The Americans Review: Dinner For Seven (Season 4 Episode 11)
On “Dinner For Seven,” we see Elizabeth’s not a robot: not all of her missions are easy for her.
Sometimes she wants to get out of them, sometimes she thinks about pursuing less difficult options. Interestingly, Elizabeth always comes out of these crises of faith even more committed to her country.
Watching Elizabeth steel herself to ring Yung Hee and Don’s doorbell makes me think The Americans‘ showrunners are trying to show a softer, more human side of Elizabeth, and I like it. I enjoy watching Elizabeth’s character develop more nuance.
Elizabeth does a lot of things she doesn’t want to do in the name of patriotism. The longer Elizabeth and Philip live their double lives, the harder their jobs get because they are growing more attached to America and the relationships they have with American people.
I have to say Elizabeth is horrible at pretending to be upset when she tells Don she’s pregnant. She sounds so fake! I’ve never seen Elizabeth perform so poorly in a mission.
She’s way to eager when she tells him, “Well, say something.” He’s only been quiet for a moment. Give the man a second, “Patty”!
And “Patty’s” confusion is so disingenuous when Don says she can’t have the baby. How does he not see she’s playing him?!
Contrastingly, Elizabeth is very convincing when she “confides” in Pastor Tim. Is it because Elizabeth is purposely sabotaging her mission with Don? Or is it because she knows a good relationship with Pastor Tim is the only thing keeping her and Philip out of prison?
Switching gears, just when I was about to say maybe I was wrong about Stan, he makes my skin crawl. First of all, I don’t believe for a second he doesn’t know the Jennings are having company. He probably caught a glimpse of Pastor Tim or Alice in a window and thought he’d show up at the Jennings’ door, look pathetic and get an invite to dinner.
Stan: Oh, well I see Elizabeth’s not the only one with a roast in the oven.
Ew! This comment is so inappropriate, Stan! A woman being pregnant does not mean her body, or her appearance, is up for discussion. Guess someone left his couth at home.
Oh, wait, Stan couldn’t have done that because he doesn’t have any. The sound of uncomfortable laughter is still ringing in my ears.
Pastor Tim is the whole family’s pastor now, Elizabeth? I guess Alice’s threat reminded Elizabeth what a precarious position the Jennings clan is in.
It just hit me, y’all. Yung Hee is Elizabeth’s Martha. She is heartbroken her duties demanded she end their friendship just as Philip was heartbroken he had to send Martha to Russia.
I think this is a good lesson for Elizabeth. Now she realizes sometimes a mark becomes something more. Sometimes she works her way into your heart even though you do everything you can to keep her out.
There is nothing that excites me about “Dinner For Seven.” I need someone to reveal their true identity or get killed quick! I guess all shows are entitled to a slow episode every now and then.
Ask and you shall receive. Pastor Tim taught me that. Ha!
These men should know not to leer at a teenage girl while she’s with her mom. I told you Elizabeth doesn’t play when it comes to her children!
Watching Elizabeth stab someone in the throat, I couldn’t help but think how lucky Pastor Tim and Alice are to still be alive. They are the only ones who are capable of exposing the Jennings and The Center, and the Jennings, continue to let them live. Will Elizabeth and Philip be able to turn them after all?
Other random thoughts:
- When Stan and Oleg are talking in the parking lot, I keep thinking one of them is going to shoot the other. Were any of you thinking that or am I just paranoid?
- Is Pastor Tim flirting with Elizabeth at the end of this episode? I hope not because Alice has made it clear she doesn’t play when it comes to her man.
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.
Sheena Bosket
Sheena is an attorney, writer, and Black feminist living and working in Atlanta. She can be found searching for an opportunity to date Jake Gyllenhaal and renovating her condo in Shondaland. She watches all of the Real Housewives franchises, and she's not ashamed. Sheena also occasionally writes about pop culture, politics, and feminism for Donatidaily.com.