After it turns out the rock upon which Jimmy built his church is made of quicksand, Mike saves the day. You can read my not-so-snarky recap over at HNTP which is the home of snarky recaps.

And here’s another NOT snarky thought about the show: Is anyone else really hoping that it doesn’t “end” with Gene watching old tapes of Saul commercials? That that we will return to Gene? Jimmy has so much potential to be GOOD, to be more than a “criminal lawyer,” and so far at least Jimmy is not the man who would be eager to be a drug lord’s consigliere, nor someone I would see advising a client to have someone knocked off in jail (and who knows a guy who knows a guy). So I not only want to know what happened to turn him into Saul (Gradual shift? Tragedy? series of Unfortunate events?) but beyond that I want REDEMPTION and I want it to be believable. Because folks, THAT’S entertainment.

(Again, and I can’t emphasize this enough, please visit HNTP to read the complete recap. Then you may come back here and peruse to your heart’s content. And also nothing says “thank you” like then going over here and buying a book.)

Greetings Comrades! What did they get wrong this week on The Americans? While Russia may have been on the right side of history regarding the need to abolish apartheid in South Africa, and there might have been some communist influence in the ANC, mostly the struggle was won because the world evolved, and democratically oriented activists throughout the world — including on American college campuses, worked hard to make divestment a reality. The world was watching thanks to brave journalists who reported the violence and riots. And of course there was that prisoner on Robin Island who became a symbol to everyone. So no, children, the movement to free South Africa was NOT a communist plot.

Rant done.

Now please head over to HNTP to read my snarky take on this week’s episode.

Have I completely stopped posting complete posts to this blog? Not by a long shot, I’ve just been posting other places lately, which is good thing. You can catch my participation in an “end of season” discussion of all things Downton over at Persephone Magazine. And do let us know what you think!

You can read my complete and detailed recap up on HNTP as usual. From perusing the other reviewers and recappers it’s clear last night’s episode may be the most divisive. Some of the high brow critics are calling it “stunning.” Certainly, Jonathan Banks’ performance was. There was also the usual beautifully composed shots, and thoughtful soundtrack. But it felt like too much of a pander to Breaking Bad fans.  Mike’s past wasn’t far different that what many of us had no doubt imagined, but did we really need to see it?

Why don’t you head over to the recap now, and let me know what you think?

And if you really applaud my efforts and all, thank me by buying one of my amazingly underpriced books.

This week on The Americans: Paige gets wet, Stan gets laid, Evi gets screwed, Nina gets a good meal, and the Jennings get stoned. Please to go to Happy Nice Time People to read my insightful recap in its entirety.

Then you may come back here and read other lovely posts for your pleasure!