The Americans (season 3)

The third season of the American television drama series The Americans, consisting of 13 episodes, premiered on FX on January 28, 2015, and concluded on April 22, 2015.[1] The series was renewed for the third season on April 16, 2014.[2]

The Americans
Season 3
DVD cover
Country of originUnited States
No. of episodes13
Release
Original networkFX
Original releaseJanuary 28 (2015-01-28) –
April 22, 2015 (2015-04-22)
Season chronology

The events of the third season begin in late 1982 and end on March 8, 1983, the night of Ronald Reagan's Evil Empire speech.[3]

Cast

Main

Recurring

Production

Lev Gorn, who portrays Arkady Ivanovich, was promoted to series regular for the third season, after having a recurring role throughout the first two seasons.[4] Additionally, Costa Ronin and Richard Thomas were promoted from recurring status to series regulars. In October 2014, Frank Langella was cast in a recurring role.[5] Filming for the season began in October 2014.[6] Co-star Noah Emmerich directed the seventh episode of the season, marking his directorial debut.[7]

Episodes
See also: List of The Americans episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code		US viewers
(millions)
271"EST Men"Daniel SackheimJoel Fields & Joe WeisbergJanuary 28, 2015 (2015-01-28)BDU3011.90[8]
Elizabeth meets with an ex-CIA agent, who gives her a list of operatives. However, after the meeting, Elizabeth is followed by Gaad and another agent, fights them, injuring them and herself, and loses the list. Later, she and Philip meet with their mentor Gabriel, who re-affirms that they should recruit Paige. Philip, against the idea, argues with Elizabeth. Annelise admits to Philip that she is in love with Yousaf; Philip still asks her to get information from him. While having sex with Yousaf, she confesses her motives for being with him, and he strangles her to death. Philip arrives too late to save her, but still offers to help Yousaf. Meanwhile, Stan attends an EST meeting, but refuses to comprehend their ways.
282"Baggage"Daniel SackheimJoel Fields & Joe WeisbergFebruary 4, 2015 (2015-02-04)BDU3020.92[9]
Philip and Elizabeth dispose of Annelise's body. Her death deeply affects Philip, in regards to recruiting Paige. Nina, arrested for treason, is shown in her Moscow prison cell, which Nina ends up having to share with another woman who claims innocence. Furious with Stan for her arrest, Oleg confronts him in alley with a gun threatening to kill him, but instead lets him walk away. Stan, seeking familiarity, contacts Sandra, hoping to visit his son. Gaad also puts Stan in charge of Zinaida, a defector from the Institute for US and Canadian Studies.
293"Open House"Thomas SchlammeStuart ZichermanFebruary 11, 2015 (2015-02-11)BDU3031.02[10]
In disguise, Philip and Elizabeth are able to put a listening device in a target's mobile phone, hoping to gain insight in retrieving the operative list. This puts them in more danger of being spotted by the FBI and CIA, as they must follow the signal themselves. Elizabeth is followed, and is nearly caught, but Philip and the KGB manage to save her. At home, the pain from the previous attack becomes unbearable for her, and Philip must extract some of her broken teeth. At the rezidentura, Oleg struggles with remaining in America or returning to Russia. Ultimately, he decides to stay.
304"Dimebag"Thomas SchlammePeter AckermanFebruary 18, 2015 (2015-02-18)BDU3040.97[11]
After learning their telephone target has employed Kimmy, daughter of the head of the CIA's Afghan group, as a babysitter, Philip is tasked with recruiting Kimmy, who is nearly the same age as Paige. Nina is pressured to get a confession from her cellmate, Evi. Stan publicly voices his opinion at an EST meeting and is asked out on a date afterward by a woman named Tori. Paige's birthday is approaching and she requests to invite Pastor Tim and his wife to dinner. During the meal, Paige says that she wants to be baptized, and the visitors support her decision. Later, Philip and Elizabeth think Paige ambushed them with the request and invited her guests for support.
315"Salang Pass"Kevin DowlingStephen SchiffFebruary 25, 2015 (2015-02-25)BDU3050.81[12]
Kimmy invites Philip to her house on a night that her parents will be away. Gabriel supplies him with Afghani marijuana and gives him advice about gleaning information from her and recruiting Paige, who now wants to go shopping for a baptismal dress. Philip finds an attaché case of Kimmy's father for future planting of a listening device. Elizabeth helps Lisa, a Northrop employee, get a better company position by causing the death of another employee. Stan asks Oleg's help in finding out if Zinaida is actually a Russian spy posing as a defector, with Nina's release as a bargaining chip.
326"Born Again"Kevin DowlingTracey Scott WilsonMarch 4, 2015 (2015-03-04)BDU3060.93[13]
Paige gets baptized by Pastor Tim, with Philip and Elizabeth in attendance. Later, Tori and Stan have dinner at the Jennings house, and despite his admitting that he still considers Sandra his wife, he and Tori have sex. Gabriel informs Philip that his other son is now a soldier in Afghanistan. This causes Philip to increase his visits with Kimmy to check the phone taps. Kimmy tries to seduce Philip. Meanwhile, Nina portrays herself as vulnerable to get Evi to confess about her boyfriend's treason. Evi gets taken away and Nina gets rewarded with a meal.
