the guy that the wife let go who she picked up at the bar.

 

[ATC1]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

He was suspicious at one point. It would seem very suspicious to me and just seemed rather foolish. I sure it will play a role in the next season.

 

[ATC1]

How did Granny find out who shot her "lover" Russian leader?

Hint: They're spies and the writing isn't perfect.

I thought the scene was well done. i had no idea how this guy was involved in the story (did not remember him as the assassin) until Granny shows him the picture. I thought maybe I judt missed where Granny found out.

It's the same guy that Elizabeth seduces and kidnaps, then lets go instead of killing. Claudia told Elizabeth that he was in charge of the assassination in order to get her to kill him. She had to do it herself.

Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

[Koya]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Is the FBI guy suspicious of them at this point? I thought that wrinkle worked itself out.

That said, it was a surprise for me too - perhaps some liberty with what's believable to get an excuse for the plot twist of the kids living with the FBI. Not saying that's a great excuse but may be a bit of a weak point to provide for a plot line.

 

[Hawks64]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

He was suspicious at one point. It would seem very suspicious to me and just seemed rather foolish. I sure it will play a role in the next season.

I don't think he ever was, I think it was shown in a way that made it look like he was but IMO he isn't based on his behavior.

 

[Righetti]

Nina is in a survival position and is trying to use her best asset. Martha is just an average women who never thought she'd get married.

this..

 

[ATC1]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

He was suspicious at one point. It would seem very suspicious to me and just seemed rather foolish. I sure it will play a role in the next season.

I don't think he ever was, I think it was shown in a way that made it look like he was but IMO he isn't based on his behavior.

He broke into the garage and searched the trunk of their car for a kidnapped Russian defect the 2nd or 3rd episode. Phillip waited for him in the garage in case he shown any sign of suspicion, so Phillip knows the FBI was suspicious at some point.

 

[Righetti]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Is the FBI guy suspicious of them at this point? I thought that wrinkle worked itself out.

That said, it was a surprise for me too - perhaps some liberty with what's believable to get an excuse for the plot twist of the kids living with the FBI. Not saying that's a great excuse but may be a bit of a weak point to provide for a plot line.

I saw this as complete desperation on Philip's part.. he knows that this is not the smartest decision but he can't stand the thought of leaving Elizabeth behind, especially because he (inadvertently) sent her into the trap.

 

[Righetti]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

He was suspicious at one point. It would seem very suspicious to me and just seemed rather foolish. I sure it will play a role in the next season.

I don't think he ever was, I think it was shown in a way that made it look like he was but IMO he isn't based on his behavior.

He broke into the garage and searched the trunk of their car for a kidnapped Russian defect the 2nd or 3rd episode. Phillip waited for him in the garage in case he shown any sign of suspicion, so Phillip knows the FBI was suspicious at some point.

I sort of saw that as being in Stan's nature, to be suspicious but when he found nothing he dropped it.. could be mistaken though

 

[Hawks64]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

He was suspicious at one point. It would seem very suspicious to me and just seemed rather foolish. I sure it will play a role in the next season.

I don't think he ever was, I think it was shown in a way that made it look like he was but IMO he isn't based on his behavior.

He broke into the garage and searched the trunk of their car for a kidnapped Russian defect the 2nd or 3rd episode. Phillip waited for him in the garage in case he shown any sign of suspicion, so Phillip knows the FBI was suspicious at some point.

I totally forgot about that.

 

[meanjoegreen]

The only thing that bothered me was the end when Phillip calls his FBI neighbor, who is probably the one who shot Elizabeth, to take the kids in because there was a family emergency. Ok, that doesn't throw a red flag when the FBI guy was already suspicious of them.

Stan isn't suspicious of them, so why would it throw a red flag? Hell in that episode he says that Phillip got him a deal on the trip he wants to take with his wife.

He was suspicious at one point. It would seem very suspicious to me and just seemed rather foolish. I sure it will play a role in the next season.

I don't think he ever was, I think it was shown in a way that made it look like he was but IMO he isn't based on his behavior.

He broke into the garage and searched the trunk of their car for a kidnapped Russian defect the 2nd or 3rd episode. Phillip waited for him in the garage in case he shown any sign of suspicion, so Phillip knows the FBI was suspicious at some point.

I sort of saw that as being in Stan's nature, to be suspicious but when he found nothing he dropped it.. could be mistaken though

At the beginning of the season when he moved into the neighborhood, he noticed that his neighbors drove a car that matched the description of a recent incident so he checked out the car, and their trash. He wasn't suspicious anymore after he was satisfied with his search.

 

[Thunderlips]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

Kind of killed it for me when the kid had a couple of 1987 Topps baseball cards on his headboard.

 

[Koya]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

Kind of killed it for me when the kid had a couple of 1987 Topps baseball cards on his headboard.

I didn't notice, but thats a big error re: continuity. Have been a few of those types of items with this show, but I'll suspend my disbelief because I like the plot lines, like the characters and enjoy the show overall. Far, far more good than bad imo.

 

[Insein]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

Kind of killed it for me when the kid had a couple of 1987 Topps baseball cards on his headboard.

I would wager a guess that 99% of the audience didn't notice it.

 

[Koya]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

Kind of killed it for me when the kid had a couple of 1987 Topps baseball cards on his headboard.

I would wager a guess that 99% of the audience didn't notice it.

While most (including myself) didnt notice, it's a bit of a rookie mistake. Continuity crew needs to know the time frame. It's one thing if somehow a lapel is a quarter inch off and more 1987 than 1981, but to have the wrong year baseball card seems more obvious and easy to get right.

Basically, too many good aspects to this show to have something like that, but again, I love the show so I'm willing to move on.

 

[Insein]

Man, tough crowd here. Considering how people went so overboard on something like Soprano's (so overated imo, certainly after the first couple of seasons) - not sure what we can expect from a first season on basic cable.

Kind of killed it for me when the kid had a couple of 1987 Topps baseball cards on his headboard.

I would wager a guess that 99% of the audience didn't notice it.

While most (including myself) didnt notice, it's a bit of a rookie mistake. Continuity crew needs to know the time frame. It's one thing if somehow a lapel is a quarter inch off and more 1987 than 1981, but to have the wrong year baseball card seems more obvious and easy to get right. Basically, too many good aspects to this show to have something like that, but again, I love the show so I'm willing to move on.

A first year show has a small budget. So ill forgive them if they didn't have the right year baseball card mainly cause it has nothing to do with the plot. Hell the first Gregory episode had a 2007+ chevy pickup in the background. Didn't detract for me. But to each their own.