The Americans Review: Clark’s Place (Season 4 Episode 5)

The first scene in “Clark’s Place” sets the mood for the entire episode.

As Martha explains everything she’s been through in the two days she’s been away from “Clark,” I am struck by two things. Firstly, Alison Wright’s acting in this scene is incredible. This is actually the first time on The Americans I’m convinced she can hold her own against Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys. And when she lets that one tear fall?! She breaks every heart in the room. By that I mean my room, not her room, because “Clark” isn’t even fazed.

Secondly, I am FURIOUS for her! She’s sitting there telling her husband about all these traumatic things that have happened to her and he’s just sitting there, stone-faced, like what has happened to her is the most regular thing in the world? No, no, no. I would have screamed at him and possibly slapped him across the face. She let him off way too easily.

At first, I thought the cover story “Clark” gave Martha for her dating life was ridiculous. Why does she have to be dating a married man? Why does she have to compromise her integrity in front of others to cover for him? Why must she protect him at the expense of her reputation?

Then it dawns on me that this cover story is perfect. She can never introduce her “boyfriend” to anyone because they can’t be seen in public together. She can’t bring him to work events and the nature of their relationship will keep people from asking about him. Instead, friends and colleagues will be concerned about her welfare, not the relationship itself. All the focus will be on her, not who she’s with. There is no end to the genius of the KGB. The only problem is Agent Aderholt thinks it’s a great cover too. It appears Martha’s blown but maybe something can be salvaged here.

Martha: Of course, I mean, why would I expect to keep anything?

Wow. I hear every emotion in these words. I hear Martha’s frustration and exasperation with her marriage, but also the pain it causes her. It’s as if she’s saying, “Of course I can’t keep anything because I can’t even keep you and you’re my husband.” Why is Martha willing to accept so few crumbs from “Clark”? Why is she still with a husband who’s not there for her? I don’t even know if Martha knows why she’s still with “Clark” at this point. The shot of her alone in bed at the end of the episode breaks my heart for the second time.

At first glance, Alice looks like a stereotypical preacher’s wife. And by that I mean she looks as insipid and dull as Melba toast. I can’t say I’m surprised. Pastor Tim is about as exciting as wet Melba toast. He took what he could get.

In telling Paige to make up with Pastor Tim, it feels like Philip and Elizabeth are pimping her out. Elizabeth doesn’t want her in the KGB but she’s telling Paige to work someone. How is that any different than what The Center wants Paige to do?

I think the contrast between Philip and “Clark” is fascinating. “Clark” has no reaction when Martha pours her heart out to him. Philip is livid when Gabriel suggests sending Martha into the FBI with a camera. She’s basically blown and he knows it. Philip wants to protect Martha. He wants to keep her out of prison. The question is, does “Clark”?

Martha looks like a lonely, lost puppy sitting in that laundry mat, waiting for “Clark” to call. Has she been sitting there for an hour?! I mean, why does she love him so much?! Why? What did she even fall in love with in the first place? He gives her so little. I think it’s this little that keeps her there. She’s always hoping he’ll give her a little bit more than he gave her the last time. I hate to tell you this Martha, but that day isn’t coming. God, I wish she could see the way Philip fights for her! How much he cares about her.

I was beginning to think there was no hope for Martha. That she was just going to keep right on being the most pathetic character on the show. But then she tells “Clark” to save his “I love you” for Tuesday. Alright Miss Martha! It’s no “Go to hell!” but it’s something. Maybe there’s hope for her after all.

Elizabeth glares at Philip as he finishes his call with Martha. I can’t imagine what it’s like to call your fake wife in front of your other fake wife. Being a secret KGB officer in America’s a tough job but somebody’s gotta do it.

To complicate matters further, Elizabeth gets intimate with Philip to comfort him because he’s sad about Martha. Their relationship is so complicated it’s almost too much to wrap your head around. I think Elizabeth and Philip have one of the most complex marriages on TV and this relationship is what makes The Americans such an incredible show. Honestly, I could have done without the sex scene though. I don’t think it adds anything to the story.

I enjoyed “Clark’s Place” as I enjoy all episodes of The Americans, but nothing that interesting happens — certainly not anything interesting enough to justify the episode being an extra ten minutes long. On the up side, it looks like Martha may be in MAJOR trouble next week. I can’t wait!

Other random thoughts:

• I appreciate Oleg for not having a drink with Arkady Zotov after he blamed Nina for her own death. Oleg is loyal to the end and probably the only one who really loved Nina.
• I literally laughed out loud when Stan comments on how many pages are marked in Martha’s Kama Sutra book. Stan wouldn’t know what to do with a Kama Sutra book, or a woman, if they came with instructional videos. I can’t stand him. I really can’t, however, Noah Emmerich directs this episode of The Americans and I LOVE his directorial style! I love the camera angle and lighting decisions he makes for the scene where Oleg tells Stan Nina is dead.
• Yay, Yung Hee is back! I love the comment she makes about Elizabeth being the only white woman who will know how to make the Korean dish they’re making. I’m still dying to know what Elizabeth wants with her.
• There is a woman who passes “Clark” on the street who rocks an AMAZING afro. I miss my afro!

What did you think of this episode of The Americans? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Americans airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on FX.

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