337"Walter Taffet"Noah EmmerichLara ShapiroMarch 11, 2015 (2015-03-11)BDU3071.22[14]
After learning of her and Paige's excursion, Philip confronts Elizabeth. During a meeting, Gaad discovers Martha's microtransmitter, which thrusts the bureau into a mole hunt. Martha's distress worries Philip. Stan shares a bonding story with his son. Paige begins to explore the history of racial discrimination. Philip tells Elizabeth of his secret son.
348"Divestment"Dan AttiasJoshua BrandMarch 18, 2015 (2015-03-18)BDU3081.13[15]
Philip, Elizabeth, and Reuben abduct two men, Todd and Venter, who were believed to be planning attacks against those in the anti-Apartheid movement. Reuben executes Venter by necklacing, but Todd is spared when he gives them the location of a bomb he couldn't set off. OPR Investigator Walter Taffet begins questioning Gaad's staff, including Martha, who later confronts "Clark" by exposing Philip's cover. Elizabeth asks Gabriel's help in getting Mischa, Philip's son, off the front lines in Afghanistan. Nina is given a reduced sentence, with the possibility of a full pardon, should she get Russian physicist Anton Baklonov to increase his productivity. She also meets Vasil, the former Rezident, who has yet to forgive her.
359"Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?"Stephen WilliamsJoshua BrandMarch 25, 2015 (2015-03-25)BDU3090.99[16]
Elizabeth tells Hans that Todd saw him at the site where Venter was killed. Fearful of being excluded from further operations, Hans finds Todd and kills him. Martha, who seems determined to act as if nothing has happened, informs Philip that the FBI's Mail Robot has been sent for repairs after a tense Agent Gaad kicked and broke it. Philip and Elizabeth go to the repair facility to install a recording device inside Mail Robot and are discovered there by Betty, an old woman who had come in to work on the business's books in the middle of the night. Betty tells Elizabeth many details of her life and family; moved by Betty's openness, Elizabeth reveals her identity as a Russian spy before allowing Betty, who now knows she will be killed, to overdose on her heart medication. Stan and Oleg reach a tentative agreement to use Zinaida's possible status as a Soviet mole to secure Nina's freedom.
3610"Stingers"Larysa KondrackiJoel Fields & Joe WeisbergApril 1, 2015 (2015-04-01)BDU3100.90[17]
In a movie theater's bathroom, Zinaida is shown to be leaving a message, confirming she is a double-agent. In the Russian factory, Anton tells Nina that he needs photographs to aid his work. After retrieving a tape from Kimmy's father, Philip and Elizabeth learn of Pakistan's ISI Agency sending someone to the U.S. to discuss this country's involvement in Afghanistan. Elizabeth takes residence in a hotel for future infiltration. Henry and Stan bond over films and games, as Paige, at Pastor Tim's urging, confronts her parents about their secrecy. They confess to being Russian spies but caution her about telling anyone.
3711"One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov"Andrew BernsteinStephen Schiff & Tracey Scott WilsonApril 8, 2015 (2015-04-08)BDU3111.04[18]
As more and more pressure mounts, Martha expresses worry over her interview with agent Taffet. Paige continues the adjustment into her new reality. Gabriel informs Elizabeth that her mother is close to death, which prompts Philip to lobby for a visit. As Elizabeth is making strides on one front, at the hotel; she's hit with an untimely ultimatum from Lisa's husband. Anton Baklanov slips further into Nina's emotional grasp.
3812"I Am Abassin Zadran"Christopher MisianoPeter Ackerman & Stuart ZichermanApril 15, 2015 (2015-04-15)BDU3120.98[19]
After discovering Paige has acted hastily, Philip and Elizabeth confront her. Stan is met with controversy at the office, concerning Nina. Elizabeth oversees her first mission with Lisa, and her husband. After Paige expresses more frustration, Philip and Elizabeth decide that she should travel, with Elizabeth, to see her dying mother in Russia. Philip and Elizabeth go undercover as CIA agents to manipulate Abassin Zadran, an Afghanistan mujahideen commander. He murders his colleagues, sabotaging a vital meeting. As Martha grows ever more frantic, to comfort her, Philip confides a secret to her – he removes his wig, revealing his true appearance.
3913"March 8, 1983"Daniel SackheimJoel Fields & Joe WeisbergApril 22, 2015 (2015-04-22)BDU3131.22[20]
Against Gabriel's wishes, Elizabeth and Paige travel to Germany to visit Elizabeth's mother. Elizabeth believes the trip helped Paige understand, but her daughter becomes more fearful. Philip visits Gene, the FBI's computer guy, and knocks him out to stage a suicide, hoping this hastens an end to Taffet's investigation. Stan admits to Gaad about his deal to get Nina released using the reveal of Zinaida as a spy. The plan fails and Stan is nearly fired from the FBI. Philip welcomes his wife and daughter home and discusses recent events with Elizabeth, who gets distracted by Ronald Reagan's televised "Evil Empire speech". Meanwhile, a distraught Paige calls her pastor to tell him that her parents are Russian spies.

