Directorate S: The Americans Podcast

Directorate S: The Americans Podcast episodes:

• 08.29.2018

  Sharp Objects 108 “Milk”: Don’t Tell Mama

  The finale of Sharp Objects, “Milk,” brings Camille’s story to a close. Or does it? Our feelings about the ending of the episode are many. We discuss Adora tending to Camille, Camille’s journey, the ghost of Marian, and the truth...

  
• 08.22.2018

  Sharp Objects 107 “Falling”: Russian Nesting Doll of Narcissism and Trauma

  The penultimate episode of Sharp Objects, “Falling,” revealed the truth behind Adora’s relationship with her girls. We discuss Camille’s journey over the course of the series, her connection with John, and her decision to confront Adora. As ever, we remain committed...

  
• 08.15.2018

  Sharp Objects 106 “Cherry”: Adora the Explorer

  With two episodes left to unravel the mystery of Wind Gap, “Cherry” presents the perfect conditions for some sisterly bonding. We discuss the new and improved Camille, Alan’s lack of spine, KC’s info gathering mission, and The Vipers’ take on...

  
• 08.08.2018

  Sharp Objects 105 “Closer”: Gone With the Wind Gap

  The fifth episode of Sharp Objects, “Closer,” was practically a bottle episode and you know how much we love bottle episodes. We dig into Amma’s manipulative behavior, Adora’s abusive behavior, and Camille’s amazing ability to hold it all together. Stay...

  
• 08.01.2018

  Sharp Objects 104 “Ripe”: Cupcake Kitty Curls

  Episode four of Sharp Objects, “Ripe,” shows us how the women of Wind Gap use manipulation and information to control the people around them. We discuss gender expectations, performance, trauma, and also some lighter stuff. Adora continues to be ridiculously...

  
• 07.25.2018

  Sharp Objects 103 “Fix”: Hurricane Adora Storms In

  Episode three of Sharp Objects, “Fix,” got dark, and honestly it was hard to talk about. We dig into some light topics such as  female violence, manipulation, and society’s propensity for ignoring female pain. Camille has questionable reporter skills, Amma...

  
• 07.18.2018

  Sharp Objects 102 “Dirt”: Bless Your Heart

  Episode two of Sharp Objects, “Dirt,” sees the people of Wind Gap reveal their true colors. We analyze the use of superstition and generational trauma. Jackie is a national treasure, the Currys are magical, and Amma is possibly the most...

  
• 07.12.2018

  Sharp Objects 101 “Vanish”: Boozy and Hazy

  We’re back and ready to dive into HBO’s newest limited series, Sharp Objects. We talk about the Southern Gothic genre and the Madonna-whore complex before diving into some character analysis. We also talk a little bit about The Handmaid’s Tale...

  
• 06.02.2018

  610 “START”: Moscow Better Believe in Tears

  The series finale of The Americans, “START,” masterfully wrapped up a season, and series, all about family, friendship, and loyalty. Topics include: abandoning Henry, that amazing garage scene, Paige’s choice, and what happens now.   Links mentioned in this episode:...

  
• 05.26.2018

  609 “Jennings, Elizabeth”: Run Philip Run

  The Penultimate episode of The Americans, “Jennings, Elizabeth,” was a adrenaline filled installment that had us on the edge of our seats and worried about absolutely everyone. We discuss that pivotal conversation between Claudia and Elizabeth, Oleg’s request, and the...

  
• 05.19.2018

  608 “The Summit”: Maybe She’s Born With it, Maybe it’s Nicotine

  Season six episode eight of The Americans, “The Summit,” saw Elizabeth thinking critically and going against orders. We discuss Elizabeth’s journey from loyal foot soldier to independent thinker, the euthanasia of Erica, and that final conversation with Claudia. Philip indulges...

  
• 05.12.2018

  607 “Harvest”: Stroganoff’s Pill

  Season six episode seven of The Americans, “Harvest,” was stressful and hypnotic. We discuss Stan and Philip’s BFF moment and Henry’s inability to stop talking. Erica is making Elizabeth learn, dismemberment is romantic, and Paige is definitely possibly going to...

