The Jennings are given a particularly brutal mission to carry out.
I can't say that I enjoyed this episode due to the especially disturbing subject matter. However, in my view, it cannot be denied that it is very well made and particularly impactful.
The plot is compelling, particularly when it reaches its climactic scenes, which are utterly harrowing. Certain characters for me were already past any point of possible redemption, but this episode pushes them way across that line and it's pretty much acknowledged by one character's reaction in the very last scene. Other plot threads are good such as those involving Paige and Henry. The scenes in Russia were strong, particularly the interrogation scene.
There is an element of greyness around this episode and it's themes, particularly how the system in the Soviet Union punishes individuals for what on the surface looks like justifiable reasons. Then when you look closer and discover that lots of people (and their actions) do not actually match that black and white view of the system.
For almost five full series the development of two characters explicitly implied that they are very different in their dedication to a cause. One seems as if they would change their life in a heartbeat, whilst the other, who values a cause above everything, soldiers on like a machine. There has been a number of false dawns where I wondered if this would be the tipping point, yet it never happened. As Gabriel said previously 'it all adds up' and maybe finally their souls are so weighed down they need a change of life or risk drowning in their own guilt.
I am at a loss as to predict where any form of positive resolution would come from at the end of The Americans (outside of Paige and Henry being safe and going on to live as happy and fulfilling lives as possible) but I am intrigued to find out.
As in all episodes, Dyatkovo has great production values and performances from all actors.
