The Americans - "Walter Taffet" Retrospective. The Best Laid Plans.

Season 3, Episode 7

Air Date: Wednesday, March 11, 2015, 10 pm ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“Is this how it’s gonna work” – Philip

Elizabeth (Keri Russell) and Paige’s (Holly Taylor) visit to Kenilworth in last week’s episode, “Born Again,” opens Philip’s (Matthew Rhys) eyes as to how far Elizabeth is willing to go with Paige’s indoctrination into the KGB. Stan (Noah Emmerich) faces the reality of his life, and Martha’s (Alison Wright) worst fears come true in “Walter Taffet.”

Protecting Your Children

As Phillip listens intently to the news on the radio, it’s easy to see his frustration over not being able to protect his long-lost son fighting in Afghanistan. Couple this with learning about the Kenilworth trip, and Philip realizes he can’t even protect the daughter who is sitting right in front of him. Paige also has an awakening of sorts when she explains to her younger brother Henry (Keidrich Sellati) their parents used to be “civil rights activists.” It’s interesting how Paige now sees her parents in a whole new light, almost as if they are heroes. I wonder whether this will change her reaction once Elizabeth tells her who she and Philip really are.

The Mission

Elizabeth takes care of business in their new mission.

Elizabeth learns key details about how Reuben Ncgobo (guest star Dwayne Alistair Thomas), a trustworthy member of the African National Congress, is going to be used in their next mission involving Eugene Venter (guest star Neil Sandilands), a South African Intelligence Officer. Elizabeth meets up with Hans (guest star Peter Mark Kendall) to explain his part of the mission, which is simple at best. I found Ncgobo to be quite different from what I expected. He’s handsome, soft spoken, and cares a great deal about his sons, who he hopes will grow up to be like him. It’s easy for Elizabeth to bond with him, as she wants the same thing for Paige, although Philip snickers when he hears how Ncgobo explains it—“Better to die fighting for citizenship for freedom, yes?”—and what Elizabeth thinks. “I mean, it’s horrible but it’s…admirable, in a way. It’s brave.”

The Discovery

It’s amazing how much time has expired since Martha placed a hidden microphone in Agent Gaad’s (Richard Thomas) pen as a favor to Philip, aka Clark, in season one, episode 12, “The Oath.” I’d almost forgotten about it. The camera angle Emmerich uses in “Walter Taffet” when Agent Aderholt (Brandon J. Dirden) discovers the bug is brilliant. It’s almost like the camera is a fly high up on the wall as Gaad, Stan, and Aderholt stand there, peering down at it. Emmerich uses the same overhead shot in the bathroom when an extremely nervous Martha frantically tries to take apart the recorder that’s in her purse. No words are needed to convey Martha’s feelings of hysteria and desperation when another woman enters the bathroom. This is one of those edge-of-your-seat moments that has you breathing a sigh of relief when the woman finally leaves. Poor Martha; she’s positive she’s going to be caught sooner or later.

Needless to say, the FBI sweeps Agent Gaad’s office and all the surrounding desks. With scary music playing in the background, Martha can hardly breathe as her purse is swept for a listening device. As fast as you can say ‘bug,’ Agent Gaad introduces her to Agent Walter Taffet (guest star Jefferson Mays) of the O.P.R., the man who intends to find out who planted the listening device. Since their department is counterintelligence, I don’t understand why everyone thinks it’s an inside job.

Clark tries to find out what’s bothering Martha but she won’t tell him.

I find it a bit surprising when Martha doesn’t tell Clark about the discovery. After all their time together, Martha finally realizes she doesn’t know much about her husband other than he’s FBI but in a different department. I guess when your life is on the line, you look at the person closest to you, who, in this case, is the person responsible for putting Martha in this position. Hence, her request to see Clark’s apartment “tonight.” I always wondered when this would happen and what Clark would do. Since we don’t see him make any secreted phone calls about quickly setting up an apartment, I guess the place he takes Martha has been on standby ever since their wedding ceremony. I like the homey touches, such as a photo of the two of them, the carved fish hanging on the wall, and the potholders above the stove, but most of all, the bottle of wine just waiting to be opened on their anniversary. Nice touch, Clark.

Rhys’ New Wig

Rhys introduces us to a new wig when he assumes the persona of Jack, husband of Michelle, aka Elizabeth, when they meet up with Michelle’s friend Lisa (guest star Karen Pittman), the woman who works at Northrup. Although I’m not crazy about the new hairpiece, Rhys is absolutely adorable in this scene, as Jack explains when and how he and Michelle met, and how much he loves her. I appreciate the juxtaposition between the Jennings’ earlier warring scenes and this one where they act all flirty and lovey dovey.

Other Observations

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Fleetwood Mac’s song, “The Chain,” playing in the last few minutes of “Walter Taffet.” With song lyrics like “you never break the chain,” it seems the perfect song to use as Elizabeth, Philip, Hans, and Ncgobo complete their mission in a scene filled with intrigue and murder.

Stan comes off as a bit of a racist when he confides in Philip that he doesn’t trust Aderholt—one of the reasons being is that “He’s black.” While this is terrible, we must remember racism was much more commonplace in the 80s than it is now (although sadly, it still exists.)

Stan has a heart-to-heart with his son Matthew (Daniel Flaherty). It’s nice to see them like this, with Stan opening up about this past, with no ulterior motive other than to get closer to his son. Contrast this with Elizabeth telling Paige about her past—the only difference is Elizabeth does have an ulterior motive.

This Week’s Bits of Nostalgia

Paige reading “Great Issues in American History, Vol. III: From Reconstruction to the Present Day, 1864-1981” after visiting Kenilworth with Elizabeth.
Stan referring to the original Dallas series when he answers Agent Aderholt’s question about Nina, “Who knows? She could have shot J.R.”

Overall

As a first-time director of The Americans, Emmerich does a fantastic job with “Walter Taffet.” Wisely, he puts himself in only a few scenes so he can concentrate on the job at hand. With terrific editing and superior acting, “Walter Taffet” is the episode I’ve been waiting for. It has plenty of suspense and intrigue, and even a bit of humor (“Hi, honey!”). Wright deserves major kudos for her scenes in “Walter Taffet.” Not only does she perfectly portray the fright she’s experiencing with wonderful facial grimaces and hand wringing, she also expertly interprets, sniffles and all, the paranoia she feels when searching Clark’s bedroom drawers.

What did you think of “Walter Taffet?” Leave me a comment below, or tweet me @SeasideTV. I’d love to discuss the episode with you!

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Linda

Love TV, movies, and books--mostly mysteries, with a good love story thrown in every now and then. I have four adopted dogs who I adore. I love trying new recipes, and enjoy eating what I make. English language perfectionist. Reading in bed, Italian food, warm weather, the beach, all types of games = favs!