  
• 05.05.2018

  606 “Rififi”: Hold the Door, Hold the Door

  Season six episode six of The Americans, “Rififi,” had absolutely nothing to do with heists and we feel betrayed. We discuss the current status of Philip and Elizabeth’s relationship, Henry the voice of reason, and Stan’s unnecessary Thanksgiving toast. Oleg...

  
• 04.28.2018

  605 “The Great Patriotic War”: You’re Not My Supervisor

  Season six episode five of The Americans, “The Great Patriotic War,” Philip and Elizabeth finally had sex! Or was it a honeytrap? We analyze Elizabeth’s murder mission, Jim’s interaction with Kimmy, and Philip’s fight with Paige. Stan just can’t catch...

  
• 04.21.2018

  604 “Mr. and Mrs. Teacup”: Mission Impossible to See

  Season six episode four of The Americans, “Mr. and Mrs. Teacup,” was a melancholy look at a marriage in trouble. We discuss the parallels between Elizabeth and Erica, the callback to “Stingers,” and the problem with blind loyalty. Philip continues...

  
• 04.14.2018

  603 “Urban Transport Planning”: Granny Claudia’s Young Pioneer Homeschool

  Season six episode three of The Americans, “Urban Transport Planning,” gave us the reunion we’ve all been waiting for as Oleg and Stan come face to face. We discuss Elizabeth and Philip’s continued battle for Paige’s soul and the FBI’s...

  
• 04.07.2018

  602 “Tchaikovsky”: General Rennhull in the Park With a Gun

  Season six episode two of The Americans, “Tchaikovsky,” was all about marriage and parenting. We discuss the state of Philip and Elizabeth’s marriage, Philip and Henry, and Paige’s especially inadequate espionage. Erica shouts at Elizabeth, Philip shouts at Stavos, and...

  
• 03.25.2018

  Pre-Season 6 Quickie

  We’re back and excited for the premiere of the final season of The Americans! Join us for this super short discussion of the trailers for the new season. If you have been avoiding the trailers, please do not listen to...

  
• 07.26.2017

  702 “Stormborn”: What is Killed Offscreen May Never Die

  Season 7 episode 2 of Game of Thrones, “Stormborn,” delves in to themes of loyalty and perspective while also finding time for a naval battle. We discuss Arya’s reunions, the differing narratives presented by the three monarchs, bad television writing,...

  
• 07.19.2017

  701 “Dragonstone”: 1000 is Westerosi for A Lot

  In the Season 7 premiere, “Dragonstone,” Game of Thrones focuses on alliances and family while reminding us that life sucks for the common folk. We analyze the growing parallels between Cersei and Sansa, Jon’s method of governance, and Sandor’s continued...

  
• 07.11.2017

  Episode 00: The Podcast that was Promised

  The Podcast that was Promised has arrived! This week we discuss what we’re hoping, and not hoping, to see in the upcoming season of Game of Thrones before briefly analyzing the season trailers. This will be the last Game of Thrones...

  
• 06.22.2017

  Bonus Episode – American Gods 108: Have an Ice Day

  The Season 1 finale of American Gods, “Come to Jesus,” is all about female power and we are here for it! It was also about Shadow’s journey towards belief, which we feel was less successful. We discuss the introduction of...

  
• 06.14.2017

  Bonus Episode – American Gods 107: Too Good for this World, Too Pure

  Season 1 episode 7 of American Gods, “A Prayer for Mad Sweeney,” returns the focus of the show to stories and storytelling. We discuss the importance of telling stories, the narrative structure of the episode, and the parallels between Essie...

  
• 06.07.2017

  Bonus Episode – Leftover Gods: I Use Antlers in All of My Decorating

  Season 1 episode 6 of American Gods, “A Murder of Gods,” gave us the road trip trio we always wanted! We discuss our general ambivalence, the show’s use of minority characters, and the hubbub around the depiction of Vulcan and...

  
• 06.02.2017

  513 “The Soviet Division”: Your Cat Let Me in Your Penthouse

  Season 5 episode 13 of The Americans, “The Soviet Division,” wrapped up this season with another look at parents and children. Elizabeth levels with Tuan, Philip attempts to break things off with Kimmy, and somehow they both still think their...

