"The Americans" The World Council of Churches (TV Episode 2017) Poster

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9/10
Very strong episode with great visual storytelling
snoozejonc18 March 2021
Phillip and Elizabeth consider the impact of a huge decision.

This is another strong reflective episode with great dialogue, visuals and performances.

The plot is character driven with a lot of emphasis on potential repercussions should a certain path be chosen. Personally I think it continues the solid job of laying the groundwork work for series six, where I expect a lot of hugely memorable moments to spring from seeds planted here. In Russia the sub-plots are getting quite compelling and I'm getting invested in the fate of both Oleg and Mischa.

I love the visuals and editing in this episode. The warm, rich colourful settings in America are contrasted to great effect with the cold, grey Moscow cityscapes. There is one sequence that transitions from a perfect, cosy family meal at the Jennings house to an oppressive, polluted industrial scene in Moscow. This works fabulous irony into the development of Henry's character-arc and the dilemma his parents are wrestling with.

Performances are excellent, particularly Costa Ronin, Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell.

I can see some reviewers are struggling with the change of tone in series five which is primarily psychological drama focusing on a number of characters with less emphasis on the spy/action thrills. For me it's equally as well made as past series, just in a different way. Some of the moments such as simple interactions and dialogues are as crushing and memorable as ever, just without the same level of easy spectacle as an assassination or sting operation.

For me this one is an 8.5/10 but I round upwards.
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7/10
Season 5 saves itself with the final two episodes.
mm-3920 June 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Season 5 saves itself with the final two episodes. I hope Phil and Liz get theirs! The poor Russian kid is tormented to suicide. Paige is a mental mess, and pastor Tim is sent away. I wonder if Paige will turn into another savage agent. One wonders if Phil will mentally break and or get caught. Oleg Burov becomes disillusioned with the Soviet system's corruption. The World Council of Churches is a segue episode for season six. I bet the Jennings will come to a head. Oleg will become a double agent for season six.
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6/10
Episode 512
bobcobb30126 May 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Ugh, just when I thought we were free of Tuan, he comes back. This season is taking on a weird turn with a lot of recent episodes involving the Jennings and Tuan figuring out ways to torture a high school student.

I hope this isn't the end of Pastor Tim either. They need something big to happen in the finale.

I don't know, something about this season has just not felt impactful.
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2/10
Soooo Disappointing
pensterlab31 May 2017
OMG !!! I have been waiting for this season to spark into life yet here we are nearly at the finale and its become a damp squib The writing for this season has been awful and the new characters are just plain boring and as for the wheat story plot its embarrassing I just love this series and more effort is needed for the next one or I will be an ex fan.
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4/10
Big Dud
bobtis1 June 2017
This is a great example of a series going on for much too long. The season finale was just BAD. Where is this going to go are we to think deep down that they love living in America and know life in the USSR won't not be close to what they have now? Loved this show but it had better get going or make it a final season. Showing how the US won the cold war.
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