Ep 2. Baggage

Baggage is the second episode of the third season of the critically acclaimed spy thriller drama, The Americans. Set in the early 1980s during the Cold War, the show follows the lives of two KGB agents, Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, as they live undercover as an American married couple in suburban Washington, D.C., carrying out various espionage missions that aim to dismantle the country's defenses.

In this episode, Elizabeth and Philip are up against a new F.B.I agent named Adderholt who is brought in to investigate the murder of a fellow agent. Adderholt’s investigation leads him straight to the Jennings' doorstep, forcing the couple to be extra cautious to avoid being discovered. Meanwhile, the KGB sends a new handler, Tatiana, to oversee Elizabeth and Philip's work, which puts them both on edge.

As if that weren't enough to deal with, the Jennings also have to deal with their own personal issues. Philip is beginning to feel the weight of the double life they lead, and is grappling with the morality of it all, as well as the impact it has on his relationship with Elizabeth. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has her own demons to contend with, particularly her strained relationship with her daughter Paige, who is starting to suspect that something isn't quite right with her parents.

In typical fashion, Baggage is an intense and powerful episode that showcases the many complexities of the show's central characters. The writing is sharp and clever, with each scene building upon the last to create a palpable sense of tension that permeates throughout the episode. The character development is also incredibly strong, with each character grappling with their own demons and trying to come to terms with the difficult choices they've made in their lives.

As always, the show's production values are second to none, with beautiful cinematography and authentic set design that transports viewers back in time to the early 80s. The costume design is also noteworthy, with Elizabeth and Philip sporting a range of disguises that allow them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, whether it be at a shopping mall or a seedy bar.

Overall, Baggage is an excellent example of what makes The Americans such a powerful and compelling show. It's an episode that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish, and will leave you eager to see what happens next. With its masterful storytelling, complex characters, and intense drama, it's no wonder that The Americans has become one of the most highly-regarded shows on television today.