This was another brilliantly written episode by the writers of The Americans.
The episode is titled The Day After -- and for good reason.
The themes of aftermath/consequences/fallout are represented in the choices that are made on the larger scale by countries like the USA and the USSR, but also on a smaller scale, as in the operatives Elizabeth, Phillip, William, and Oleg.
When decisions are made by any entity, there is an aftermath, a day after. For the countries involved, perhaps we should blink/breath/pause (Paige) for a moment to take that into consideration. If America launches nuclear weapons what does that mean for America? The day after, the USSR will launch their own. What does that gain? Perhaps everyone should pause and think of that before a button is pressed.
Who should take that breath?
Everyone.
William and Phillip question at what point do they need to make decisions on what information is brought to the center's attention, because once that information is out there, there is no taking it back. William and Phillip have to make this decision in regards to the Lassa virus. The disease is so deadly, they question whether or not the USSR really needs to have that kind of weapon. William feels the weight of the decision so heavily that he breaks protocol, pauses, and runs the moral dilemma past Phillip first. William doesn't even want CDC level 4 clearance because then he would be complicit in obtaining such a devastating weapon. He also wonders if the USSR even understands how deadly the biological weapon is. His worry is that the USSR is only in an arms race and doesn't fully comprehend what they might have on their hands.
Oleg highlights this same theme when he questions whether or not he would have the self-control to question all of the data that stated nuclear warheads were launched by America and take the moment to pause and truly evaluate the info, despite protocol. This data questioning, which we have seen in the show could potentially cost this operative's life, saved nuclear annihilation by both countries. The aftermath would have been catastrophic.
I thought this storytelling was superb.
I loved how the larger storyline of countries in a cold war and the decisions by the operatives tied in together this week with the ongoing, smaller plot thread of the financial and civilian morale of the USSR. The USSR, from its operatives standpoints, might not be making the right decisions, or have the capacity to.
The war between Afghanistan and the USSR is draining the finances causing the USSR to be unable to keep pace with the US. William worries if his mother country even has the capability of handling the weapon as stated by the malfunctioning test tubes. Money is tight and equipment is not up to standards. Oleg has questions along this same line. Due to finances, the USSR's technology is behind that of the US. He worries other mistakes, like the missile launch fiasco, might happen because of it.
The war is becoming an unpopular one as well -- there is unrest amongst its citizens. Too many Soviet lives have been lost. Food is tight, resources are limited ... civilians are beginning to have serious questions.
As we know from history, Afghanistan really is part of the downfall of the USSR. Then once Chernobyl melts down, the financial drain of the event is too much for the republic to handle.
The episode is titled The Day After -- and for good reason.
The themes of aftermath/consequences/fallout are represented in the choices that are made on the larger scale by countries like the USA and the USSR, but also on a smaller scale, as in the operatives Elizabeth, Phillip, William, and Oleg.
When decisions are made by any entity, there is an aftermath, a day after. For the countries involved, perhaps we should blink/breath/pause (Paige) for a moment to take that into consideration. If America launches nuclear weapons what does that mean for America? The day after, the USSR will launch their own. What does that gain? Perhaps everyone should pause and think of that before a button is pressed.
Who should take that breath?
Everyone.
William and Phillip question at what point do they need to make decisions on what information is brought to the center's attention, because once that information is out there, there is no taking it back. William and Phillip have to make this decision in regards to the Lassa virus. The disease is so deadly, they question whether or not the USSR really needs to have that kind of weapon. William feels the weight of the decision so heavily that he breaks protocol, pauses, and runs the moral dilemma past Phillip first. William doesn't even want CDC level 4 clearance because then he would be complicit in obtaining such a devastating weapon. He also wonders if the USSR even understands how deadly the biological weapon is. His worry is that the USSR is only in an arms race and doesn't fully comprehend what they might have on their hands.
