Cardinal is a bridge episode where the series main story-line builds on the latest episode. Paige is searching for her auntie and wonders why there is no extended family? Jennings K G B parents display the duel life of loving parents, and ruthless spies. Both Jennings love their children, but scare and threaten an aerospace worker for information. Elizabeth Jennings threatens to harm the worker's son to keep the worker quiet. One expects the Jennings' spy missions , and the family life will collide. The trade craft of the spies is excellently portrayed. Well written and directed. The series creates pent up tension and anticipation of what will happen next. Cardinal is seven hammers and sickles out of ten.
2 Reviews
I am familiar with the works of John Le Carré
bongoz11 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
So Fred the spy reads spy novels, but can he fly like JL Seagull?
No great reveals in this episode, just moving the plot forward. Martha gets a gun - Chekov (the author, not the spaceman) would be pleased. Elizabeth is justifiably paranoid about her children, but can still mentor a spy-in-training. Stan shows he really is an FBI agent, and Nina resists Oleg's "charms".
One thing I'm not sure of. Do the Russians know that Stan shot Vlad? Arkady answered the phone back when Stan bargained Vlad for Amador last season. Arkady pleaded for Vlad's release, so I'd be surprised if he would forget Stan's voice. Yet in this episode he listens to Stan on the recording, and it's not clear if he and Nina are reacting to Stan's nonchalance or his guilt.
Of course, the last scene is the best, Russell and Rhys brilliantly demonstrating their characters' realisation of their situation and future. When they speak of Emmett and Leanne's son's outlook, Elizabeth asks "Taken care of how?", and we and they know the answer. Loose ends aren't allowed in what they do, and that's all the son is now.
This really is the best show on television right now, bar none.
No great reveals in this episode, just moving the plot forward. Martha gets a gun - Chekov (the author, not the spaceman) would be pleased. Elizabeth is justifiably paranoid about her children, but can still mentor a spy-in-training. Stan shows he really is an FBI agent, and Nina resists Oleg's "charms".
One thing I'm not sure of. Do the Russians know that Stan shot Vlad? Arkady answered the phone back when Stan bargained Vlad for Amador last season. Arkady pleaded for Vlad's release, so I'd be surprised if he would forget Stan's voice. Yet in this episode he listens to Stan on the recording, and it's not clear if he and Nina are reacting to Stan's nonchalance or his guilt.
Of course, the last scene is the best, Russell and Rhys brilliantly demonstrating their characters' realisation of their situation and future. When they speak of Emmett and Leanne's son's outlook, Elizabeth asks "Taken care of how?", and we and they know the answer. Loose ends aren't allowed in what they do, and that's all the son is now.
This really is the best show on television right now, bar none.
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