An Oral History of "The Americans" Finale

[tillychar]

The oral history of the ‘Americans’ finale, featuring Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, the creators, and others. @AlanSiegelLA: https://t.co/WCXvshM2zx
- The Ringer (@ringer) May 25, 2023

Since several shows are airing their final episode in the coming week (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Barry, Succession, and allegedly Ted Lasso), The Ringer looking back

Comments

[corrykennedy]

damn, it's been 5 years?

this show was a masterpiece front to back with probably the greatest finale ever. i'm still really blown away with the arc they were able to pull off in season 6 and making elizabeth's character develop so much in just a few episodes but still have it feel so organic.

the show stands out from a lot of prestige tv because elizabeth wasn't motivated by greed or pride, but ideology and selflessness to a cause. it's also one of the best portrayals of a less emotional woman that just lets her be less emotional and doesn't try to girlbossify it.

and the MUSIC.

ugh it's so good i have to rewatch.

[epiphany_maria]

Was Stan's galpal a spy? I think not - it was paranoia.

[fauxkaren]

I think the beauty of it is we'll never know. :)

She could have been a spy, meant to keep an eye on the Jennings family and Stan.

Or she could have just been a random who had nothing to do with anything and it was just paranoia.

Both equally plausible.

Personally, I think the paranoia angle is more interesting so that's what I choose to believe.

[vilandra212]

I think she was, it’s the last shot of her that really seals it for me

[alcyone10]

yes, that actress was so good at simultaneously playing the ambiguity of spy/not spy, the last shot of her was so chilling in that way.

[fauxkaren]

This show should be required viewing for like... everyone. It's just that good and maintains the quality across it's entire run, imo!

There are a host of really complicated and fascinating characters with the central family (+Stan) holding down the heart of the show.

[vilandra212]

I just rewatched the series a couple months ago and yeah the finale is amazing, the parking garage scene is just so good

I pretty much remembered what happened to everyone except for Oleg, seeing him in the jail cell like that was heartbreaking

[vanilla_09]

I remember I felt a bit ¨really¨ specifically Phillip (SPOILER) leaving the kids behind but at the same time it felt right idk, I'm still thinking about it. But that scene with Paige on the track AMAZING. this show was excellent.