The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears (The Americans)
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Episode 8
| "The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears" | |
|---|---|
| The Americans episode | |
| Episode no. | Season 4 Episode 8 |
| Directed by | Matthew Rhys |
| Written by | Stephen Schiff |
| Featured music | "End of the Line" by Roxy Music |
| Cinematography by | Alex Nepomniaschy |
| Editing by | Amanda Pollack |
| Production code | BDU408 |
| Original air date | May 4, 2016 |
| Running time | 51 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears" is the eighth episode of the fourth season of the American period spy drama television series The Americans. It is the 47th overall episode of the series and was written by co-executive producer Stephen Schiff, and directed by main cast member Matthew Rhys. It was released on FX on May 4, 2016.
The title of the episode was a reference to David Copperfield's 1983 television special where he made the Statue of Liberty "disappear". It may also be a reference to the "disappearances" shown in the episode and/or the difficulty involved in making something huge, because the episode itself was also set in 1983. Copperfield and the stunt itself are shown in the episode.
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.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.02 million household viewers and gained a 0.3 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode was widely praised for its performances, writing, directing and atmosphere. At the 68th Primetime Emmy Awards, Margo Martindale won Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for the episode, while Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell received nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, respectively.
Philip (Matthew Rhys), Martha (Alison Wright) and Gabriel (Frank Langella) silently awake in the morning to start their departure from the safe house. They drive her to an airfield, where the airplane will take Martha. Before departing, Martha tells Philip "don't be alone" and kisses him goodbye before leaving the United States.
With Martha out of the country, Philip becomes more present in his family's life. He also convinces Elizabeth (Keri Russell) to hang out more often with Young Hee (Ruthie Ann Miles), so she decides to accompany her to the theater to watch Tender Mercies. They develop their friendship, and they decide to sneak back to watch The Outsiders. Philip is visited by Stan (Noah Emmerich), who laments his incoming divorce, as well as the lack of progress in the FBI. He later meets with Gabriel, who informs him that his son has been sent back to Russia from Afghanistan, to Philip's relief. Philip asks for Martha to meet her parents in Cuba, but Gabriel refuses.
Elizabeth attends an EST session, which surprises Philip. However, Elizabeth considers that the sessions are only manipulating people to sign for more, deeming it "very American." This gets Philip and Elizabeth to heavily argue about their life, which is interrupted when Gabriel calls them. He informs them that Martha has landed safely in Cuba, after which she will be taken to Russia. The following day, Paige (Holly Taylor) tells Elizabeth that she skipped Bible studies because she can't get herself "in the mood" to talk. Elizabeth angrily chastises her, saying she will continue attending and maintain a good relationship with Pastor Tim (Kelly AuCoin) and Alice (Suzy Jane Hunt), reminding her that it is her fault that they found themselves in this problem.
Gabriel converses with Claudia (Margo Martindale), expressing his frustration with Philip and Elizabeth and how everything is going out of control. However, Claudia is not moved by his story, claiming they must get themselves out of their problems. Elizabeth visits Lisa (Karen Pittman), who has resorted to alcoholism. Maurice has left her and taken all their money and she is convinced she needs to report "Jack" to the police in hopes of gaining immunity. After failing to convince her, Elizabeth is forced to kill her. She reports this to Philip and Gabriel, showing signs of stress. Realizing their situation, Gabriel decides that they need time off from operations, promising to call Centre. They go home, telling Paige and Henry (Keidrich Sellati) that they are finally going to Epcot.
Seven months later, while playing mini golf, Pastor Tim and Alice reveal to Paige that they are expecting a baby. After Paige is dropped off at home, she reports their activities to Philip and Elizabeth. Stan visits Gaad (Richard Thomas) at his house, fired after the recent events at the FBI. Before Gaad leaves for a trip in Thailand, he advises Stan to watch out for Oleg (Costa Ronin), reminding him that he cannot lose sight of who these people are.
Production
Development
In April 2016, FX confirmed that the eighth episode of the season would be titled "The Magic of David Copperfield V: The Statue of Liberty Disappears", and that it would be written by co-executive producer Stephen Schiff, and directed by main cast member Matthew Rhys. This was Schiff's sixth writing credit, and Rhys's first directing credit.[1]
Filming
Filming for the episode wrapped by January 20, 2016.[2]