The penultimate season of the FX drama about deep cover KGB spies living as suburban parents in 1980s Washington D.C. charts the toll of a lifetime of espionage on the couple as they bring their teenage daughter into the family business. As Elizabeth (Keri Russell) becomes more ruthless in her devotion to the cause while on a mission to uncover a potential American plot to sabotage Soviet harvests, Philip (Matthew Rhys) has a harder time dealing with the lives he destroys, and daughter Paige (Holly Taylor) begins to question her religious faith and becomes more interested in learning from her mother. Mirroring Philip's journey is the story of their next door neighbor Stan (Noah Emmerich), a veteran FBI agent also burdened by the lives lost in his work. Margo Martindale returns as their handler and the show continues to follow the disillusionment of a former KGB agent back in Russia as he witnesses the corruption of his country—the bitter truth behind the idealistic illusion that Elizabeth still fervently believes. The Americans remains one of the best shows on TV, framing issues of parenthood, patriotism, and personal responsibility through the dramatic crucible of a spy drama. Compiling all 13 episodes from the 2017 fifth season, extras include a promo short, deleted scenes, and a gag reel. Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)
The Americans: The Complete Fifth Season
Fox, 4 discs, 585 min., not rated, DVD: $39.99 Volume 33, Issue 4
The Americans: The Complete Fifth Season
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