  
• 05.26.2017

  512 “The World Council of Churches”: That’s…Interesting

  Season 5 episode 12 of The Americans, “The World Council of Churches,” begins to pick up the pace as this season’s disparate storylines come to a head. We discuss themes of identity and naming, the significance of Elizabeth and Claudia’s...

  
• 05.19.2017

  511 “Dyatkovo”: Take My Wife, Please!

  Season 5 episode 11 of The Americans, “Dyatkovo,” dropped an even bigger bombshell than last week! We break down what it means that Elizabeth is done, how this decision could play out, and our mixed feelings about the Natalie Granholm...

  
• 05.12.2017

  510 “Darkroom”: The Red Wedding

  Season 5 episode 10 of The Americans, “Darkroom,” delves into themes of happiness and home before dropping the biggest bombshell to date: Philip and Elizabeth get real married!! You Guys! Married! It was the sweetest, cutest, most perfect thing ever...

  
• 05.05.2017

  509 “IHOP”: A Fancy Orphanage

  Season 5 episode 9 of The Americans, “IHOP,” continues this season’s focus on the tedium inherent to a spy’s life. We discuss the emotional toll of being a spy, Kimmy’s reciprocal relationship with James, Oleg’s mini character arc, and Stan’s habit of...

  
• 04.28.2017

  508 “Immersion”: Putting the Social in Socialism

  Season 5 episode 8 of The Americans, “Immersion,” continues the season long themes of domesticity and family. We discuss the varied fan reaction to this season, the strength of Philip and Elizabeth’s relationship, and whether or not Claudia can be trusted...

  
• 04.21.2017

  507 “The Committee on Human Rights”: The Goldilocks of the KGB

  Season 5 episode 7 of The Americans, “The Committee on Human Rights,” overflows with themes of family and self-sacrifice. We discuss Gabriel’s parting words to Philip and Elizabeth, Stan’s new moral stance, and Paige’s decision to break-up with Matthew. Mail...

  
• 04.14.2017

  506 “Crossbreed”: Silky Smooth and Sassy

  Season 5 episode 6 of The Americans, “Crossbreed,” continues the themes of fathers and sons, lies, and truth as Philip struggles to keep it together. We discuss Elizabeth’s emotional journey, Philip’s somehow still increasingly depressing childhood, and Oleg’s place in the...

  
• 04.07.2017

  505 “Lotus 1-2-3”: Romancing the Stan

  Fathers and sons dominated Season 5 episode 5 of The Americans, “Lotus 1-2-3,” as Mischa is intercepted by Gabriel, Henry’s secret is revealed, and Tuan longs for a family connection. We dissect the portrayals of class structure and excess, the...

  
• 03.31.2017

  504 “What’s The Matter With Kansas?”: Why Can’t You Just Say Trail Mix?

  Season 5 episode 4 of The Americans, “What’s The Matter With Kansas?” gives us a crash course in espionage as Philip and Elizabeth work to develop new assets while Paige gets her snoop on at Pastor Tim’s house. We discuss Philip’s...

  
• 03.24.2017

  503 “The Midges”: Super Secret Spy Stuff

  Season 5 episode 3 of The Americans, “The Midges,” continues to explore loyalty and relationships within immigrant and refugee narratives. We discuss the moral ambiguity of Randy’s death, Mischa’s not-so-excellent adventure, and the surprise reappearance of everyone’s favorite seduced-and-married secretary. Paige...

  
• 03.17.2017

  502 “Pests”: CIA Gonna CIA

  Teenage angst and grown-up paranoia are just a couple of themes in Season 5 episode 2 of The Americans, “Pests.” We discuss Paige’s behavior and continued training, Tuan’s worldview, and our newfound anxiety for Pasha’s future. Would the Americans really...

  
• 03.10.2017

  501 “Amber Waves”: The Old Water Cup Move

  Rejoice, Amerifans! The hiatus is over and we’re back to discuss Season 5 episode 1 of The Americans, “Amber Waves.” Themes of loyalty and family abound as we breakdown the significance of the Jenningses’ new family and Oleg’s new job....

