The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
#1
Moderator
Thread Starter
The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
Episode 3 / Production #403 - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" (Airs March 30, 10:00 pm e/p) - Paige copes with new burdens that come with her family's secret - as Philip and Elizabeth struggle to contain their cover without destroying their daughter. Written by Stephen Schiff; directed by Kevin Dowling.
#2
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Home of 2013 NFL champion Seahawks
Posts: 52,675
Received 1,021 Likes
on
843 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I'm actually surprised they did try to talk with Pastor Tim. Of course there's no way it ends well for him.
#3
DVD Talk God
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
so what was up with the asian lady? another person they are trying to work? i don't recall her. i was thinking it was similar to that african american woman she became friends with because she worked at a facility they needed intel at. but i can't see the angle of needing someone who works for mary kay.
#4
DVD Talk Godfather
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Home of 2013 NFL champion Seahawks
Posts: 52,675
Received 1,021 Likes
on
843 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I don't know. She seemed kind of random. Just another person for them to eventually kill.
#5
DVD Talk God
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Directionally Challenged (for DirecTV)
Posts: 130,288
Received 618 Likes
on
497 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
so what was up with the asian lady? another person they are trying to work? i don't recall her. i was thinking it was similar to that african american woman she became friends with because she worked at a facility they needed intel at. but i can't see the angle of needing someone who works for mary kay.
#6
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
Anyone notice Paige had a TrapperKeeper when she was doing homework on her bed? I had one in grade school in the early 80's as it was the coolest thing at that time.
When does Paige spill the beans to Henry? That look she gave him at the end when he's playing video games seems to me she's thinking about it.
When does Paige spill the beans to Henry? That look she gave him at the end when he's playing video games seems to me she's thinking about it.
#7
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I'm thinking the relationship is to either further Elizabeth's assimilation into American culture via "real" friendships and only-in-the-USA activities like selling Mary Kay, OR to set up some sort of espionage related to the Asian woman's younger brother (otherwise the extended bit about wines and ABV is super random).
#8
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
That's what I assumed. Elizabeth is working the woman to get info from/about the other guy. I think the long term fallout will be that Elizabeth actually ends up with something resembling a friend and that will compromise her ability to stay detached. Will she be able to do her job if she is emotionally invested in one of her assignments? We've seen Philip grapple with that since the beginning, but it's new territory for Elizabeth.
#11
DVD Talk Ultimate Edition
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
"Of course not, honey. You know us better than that."
(And yeah, totally noticed the TrapperKeeper. Classic.)
The look on Philip's face during some of Pastor Tim's comments should have made Pastor Tim very afraid.
#12
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I'm thinking the relationship is to either further Elizabeth's assimilation into American culture via "real" friendships and only-in-the-USA activities like selling Mary Kay, OR to set up some sort of espionage related to the Asian woman's younger brother (otherwise the extended bit about wines and ABV is super random).
#13
DVD Talk Godfather
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
Also: finally, an appearance from the mail robot! My favorite character in the show.
#14
DVD Talk Special Edition
#15
DVD Talk Godfather
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Vista CA
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I think this may have been one of the top episodes in a the series. Excellent acting all around.
#17
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
#18
DVD Talk Special Edition
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I don't believe that I mentioned a phone. But while they probably do have access to one in Gabriel's apartment, they might not feel it's secure enough to try to contact and discuss this matter with some of those that they would if they did have a more secure line of communication open.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Vista CA
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Posts: 337
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
Great episode, I love this show.
The only negative so far this season has been the whole Nina story, but I'm hoping there will be some kind of payoff eventually.
I laughed out loud when the scientist took off running in the park. All it needed was Yakety Sax in the background.
The only negative so far this season has been the whole Nina story, but I'm hoping there will be some kind of payoff eventually.
I laughed out loud when the scientist took off running in the park. All it needed was Yakety Sax in the background.
#21
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
Don't get me wrong, I think she's great. It just seems crazy to me that the show gets almost no awards attention aside from Martindale. She won the Emmy last year despite only appearing in (I'm pretty sure) one scene. That tells me that the voters are just voting for the name and none of them actually watch the show.
#22
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I assume it's because they like the actress and want to keep her around, but to me the Nina stuff has felt disconnected to the show for two years now.
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Vista CA
Posts: 935
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
It's actually kind of fascinating to have a whole story, using one of the original cast members, taking place separating from the rest of the show. I can't think of a show that's so boldly done this before, and certainly not having everyone speak sub-titled Russian.
#24
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
I believe there has to be some type of payoff coming with her. I remember being bored by the Martha storyline in the first 2 seasons, and then the big payoff last year was worth it as now she could bring down Clark/Phillip with Stan stalking her.
#25
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Re: The Americans (S4E03) - "Experimental Prototype City of Tomorrow" - 3/30/16
Noticed the Trapper Keeper immediately and commented on it!
I was very confused by the Mary Kay lady too. I suppose she's a path to get the access codes for Level 4 containment, but I certainly don't recall any setup or conversations. Odd since this show gives so many details.
I have a feeling Stan is going to find out the secret by the end of the season. The confrontation in the season opener heavily mirrored the end of the pilot (both in the Jenning's garage), plus he's starting to follow Martha. Given Phil doesn't use a disguise any more, he'll be spotted immediately.
Did the FBI drop the manhunt for Phil and Elizabeth? They had that entire ops center setup.
I always thought the Travel Agency staff was a Russian front, but the comment from the guy booking the Disney vacation made it seem like he was a regular employee.
Oh, and Nina's dream was weird. I was surprised Oleg was not in it.
I was very confused by the Mary Kay lady too. I suppose she's a path to get the access codes for Level 4 containment, but I certainly don't recall any setup or conversations. Odd since this show gives so many details.
I have a feeling Stan is going to find out the secret by the end of the season. The confrontation in the season opener heavily mirrored the end of the pilot (both in the Jenning's garage), plus he's starting to follow Martha. Given Phil doesn't use a disguise any more, he'll be spotted immediately.
Did the FBI drop the manhunt for Phil and Elizabeth? They had that entire ops center setup.
I always thought the Travel Agency staff was a Russian front, but the comment from the guy booking the Disney vacation made it seem like he was a regular employee.
Oh, and Nina's dream was weird. I was surprised Oleg was not in it.