Reception

Critical response

The third season received widespread critical acclaim. On Rotten Tomatoes, it received a 100% approval rating, with an average score of 9/10 based on 53 reviews. The critical consensus reads: "Family-driven drama and psychological themes propel The Americans' tautly drawn tension, dispensing thrills of a different ilk this season."[21] On Metacritic, it scored 92 out of 100 based on 23 reviews.[22]

Accolades

The series was given a 2014 Peabody Award, with the organization stating, "In this ingenious, addictive cliffhanger, Reagan-era Soviet spies—married with children and a seemingly endless supply of wigs—operate out of a lovely 3BR home in a suburb of Washington, D.C. Between their nail-biter missions (and sometimes in the midst of them), the series contemplates duty, honor, parental responsibility, fidelity, both nationalistic and marital, and what it means to be an American."[23]

For the 5th Critics' Choice Television Awards, it won for Best Drama Series and received three acting nominations—Keri Russell for Best Actress in a Drama Series, Matthew Rhys for Best Actor in a Drama Series, and Lois Smith for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series.[24] For the 31st TCA Awards, the series was nominated for Program of the Year, Rhys was nominated for Individual Achievement in Drama, and it won for Outstanding Achievement in Drama.[25]

For the 67th Primetime Emmy Awards, Margo Martindale won for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama series after her third consecutive nomination, and Joshua Brand was nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series for "Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?".[26][27]

For the 68th Writers Guild of America Awards, the series was nominated for Best Drama Series.[28]

Home media releases

The third season was released on DVD in region 1 on March 1, 2016. Special features include deleted scenes and a featurette titled "The Cold War for Paige".[29]