  
• 07.03.2016

  Bonus Episode – Game of Thrones “The Winds of Winter”: It’s Not You, It’s Global Politics. (And Also You’re Really Boring)

  Another bonus episode for you this week as we reflect on the Season 6 finale of Game of Thrones, “The Winds of Winter.” Spoiler alert: we loved it! We breakdown that fantastic opening scene and Cersei’s power grab before travelling...

  
• 06.24.2016

  Bonus Episode – Game of Thrones “Battle of the Bastards”: King in the North!

  Dragons! Battle! Revenge! Gross mud! Season 6 episode 9 of Game of Thrones, “Battle of the Bastards,” was everything we wanted and more. Join us as we fangirl all over this fantastically fun episode while also discussing: the Starkiness of...

  
• 06.12.2016

  413 “Persona Non Grata”: “Sit Happens” Especially if You’re Training a Dog

  Another season of The Americans has come and gone and boy was it satisfying. “Persona Non Grata” seemingly wrapped up loads of storylines while setting up so many new possibilities it made our heads spin. We say a sad, sad...

  
• 06.04.2016

  412 “A Roy Rogers in Franconia”: Again With the Eye Paragraphs

  So. Many. Emotions. Season 4 episode 12 of The Americans, “A Roy Rogers in Franconia,” masterfully set up next week’s finale episode while repeatedly ripping our hearts out. Topics this week include: emotion versus logic, family and motherhood, William’s decision...

  
• 05.28.2016

  411 “Dinner for Seven”: The Michael Scott of The Americans

  Nothing is better than an awkward dinner party, amirite? Season 4 episode 11 of The Americans, “Dinner for Seven,” expertly deploys the awkward dinner party while wrapping up the devastating Patty storyline. We discuss the purpose behind Elizabeth’s visits with...

  
• 05.21.2016

  410 “Munchkins”: Gaad the Impaler

  Trust and the breaches thereof abound in Season 4 episode 10 of The Americans, “Munchkins.” We discuss Alice’s proactive protective measures, Kimmy’s decision to confide in James, and how Philip contributed to Gaad’s fate. Other topics include: Pastor Tim’s map-less...

  
• 05.14.2016

  409 “The Day After”: I Don’t Want to Say She’s a Weirdo, But it’s Weird

  Season 4 episode 9 of The Americans, “The Day After,” was a breath of fresh air. Fresh, melancholy air. We analyze Elizabeth’s emotional state as she embarks on phase one of The Plan, Philip and Stan’s racquetball match, and the...

  
• 05.07.2016

  408 “The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears”: Oh, Suck it Up, Paige

  Season 4 episode 8 of The Americans, “The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears,”  launching us seven months into the future and straight into an 80s sitcom. We analyze the big opening sequence, parallels to “Martial...

  
• 04.30.2016

  407 “Travel Agents”: Ostrich in the Hand

  The Martha Saga continues with Season 4 episode 7 of The Americans, “Travel Agents.” Topics include the evolution of Elizabeth’s self-awareness and compassion, Philip’s increasing disdain for secrecy, and Paige’s moral development. Also: Martha’s arc from lonely secretary to forbidden romantic...

  
• 04.24.2016

  406 “The Rat”: Martha, Martha, Martha: Part Deux

  The Americans ratcheted up the tension with Season 4 episode 6, “The Rat.” We discuss Martha’s trip down denial, where she’s going from here, and Philip’s decision to put his work before his family. Other topics include: knowing versus thinking,...

  
• 04.18.2016

  405 “Clark’s Place”: Young Hee? More Like Tee Hee

  We’re back to talk about Season 4 episode 5 of The Americans, “Clark’s Place.” We discuss Martha’s arc, debate whether she’ll get a different outcome than Nina, and wonder when she’ll find out there’s more to her sister-in-law, Jennifer, than...

  
• 05.12.2015

  Season 3 Wrap-Up

  We made it, Amerifans! With the end of another great season we take a look back at the most pivotal and horrific moments of Season 3 of The Americans and speculate on what’s to come next season. Will there be...

  
• 04.25.2015

  313: Male Robot

  The third season of The Americans came to a close with a twist neither of us saw coming; join us as we discuss Season 3 episode 13, “March 8, 1983.” Martha lives to see another season, but we don’t see Martha,...