Darkroom

do not be misled by the low rating and "yawn" of the other review posted up to now. in fact i am reviewing the episode partly because of that review. i fail to understand how anyone who has seen the previous 4 seasons, and other episodes of this season, can find this episode and season boring.

this specific episode has at least two directly contrasted, beautifully crafted and acted, scenes, with great emotional impact, that would, in addition, make any intelligent person think about lots of things, both in and out of the series.

this TV show is great precisely because of its willingness to develop and explore complex characterizations and motivations. it also explores values that guide people and societies. nobody is perfect or simple. there are multiple motives for actions within each character. different characters may engage in same or similar actions, due to very different or similar motives, even though they may or may not have much in common. from the first, series took its time to do all that, instead of rushing things.

show demands a lot from viewers. it explains some things, hints at others, and for others it lets viewers completely on their own. it is willing to let viewers feel uncomfortable and uneasy. it certainly won't give easy solutions, or in some cases any solution at all.

there was and are some enjoyable action sequences, though less after the first two seasons. but anyone sticking with the series would know by now that action sequences are only a secondary pleasure here.

in reply to other review, i would say paige was there from the first, and her far from perfect, whining self, is part of the fabric of this series, and she is more integral to its unique tone,than any of the rather interchangeable spying missions.

Paige finds something whilst babysitting for Pastor Tim.

This is a very strong episode with a number of memorable scenes, but one in particular is very impactful.

Like much of series 5 this plot is very character focussed and this one has a lot of emphasis on one particular mission the characters involved. However what makes it all so memorable as another reviewer points out are two particularly contrasting scenes.

This episode gives you the kind of sucker punch The Americans has done previously. It softens you up with one scene, then strikes like a cobra in the next. Paige already had my sympathy, but i think if I met someone in her predicament I would offer to adopt her after this episode.

All the visuals, editing and use of music is excellent, particularly in that one haunting scene.

The actors do great work as ever. Holly Taylor is excellent, along with Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell.

The earlier review entitled 'yawn' either has to be someone's idea of a joke or a reaction to not understanding the show's main themes.

For me it's an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.