Oleg highlights this same theme when he questions whether or not he would have the self-control to question all of the data that stated nuclear warheads were launched by America and take the moment to pause and truly evaluate the info, despite protocol. This data questioning, which we have seen in the show could potentially cost this operative's life, saved nuclear annihilation by both countries. The aftermath would have been catastrophic.
I thought this storytelling was superb.
I loved how the larger storyline of countries in a cold war and the decisions by the operatives tied in together this week with the ongoing, smaller plot thread of the financial and civilian morale of the USSR. The USSR, from its operatives standpoints, might not be making the right decisions, or have the capacity to.
The war between Afghanistan and the USSR is draining the finances causing the USSR to be unable to keep pace with the US. William worries if his mother country even has the capability of handling the weapon as stated by the malfunctioning test tubes. Money is tight and equipment is not up to standards. Oleg has questions along this same line. Due to finances, the USSR's technology is behind that of the US. He worries other mistakes, like the missile launch fiasco, might happen because of it.
The war is becoming an unpopular one as well -- there is unrest amongst its citizens. Too many Soviet lives have been lost. Food is tight, resources are limited ... civilians are beginning to have serious questions.
As we know from history, Afghanistan really is part of the downfall of the USSR. Then once Chernobyl melts down, the financial drain of the event is too much for the republic to handle.
Paige also has fallout from her nuclear decision to tell Pastor Tim the family's secrets. The aftermath is causing her to be a nervous wreck. She is white-knuckling it when she drives. She is worried all the time. Her relationship with her mother is shot. She is overwhelmed with church/spy responsibilities and ultimately, Pastor Tim is still not convinced by the ruse.
Phillip takes note of this and allows her to drive the sports car. I don't think any of us are convinced that helped matters. Even for the briefest of seconds, when she forgets her troubles, a crestfallen Elizabeth walks in the door and snaps Paige back to the all too true realities of her complicated life. I know we're all supposed to think poor Paige, but the girl really did screw up.
I think we all know what needs to happen to Pastor Tim on his mission.
Phillip takes note of this and allows her to drive the sports car. I don't think any of us are convinced that helped matters. Even for the briefest of seconds, when she forgets her troubles, a crestfallen Elizabeth walks in the door and snaps Paige back to the all too true realities of her complicated life. I know we're all supposed to think poor Paige, but the girl really did screw up.
I think we all know what needs to happen to Pastor Tim on his mission.
Elizabeth has devastating personal fallout from her decision to detonate the marriage of her friend Young. Elizabeth, who is practically incapable of much feeling and affinity, truly likes Young. Young is Elizabeth's Martha. Elizabeth, who is so cut and dry, and so precisely tows the party line, is hurt by what she has to do to quite possibly her only friend. Now it is Elizabeth's turn to deal with blurred lines.
Consequences, man.
On a side note, I have no idea how Don actually plays into anything.
Consequences, man.
On a side note, I have no idea how Don actually plays into anything.
Until next time!
** If you would like to read my other blogs, please find them at:
http://www.madelinefresco.com
http://www.ihatemyback.com.
**** Madeline Fresco is a novelist who lives in San Diego. She is the author of CROSSED THE LINE, available for Kindle at Amazon.com, for Nook at Barnes & Noble, and as an ePub at other eBook retailers. You can also listen to her novel as a free, serialized audiobook at http://www.madelinefresco.com. Her second book THE CHOICE, is available on Kindle at Amazon. Her third book ANGUISH, is available for Kindle at Amazon.com
** If you would like to read my other blogs, please find them at:
http://www.madelinefresco.com
http://www.ihatemyback.com.
**** Madeline Fresco is a novelist who lives in San Diego. She is the author of CROSSED THE LINE, available for Kindle at Amazon.com, for Nook at Barnes & Noble, and as an ePub at other eBook retailers. You can also listen to her novel as a free, serialized audiobook at http://www.madelinefresco.com. Her second book THE CHOICE, is available on Kindle at Amazon. Her third book ANGUISH, is available for Kindle at Amazon.com