After tiptoeing around what exactly must be done with Paige, “Born Again” forces The Americans to expedite her integration process. Nothing that Elizabeth says to her daughter on that bench at the end of the episode is explicit about the kind of work that Elizabeth and Philip do. But after being challenged by Gabriel, who doubts whether or not Elizabeth is really going to go through with bringing in Paige, Elizabeth makes the first tangible step in that direction. Not only is the scene a satisfying payoff in an episode heavily featuring Paige and both her parents trying to give her advice, but it finally alleviates some of the staleness that was beginning to build around the subject over the course of the first half of this season. Paige has remained a compelling part of the story being told in The Americans this year, but the things she believes she’s learned will now be put to the test and considered alongside the very different kind of activism in which her parents take part.
While the conclusion of “Born Again” allows Elizabeth to go as far as she’s gone with Paige thus far, Philip gets a similar opportunity when he helps Paige hang up a poster in her room. The dramatic irony is at its strongest in this scene, since we understand that Paige is brushing off her father’s words because she thinks he’s trying to coax her out of her religious interests. However, we know that Philip is honestly trying to be a good father–in an episode that causes him to worry about that role, especially–and even though his words are meant to prepare her for whenever Elizabeth approaches her full-on, they’re also words designed to prepare a daughter for the adult world in general. Philip may wear one of the most entertaining grimaces ever during the baptism, but any hint of disappointment he could feel is entirely overcome by how protective he is of Paige. Whatever she ends up doing, whether that’s continuing with the church or becoming a KGB agent or doing something else altogether, what matters to Philip is that Paige is making her own decisions.
And that’s not to say that Elizabeth doesn’t value that autonomy. It’s just that Elizabeth sees so much potential within Paige that would be useful for the Soviet cause. She’s actually surprised by it when Paige catches her smoking because of how mature her response is. It’s similar to how, earlier in the season, Paige mentioned that she admired the way that her parents cared for each other more than anyone else in their lives, including her and Henry. That kind of objectivity is invaluable and, coupled with an active political interest, makes Paige a legitimate prospect for the new procedures that the Soviets are trying to undertake. It’s surprising for viewers, too (or at least for me), since the natural attitude of the show seemed to be favoring Philip’s side of the argument. Now, there are actually reasons to buy into the idea of Paige being exposed to the life of a real Jennings.
That life, of course, isn’t easy. Philip continues to be hit in the face with that reality, as shown by his interactions with Kimberley. Again, The Americans does a fantastic job of making Kimberley three-dimensional in a way that isn’t judgmental. Her recoil at the thought of losing Jim because she’s doing something wrong or isn’t attractive enough is a tell-tale sign of the insecurities that come with a turbulent home life. With the need to receive attention from someone, Kimberley latches onto Jim too strongly and feels like she has to seduce him to win him over. What she finds out, though, is that emotional support is even stronger. There’s huge comedy in how Philip uses religion to manipulate the situation to his advantage, but the earnestness of Kimberley’s participation in prayer is genuinely touching. She really cares about Jim and is learning how to be there for someone without the benefit of having a parent teach her that by leading by example. Like the Martha situation, we know that Philip’s involvement is circumstantial and that he probably doesn’t care for Kimberley more than he would a polite neighbor or coworker, but it doesn’t make the development on Kimberley’s side any less real or meaningful. The Americans established from day one that so many long-term investments and relationships are bound to lead to pain and heartache. What the characters learn along the way is ultimately more important than the outcomes.
Covert Observations:
– Nina also gets some prime material by agreeing to sell her cellmate out. Annet Mahendru’s performance continues to be stunning, from the ravage way Nina eats and drinks real food to the coldness of her gaze as her cellmate is dragged away screaming “What did you do!?” It’s one of the few real bone-chilling scenes in an episode of television this year if you’ve had the context thus far.
– On a lighter note, Stan’s life is kind of looking up. Despite losing an old friend, he feels less of the need to contact Sandra to work things out. And now he has a new girlfriend who seems to be able to bring out the best in him by using honesty as a tool. Who knew!?
– Henry is asking a bunch of questions at dinner. The whole “Shut up, Henry” attitude that almost everyone has is absolutely hilarious, but asking questions is actually a pretty good way to show that Henry is becoming more conscious of things going on around him.
– Really wish we could have heard whatever Pink Floyd song Jim had Kimberley listen to. I’m sure someone online has figured out the pool of songs it could possibly be.
– Elizabeth and Philip smoking together is one of the few scenes between the two that is free of stress. They get to laugh and have fun…until Philip says he might have to sleep with Kimberley if the operation drags on and she gets older. Way to ruin the moment.
– “I’m more like you than you think.”
[Photo via FX]
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