Ep 1. EST Men

In The Americans season 3 episode 1, titled "EST Men," the Jennings family is still reeling from the events of the previous season. They are trying to navigate the complicated politics of the Cold War while coming to terms with their personal lives. The episode opens with Philip (Matthew Rhys) attending his EST therapy group, where the focus is on self-improvement and personal growth. His wife Elizabeth (Keri Russell) is skeptical of the program and thinks it's a waste of time, but Philip is intrigued and starts to embrace the teachings.

Meanwhile, back in Russia, Oleg (Costa Ronin) is facing a similar crisis of conscience. He's been tasked with investigating corruption in the Soviet government, but he's starting to question whether he's on the right side. He confides in his father, who advises him to stay the course and do his duty, but Oleg is conflicted.

Back in the United States, Philip and Elizabeth are still working as Russian spies, but they've been given a new mission: to recruit a new asset named Hans. Hans is a former Air Force sergeant who now works as a technician at a U.S. military base. The Jennings have to find a way to get close to him and convince him to start passing along classified information to the Russians.

As they work on their mission, Philip starts to open up more about his past and his feelings. Elizabeth is surprised to hear him talk so openly, and she realizes that EST might actually be helping him. However, their relationship is still strained, and there's tension between them as they try to balance their work and personal lives.

The episode also explores the theme of fatherhood, as both Philip and Elizabeth reflect on their relationships with their own fathers. Philip has a difficult conversation with his son, who is struggling to adjust to life in the U.S. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has to confront her own father, who is dying of cancer.

The tension builds throughout the episode as the Jennings work on their mission and deal with their personal issues. As always, the show's attention to detail and character development are impeccable, and the performances from the cast are top-notch. The Americans continues to be one of the most compelling shows on television, delving into the complex world of espionage while exploring the human cost of living a double life.