dex14

Deftones

It is about time to just ship Paige off. She is going to ruin everything.

mnementh

She couldn't even keep Henry's secret. Foreshadowing?

Decker

I'm more than a little worried for poor Martha right now. This looks like the end of the line for her.

They spent an awful lot of time on the Russian Embassy's bugging of the mail robot. If that is supposed to be an important subplot, I sure don't know or remember why.

rocket1312

This show is just fantastic. I still can't figure out why it doesn't get more attention than it does.

I can't wait to see what they do with Martha. Unfortunately I can't imagine any way out of this situation that goes well for her. I really think Phillip does care about her though, so I don't see him be excited with the idea of killing her. I also don't think she'll be willing to buy into another lie at this point, so he may have no choice.

Between Martha and Paige, the Jennings' world is really starting to crumble around them. It makes me wonder if the writers are moving towards an endgame. Obviously the show is coming back next year, but it doesn't get good ratings and (inexplicably) gets little to no awards buzz despite its critical acclaim. I can't imagine it will be around much longer unless it starts collecting Emmys. As much as I love the show, I'd rather it have a definitive end after 4 seasons than have it stretch things out inorganically only to be suddenly canceled.

creekdipper

We really like the show but agree that, if the meandering, teasing plot lines keep up, seems that 4 seasons would be about right to end things on a high note.

Between the "Kimmie" teasing, newbie spy intern, Nadia diversions, Stan's EST & divorce dilemmas, and the hand-wringing over Paige, there does seem to be a lack of focus this season. Lots of subplots that don't deliver. The mail robot thing better pay off with a big security breach coup.

Even with these criticisms, still like the show much more than some standard-action "spy show" (Nikita, for instance). Actually enjoy subplots as long as they move the show forward.

At least the pen bug was used as a story device to put the mental squeeze on Martha & create another crisis of conscience for Phillip.

PhantomStranger

I've been happier with this season on an episode to episode basis, they've definitely tightened up the writing and characterization. Last season did have the very compelling Nina arc of will she or won't she turn traitor. I don't know about others but I really don't care too much about Paige as a character, she was a background character so long it is hard to get emotionally invested in her arc.

I think in reality the KGB wouldn't in their right minds try to turn Paige. Elizabeth and Philip are far too valuable of assets for the KGB to risk losing them for a 14-year-old girl that has no allegiance to the USSR.

slop101

Because nothing fucking happens. Really! Sure, there's a lot of build up and tension that ultimately leads to... nothing. And due to the premise of the show, nothing really can happen until the very end. So everything's pretty much been one tease after another, with every set up ending in a whimper because nothing can happen to the leads without the show changing drastically.

But then they show us Kerri Russell's amazing ass and all is forgiven!

Decker

Ive heard they're looking at a five season run. That sounds about right, can't keep all these plates spinning forever
I heard an interesting theory on the Andy Greenwald Podcast episode on The Americans : He suggested that the ratings remain low because the show streams exclusively on Amazon Prime which a lot of folks dont have. This is a show that you can't just dive into in Season three and without the abilty to binge watch and catch up on previous seasons, you can't build your audience up.

As far as why doesn't it get more Emmy love, your guess is as good as mine but with four of last year's Best Actor Drama nominees ineligible this year, I hope at least Matthew Rhys gets a nod for this season.

rocket1312

I guess I just don't see what people would want that's different. I mean this show is never going to be 24. Besides, some pretty big dominoes have fallen this season and every scene (well maybe not the stuff in the Rezidentura) has me glued to my seat. The leads are all so good and sure, there's a lot of storylines that are just simmering in the background, but until we get to the point where something is definitively never paid off, I guess I don't get the complaints.

RoyalTea

I'm kind of surprised FX didn't renew it for two years. We're in season 3 right now, they could have come out and said there will be season 4 and they'll wrap it up in season 5.

johnnysd

Maybe they show her in the previews for next week but I thought the wig reveal meant that he would kill her right then, especially with the foreshadowing dialogue on here room never being converted to a sewing room.

Decker

Well we still have Martha's "Chekov's Gun" in the drawer to deal with.

PhantomStranger

Wasn't that shown a couple of episodes ago? I guess Martha could shoot Philip.

sleepyhead55

I think she's a goner. Look at Phillip's facial expressions when he is removing his wig. It isn't exactly nice and peachy.

Thrush

Philips removing of the wig is basically his last ditch effort to get Martha in line. If she doesnt get on board and tries to leave shes toast. I dont know why she was waiting around for him. She should have booked and maybe called him after the fact.

johnnysd

On a related note, I do think there is something off with the new FBI agent. How are they going to tie up all the dangling threads in the finale, seems like it would need to be 3 hours.

Raul3

Great episode.

And yeah, Martha should be gone. Poor Phillip.