The Americans 1.12 FAQ
What’s it called?
“The Oath.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited (as was last week’s) to Joshua Brand (creator of “St. Elsewhere” and “Northern Exposure”) & Melissa James Gibson (screenwriter of the upcoming big-screen Rudd-Giamatti tree comedy “Almost Christmas”).
What says FX?
“One of Elizabeth's agents has key intel for sale, but she and Philip find themselves taking increasingly greater risks for what could well be a set-up. Meanwhile, Stan's pursuit of Directorate S suddenly begins to yield unexpected results.”
How does it start?
“I don’t like surprises, Sanford,” warns a disguised Elizabeth.
Is Stanford the agent with the “key intel for sale”?
Yes.
How much does he want for the key intel?
$50,000.
The big news?
FX’s description, as befitting a spy series, is highly deceptive. Only a fraction of tonight’s episode concerns itself with Sanford and his intel.
What else is FX not telling us?
Daughter Paige meets a new character, the beautiful and talented Sarah.
What’s doing with Martha and Clark?
Oh, Clark has big plans for Martha.
What’s good?
The language in Nina’s oath. The jar. The homage to Mountain. “It’s easy to say from the sidelines.” “No, it was there.” “Jumpy!” “They live 2000 miles away on an old dirt road!” “I need you there.”
What’s not so good?
Nothing. This is the most exciting installment since episode two.
How does it end, spoiler boy?
Nina finds herself alone with Arkady Ivanovich.
10 p.m. Wednesday. FX.
