"The Americans" Martial Eagle (TV Episode 2014) Poster

(TV Series)

(2014)

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9/10
Brilliant performance by Matthew Rhys in a memorable episode
snoozejonc31 January 2021
The Jennings' carry out their mission to infiltrate the Contra training camp.

This is another excellent episode mixing plot and character development, whilst presenting a number of very memorable scenes.

We see Phillip and Elizabeth execute an operation that doesn't go particularly smoothly, leaving them with more psychological torment to deal with. Phillip struggles with this throughout the episode leading to a number of difficult moments for him and the family. Stan who's pushing through with his investigations has more incredibly well-written moments of irony in both private and professional life.

The Cold War is very much taking its toll on most people in The Americans, particularly the ones who struggle with justifying the cause as a reason to kill innocent lives.

Cleverly the writers seem to be slowly heading towards plot lines that will likely run alongside the reveal of the actual Contra scandal as a backdrop and possible trigger for further events.

As always there are a number of brilliant performances, but for me this is Matthew Rhys' best performance of the show so far and worth the 50 minutes of a viewer's time alone. Noah Emmerich and Susan Misner are also superb throughout.

The last two scenes of this episode are quite downbeat, but so well made they stick with you for a while afterwards.
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9/10
left an impression.
mm-3925 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Martial Eagle reflects the complexity of modern T V 's stronger shows. The by gone T V era had 2 d characters and flat predictable story lines. Martial Eagle is one complex show, which is layered in character development and sub plots. The assassinations, raid on a Contra base, Paige's new religious faith, double lives, Philip's two wives have major complication him. The good father family man, who kills, lies, and cheats is in emotional turmoil. Emerged in American culture, which conflicts with his KGB values, Philip faces another bed rock of American culture Christianity. Philip believes in religion as a con is faced with a real non fraud man of God. Philip is full of anger while the minister is at peace and mentions forgiveness. Ones sees a shock to Philip's beliefs/personalities. I wonder how cold hearted Elizabeth will react if Philip changes? A powerful message about humanity in people, which left an impression on me. Nine out of ten.
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