References
  1. Bierly, Mandi (November 21, 2014). "FX sets premiere dates for 'Justified' and more". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on November 22, 2014. Retrieved November 22, 2014.
  2. Sepinwall, Alan (April 16, 2014). "FX renews 'The Americans' for season 3". HitFix. Archived from the original on April 16, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  3. Hudson, Laura (April 22, 2015). "The Americans Season Finale Recap: Everyone Lies". Vulture. Archived from the original on June 1, 2015. Retrieved June 2, 2015.
  4. Andreeva, Nellie (September 5, 2014). "Lev Gorn Upped To Regular On 'The Americans', Books 'NCIS' Arc". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2014. Retrieved September 6, 2014.
  5. Prudom, Laura (October 16, 2014). "Frank Langella Joins 'The Americans' Season 3". Variety. Archived from the original on December 20, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  6. Sarkar, Samit (October 20, 2014). "'The Americans' cast and creators preview season 3 at New York Comic Con". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 7, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2014.
  7. Fields, Joel (January 5, 2015). "Rolling on 307 with our very own @NoahEmmerich directing... another glimpse of the monitors @TheAmericansFX  :-)". Twitter. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved January 7, 2015.
  8. Kondolojy, Amanda (January 29, 2015). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Tops Night + 'The Game', 'Wahlburgers', 'Conan', 'The Americans' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved January 30, 2015.
  9. Bibel, Sara (February 5, 2015). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Duck Dynasty' Wins Night, 'Snooki & J Woww', 'Broad City', 'The Americans' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on June 12, 2016. Retrieved February 5, 2015.
  10. Cantor, Brian (February 12, 2015). "Ratings: "The Americans" Falls in Adults 18–49, Gains in Viewership". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on February 13, 2015. Retrieved February 13, 2015.
  11. Cantor, Brian (February 19, 2015). "Ratings: FX's "The Americans" Hits Series Low In Demo, Loses Viewers". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on February 20, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2015.
  12. Cantor, Brian (February 26, 2015). "Ratings: FX's "The Americans Sinks to Another Series Low". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on February 27, 2015. Retrieved February 26, 2015.
  13. Cantor, Brian (March 5, 2015). "Ratings: FX's "The Americans" Rises Slightly from Last Week's Low". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on March 7, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2015.
  14. Kondolojy, Amanda (March 12, 2015). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Dual Survival' & NBA Basketball Top Night, + 'Catfish', 'Mob Wives' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on March 17, 2015. Retrieved March 13, 2015.
  15. Cantor, Brian (March 19, 2015). "Ratings: FX's "The Americans" Slips, Remains Well Above Season Low". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on March 22, 2015. Retrieved March 19, 2015.
  16. Cantor, Brian (March 26, 2015). "Ratings: FX's "The Americans" Slips; Viewership Back Below 1 Million". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on March 27, 2015. Retrieved March 26, 2015.
  17. Cantor, Brian (April 2, 2015). "Ratings: FX's Renewed "The Americans" Falls Yet Again". Headline Planet. Archived from the original on April 3, 2015. Retrieved April 4, 2015.
  18. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 9, 2015). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Dual Survival' Tops Night + 'My 600 LB Life', 'Catfish', 'Little Women: LA' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on December 7, 2015. Retrieved April 9, 2015.
  19. Bibel, Sara (April 17, 2015). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: 'Dual Survival' & NBA Basketball Win Night, 'Catfish', 'Little Women: LA', 'Million Dollar Listing', 'The Americans' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 18, 2015. Retrieved April 17, 2015.
  20. Kondolojy, Amanda (April 23, 2015). "Wednesday Cable Ratings: NBA Basketball Tops Night + 'Dual Survival', 'Catfish', 'Little Women: LA' & More". TV by the Numbers. Archived from the original on April 26, 2015. Retrieved April 23, 2015.
  21. "The Americans: Season 3". Rotten Tomatoes. Archived from the original on February 20, 2015. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  22. "The Americans : Season 3". Metacritic. Archived from the original on February 17, 2015. Retrieved February 14, 2015.
  23. Holston, Noel (April 16, 2015). "74th Annual Peabody Award Winners". The Peabody Awards. Archived from the original on April 16, 2015. Retrieved April 16, 2015.
  24. Mitovich, Matt Webb (May 31, 2015). "Critics' Choice Television Awards: HBO, Better Call Saul, Taraji P. Henson and Amy Schumer Among Big Winners". TVLine. Archived from the original on June 1, 2015. Retrieved June 1, 2015.
  25. Ausiello, Michael (August 8, 2015). "TCA Awards 2015: Empire, Jon Hamm, Amy Schumer, Americans, Fosters and John Oliver Among Winners". TVLine. Archived from the original on August 9, 2015. Retrieved August 9, 2015.
  26. Schwartz, Ryan (September 12, 2015). "Emmys 2015: Americans, House of Cards and Shameless Stars, Freak Show, Thrones Among Early Winners". TVLine. Archived from the original on September 13, 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2015.
  27. Hipes, Patrick (July 16, 2015). "Emmy Nominations 2015 – Full List". Deadline.com. Archived from the original on July 16, 2015. Retrieved July 16, 2015.
  28. McNary, Dave (February 13, 2016). "WGA Honors 'Big Short,' 'Spotlight,' 'Mad Men' at 68th Awards". Variety. Archived from the original on May 3, 2016. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  29. Lambert, David (January 19, 2016). "The Americans – Fox's Official Press Release for 'The Complete 3rd Season'". TVShowsOnDVD.com. Archived from the original on January 22, 2016. Retrieved January 21, 2016.
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