Reagan getting shot was always likely to make for a great episode of The Americans, and thankfully it didn't disappoint.
Tension and paranoia was eked out of every dark corner of 'In Control' as the Americans scrambled to find a connection to the Russians, and the Russians scrambled to make sure nuclear war wasn't about to kick off thanks to one lone Jodie Foster fanatic.
I pondered last week whether younger British viewers (which fortunately, I can still classify myself as in this case) without a full understanding of '80s American history would fully appreciate the richness of the spy series. However, this week's episode, which was full to the brim with real-life events and references, didn't appear to lose anything by investing so heavily in Cold War details.
The Jennings' attempts to sex up their marriage and their blossoming feelings were placed on the back-burner this week, and the attention was switched to the chaos and unease in both the FBI and Moscow.
Philip and Elizabeth were scrambling in the woods, killing an innocent security guard in a frazzled and frenzied state. The possibility of implementing Operation Christopher and heading into guerilla warfare mode divided the undercover couple.
Elizabeth got down and got on with it. Philip went all moody and fretted a lot. Ultimately, Philip was proven right in not jumping to conclusions and sending hasty warnings back to Moscow, but can the Jennings ever fully trust each other when they clearly have such different political views?
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"You still don't really understand this place," said Philip, who feared Moscow would launch World War 3. His loyalties have been severely tested by his experiences of American life. Elizabeth, on the other hand, remains firmly loyal to the cause. "I just remember where I came from," she hit back at her 'husband'. Her killing of the security guard was hard-as-nails, but it generated a weary headshake from her fellow spy.
The duo may be bonding in the bedroom, but while the divide between the pair's politics remains so stark, question marks remain over whether there can be a happy ending for the Jennings. And that's just as it should be.
Meanwhile, Beeman's home life came into focus, as it appears life as an FBI agent isn't conducive to a happy marriage either. Matters aren't being helped by the fact that his eyes are straying towards his rather pretty Russian mole. This can't end well.
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- It may have taken me four episodes to really appreciate it, but the title sequence for The Americans is really rather good. It's a Homeland rip-off, but with less freaky bits and Claire Danes.
- This week's totally awesome soundtrack song: Echo and the Bunnymen.
- Paige Jennings thinks the coverage of Reagan's shooting is "ghoulish". Just wait for Sky News, Paige. Just wait.
- Granny's real name is Claudia. I'm sticking with Granny. And can we have a prequel spinoff series featuring her on the ground in Stalingrad?
- Beeman's son is a laugh a minute. Jeez.
- Speaking of Beeman, those final, desperately sad scenes with his wife were beautifully shot and brilliantly acted by Noah Emmerich. The breakdown of his relationship acts in contrast to the growing trust and bond between the Jennings.
The Americans airs on Saturdays at 10pm on ITV.
'The Americans' season pass is also available on iTunes.
What did you think to episode four of The Americans? Let us know below.
