Echo

First, its hard to be concerned about "spoilers" or giving away anything if you've read the Storyline which is front and center on the main page here on IMDB. They lay out the majority of what happens in "Echo." Still, for anyone who may read this before seeing it, I wont give much away.

My attraction to The Americans was and is based on how it tackles the realities of US-Soviet relations in the 80s, wrapping the stories around real events that happened in DC and beyond. Its fully understood much of this is fictional dramatization for the purpose of entertainment, and, well, ratings.

We also understand with shows such as this there will be a high body count, and new characters who are brought in are most often going to have a short shelf life.

I like some aspects of this series, but am troubled by more than I find appealing. I wont go into that much in this review, instead focusing on the culmination of season 2.

The whole ECHO storyline was preposterous. An every day FBI agent would not have gained such easy access to the program, been given so much information about it, and been able to smuggle it out so cleanly. Nothing about that part of this episode rang true.

The entire return of Larrick in the final episodes was uneven, and mostly a "check your brain at the door" arc. Way too many plot holes, but more that it just didnt play out in a convincing fashion. Not unusual when you watch shows of this nature, when they have to keep the main characters alive and kicking, though.

Also, based upon the relationship of Stan and Nina, what they had gone through up to this point, and where their lives now were {mostly in shambles, apart from each other}, it would have been more realistic that they would indeed "run for the hills" to try to form a new life together. But Stan, being so vital to the future of the show, no, we wouldnt have that, so the choice he makes was expected.

One more thought - the irony of how much the parents are enraged by their daughter's interest in exploring the Christian faith, abhorring its "indoctrination" while being blind to how much their own indoctrination has controlled every aspect of their lives. But knowing how much Hollywood detests followers of Christ with every fiber of their being, even though this arc has given a fairly balanced view from both sides - so far - my expectations for this aspect of the show are for Hollywood to hit their usual low bar over the course of future seasons.

I have not yet seen this show in its entirety but have seen much of it beyond this season. One episode that is upcoming in {I believe} season 3 stuck in my brain when I first saw it as one of the most grueling things I've ever witnessed in a televised series. There are few restrictions on how graphic this show is willing to stretch, including the sexual escapades that have given us far more body parts and flesh than were anywhere near necessary. Maybe one day shows will once again find the courage and creativity to raise the bar in these areas, but as we continue to tread into deeper, darker waters, again I dont see that happening. Too bad, because shows such as The Americans and the like could easily be just as compelling without all the "adult" (sic) content. Even more so.

The Jennings' receive some disturbing information about the KGB's future plans, whilst Stan makes an important decision.

This is a very strong finish to the second series that wraps up the stories and brilliantly hooks you in for the ongoing show narrative.

There is virtually nothing I can say about plot details without spoiling. It's safe to say that not only are the big questions answered, but larger and more disturbing questions are asked, that compel you to watch the next series. The writing is very clever, as always, containing parallels between people, interesting character development and substantial amount or irony.

All performances are brilliant with Noah Emmerich, Matthew Rhys, Owen Campbell, John Carroll Lynch and Holly Taylor particularly good.

The cinematography and editing is as strong as ever with some excellent visual story telling, particularly in the scenes involving Stan and Nina.

I had mixed feelings on scoring it. I was largely able to guess what happens in the two main plots, but bowled over by the final ten or so minutes that put an entirely different perspective on life for the Jennings. Looking back at the season as a whole and I can see the relevance of all the character development leading to these scenes. The writing is methodical and I am now questioning the 'why' on everything, wondering what it might mean for the direction of the show.

I laughed out loud at the reviewer who gave it 1/10. Some of the things presented on screen are obviously taken literally by some people.

Not perfect, but almost, so I'm giving it 9.5/10 and round upwards.