Pastor Tim
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Episode 2
- Joel Fields
- Joe Weisberg
| "Pastor Tim" | |
|---|---|
| The Americans episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Chris Long |
| Written by |
|
| Featured music | "Tainted Love" by Soft Cell |
| Cinematography by | Alex Nepomniaschy |
| Editing by | Amanda Pollack |
| Production code | BDU402 |
| Original air date | March 23, 2016 |
| Running time | 48 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Pastor Tim" is the second episode of the fourth season of the American period spy drama television series The Americans. It is the 41st overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Joel Fields and series creator Joe Weisberg, and directed by Chris Long. It was released on FX on March 23, 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, Philip meets with an airline pilot to get the vial of glanders out of the country, while Elizabeth discovers Paige told Pastor Tim about them.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.93 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, with critics praising the performances, character development, pacing and intrigue.
After his fight with Stan (Noah Emmerich), Philip (Matthew Rhys) tells Elizabeth (Keri Russell) that he attended EST sessions with Sandra.
Philip and Elizabeth take the vial to Gabriel (Frank Langella). Surprisingly, Gabriel gives it back to them, stating that they will need more samples and that they need to continue meeting with William (Dylan Baker) as he will provide them access to the lab. However, Elizabeth discovers that Paige (Holly Taylor) told Pastor Tim (Kelly AuCoin) about their real identities, as she planted a bug in his office. Elizabeth wants to kill him, but Philip refuses, as Paige may run away. Nevertheless, Elizabeth surveils a cabin that Tim often frequents to write his sermons.
At the Soviet research facility, Nina (Annet Mahendru) reunites with her husband, Boris (Gene Ravvin). Before he leaves, she gives him a letter from Anton (Michael Aronov), asking him to deliver it to his son. However, Vasili (Peter Von Berg) informs her that the note was retrieved. He is surprised she'd risk her life for someone else, with Nina noting she changed. At the Rezidentura, Oleg (Costa Ronin) is informed by Arkady (Lev Gorn) that his brother died in the Soviet–Afghan War. Oleg later meets with Stan, who informs him there won't be a person to trade for Nina, devastating him.
Philip meets with an airline pilot, intending to give him the vial and take it out of the country. However, the mission is jeopardized when a security guard sits next to them and notes the pilot's behavior. When no one is watching, Philip strangles the guard to death. The pilot leaves, and Philip realizes that he left the vial behind. He meets with William the next day, who tells him to keep in the meantime. Elizabeth informs Paige that her mother has just died, wanting to let them know she loved them. Paige then confesses that she told Pastor Tim about their identities, angering Elizabeth. When Philip returns, Elizabeth tells him that Paige confessed. They both agree that they are in trouble.
Production
Development
In February 2016, FX confirmed that the second episode of the season would be titled "Pastor Tim", and that it would be written by executive producer Joel Fields and series creator Joe Weisberg, and directed by Chris Long. This was Fields' 14th writing credit, Weisberg's 15th writing credit, and Long's first directing credit.[1]
Filming
Filming for the episode started on October 28, 2015, and wrapped by November 6, 2015.[2][3]