Munchkins (The Americans)
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Episode 10
| "Munchkins" | |
|---|---|
| The Americans episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 10 |
| Directed by | Steph Green |
| Written by | Peter Ackerman |
| Cinematography by | Alex Nepomniaschy |
| Editing by | Daniel Valverde |
| Production code | BDU410 |
| Original air date | May 18, 2016 |
| Running time | 48 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Munchkins" is the tenth episode of the fourth season of the American period spy drama television series The Americans. It is the 49th overall episode of the series and was written by co-producer Peter Ackerman, and directed by Steph Green. It was released on FX on May 18, 2016.
The series is set during the Cold War and follows Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB intelligence officers posing as an American married couple living in Falls Church, a Virginia suburb of Washington, D.C., with their American-born children Paige and Henry. It also explores the conflict between Washington's FBI office and the KGB Rezidentura there, from the perspectives of agents on both sides, including the Jennings' neighbor Stan Beeman, an FBI agent working in counterintelligence. In the episode, Pastor Tim goes missing in Ethiopia, and Alice suspects the Jennings were involved. Meanwhile, a KGB operation goes awry.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.82 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the writing, performances, tension and the episode's surprising death.
Elizabeth (Keri Russell) dines with Young Hee (Ruthie Ann Miles) at her house, although Young Hee notes how distant Don (Rob Yang) has become. She and Philip (Matthew Rhys) later meet with Gabriel (Frank Langella), who informs them they will receive a new recruit.
The Jennings are visited by Alice (Suzy Jane Hunt), who states that Pastor Tim went missing in Ethiopia after deviating from his route. She accuses them of getting involved in his disappearance, as Ethiopia is part of the Soviet empire. She then states that she sent a tape to her lawyer, in which she disclosed the Jennings' real identity, which will be delivered to the Department of Justice if Tim is not found or if anything happens to Alice. Paige (Holly Taylor) believes her parents are involved, even when they claim otherwise. She gets angry when her parents state they would have to leave for Russia if the tape is delivered.
Stan (Noah Emmerich) and Aderholt (Brandon J. Dirden) meet their new boss, Agent Wolfe (Peter Jacobson), immediately taking a dislike to his methods. They later meet with Bill Hanson (Richard Kline), Martha's father, at a bar. Bill refuses to believe his daughter would be a KGB agent, while Aderholt notes she could've hidden her nature. In Thailand, Gaad (Richard Thomas) stays in his hotel room while his wife, Linh (Christine Toy Johnson), goes shopping. The room is invaded by three KGB agents, who want to make a deal with him. Gaad tries to escape, but he accidentally stabs himself with a window's shard of glass. When he dies, the agents are forced to leave. Arkady (Lev Gorn) is informed of this, and he expresses disdain.
During a mission to change tapes, Philip hangs out with Kimmy (Julia Garner), who confesses that her father works at the Central Intelligence Agency. Philip admonishes her for telling him a big secret like that, telling her that she should earn her father's trust. At the church, Alice informs Paige that Tim was found, safe and well. She apologizes for her reaction, asking Paige to tell her parents. Paige discloses it to Philip and Elizabeth, although she didn't ask Alice for the tape. Stan and Aderholt are dismayed upon discovering that Gaad was killed. Elizabeth meets with Gabriel, feeling conflicted over the required mission to get the access code to the lab, as it will ruin Young Hee's family.
Production
Development
In April 2016, FX confirmed that the tenth episode of the season would be titled "Munchkins", and that it would be written by co-producer Peter Ackerman, and directed by Steph Green. This was Ackerman's fifth writing credit, and Green's first directing credit.[1]
Filming
Filming for the episode wrapped by February 8, 2016.[2]