The last episode of The Americans, titled “START,” depicts the devastating consequences of espionage and the enduring power of family bonds. It culminates in a heart-wrenching confrontation at the U.S.-Canada border where Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, compromised and on the run, are forced to choose between escaping to Russia and abandoning their children, Paige and Henry.
The Border Crossing: A Moment of Truth
The finale of The Americans hangs on the razor’s edge of a border crossing. After years of living a double life as deep-cover KGB agents, Philip and Elizabeth’s carefully constructed world crumbles around them in the final season. Betrayal, suspicion, and mounting casualties drive them to the brink, forcing them to flee the United States.
The scene at the border is charged with tension. Paige, deeply disillusioned by her parents’ actions and the lies they have lived, chooses to stay behind, abandoning the escape to Russia. This marks a profound turning point, highlighting the moral cost of their spycraft and the irreversible damage inflicted on their family. Henry, unaware of his parents’ true identities, remains at boarding school, further fragmenting the Jennings family.
The final sequence aboard the train heading towards Moscow is powerfully understated. Philip and Elizabeth stare out the window, contemplating the wreckage of their lives. The series ends not with a triumphant return, but with a quiet, devastating acknowledgment of the personal sacrifices and ethical compromises that defined their existence.
FAQs: Unpacking the Ending of The Americans
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide further insight into the complex and emotionally charged ending of The Americans.
H3: What does the title “START” signify?
The title “START” refers to the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty, a key point of negotiation between the United States and the Soviet Union during the 1980s. However, on a deeper level, it also represents a false start for Philip and Elizabeth. Their mission, their family, and their lives have all been irrevocably altered, making a true “start” impossible. The title is deeply ironic, highlighting the failure of their mission and the devastating impact of their choices. It also leaves the audience to wonder about what the “start” of a new life in Moscow could even entail for them.
H3: Why did Paige choose to stay behind?
Paige’s decision to stay behind is a culmination of her growing disillusionment with her parents’ espionage activities. She has witnessed firsthand the violence, deceit, and moral compromises that are inherent to their lifestyle. Furthermore, her burgeoning sense of American identity and the relationships she has formed in the United States make it impossible for her to abandon her life and embrace a life in Russia that is completely unknown and ethically questionable. She understands the cost, and her ethical compass steers her to the other side of the border.
H3: What happens to Henry?
Henry remains at boarding school, completely unaware of his parents’ true identities and their escape to Russia. This underscores the collateral damage of Philip and Elizabeth’s actions. Henry represents the innocent victim, shielded from the truth but ultimately affected by his parents’ absence. His future is uncertain, left to grapple with the unexplained disappearance of his parents. He is the symbolic representation of the destruction of the American dream, destroyed by the machinations of the KGB.
H3: Why didn’t Philip and Elizabeth get caught?
While Philip and Elizabeth evade immediate capture, they are irrevocably compromised. Their identities are known, and their network has been exposed. Their escape is not a victory but a Pyrrhic one, as they leave behind everything they have worked for. The series intentionally avoids a traditional “good guys win” ending, instead focusing on the human cost of the Cold War and the complexities of moral ambiguity.
H3: What does the final train scene represent?
The final train scene is a powerful representation of loss, regret, and the enduring bond between Philip and Elizabeth. Despite the devastation they have caused, they remain together, bound by their shared experiences and their unwavering loyalty to each other. The scene is devoid of triumph, instead focusing on the profound sadness and uncertainty of their future. The Russian landscape unfolding outside the train windows serves as a constant reminder of their return to a world they haven’t known for many years.
H3: What was the significance of the Stan Beeman confrontation?
The confrontation with Stan Beeman at the border is a pivotal moment in the finale. Stan, Philip and Elizabeth’s friend and neighbor, is also an FBI agent. This confrontation highlights the personal betrayal inherent in their spycraft. Stan is forced to choose between his duty to his country and his loyalty to his friends. Ultimately, he chooses to let them go, acknowledging the complex relationship they shared and perhaps recognizing the futility of further violence. His grief underscores the depth of the betrayal.
H3: Did Philip and Elizabeth ever truly love each other?
Despite the arranged nature of their marriage, Philip and Elizabeth develop a deep and genuine love for each other over the course of the series. Their relationship evolves from a purely strategic partnership into a profound emotional connection. Their shared experiences, the sacrifices they have made, and the lies they have lived have forged an unbreakable bond between them. The finale underscores the complexity and depth of their love.
H3: What happened to Martha?
Martha, Philip’s former mark and later wife, is safely relocated to Russia in an earlier season. The finale doesn’t directly address her fate, but the implication is that she continues to live a quiet, albeit isolated, life in Moscow. Her storyline highlights the long-term consequences of Philip and Elizabeth’s actions on innocent individuals caught in their web of deceit.
H3: Was the Soviet Union shown in a positive or negative light?
The Americans avoids portraying the Soviet Union in purely black-and-white terms. While it acknowledges the ideological differences between the two superpowers, it also explores the human side of the Soviet characters, highlighting their motivations, their vulnerabilities, and their shared humanity. The show delves into the gray areas of morality, avoiding simplistic portrayals of good versus evil.
H3: What is the overall theme of The Americans?
The overall theme of The Americans is the human cost of ideological conflict. The series explores the themes of identity, betrayal, family, and the moral compromises that individuals make in the name of their beliefs. It highlights the devastating impact of espionage on individuals and families, regardless of their allegiance. It shows the tragedy of choices made under immense pressure, and the enduring power of familial relationships even in the face of extreme circumstances.
H3: Is there a sequel or spin-off planned?
As of now, there are no confirmed plans for a sequel or spin-off to The Americans. While the creators have expressed interest in exploring certain storylines further, there is no active development on any new projects related to the series.
H3: What makes the finale so impactful?
The finale of The Americans is impactful because it resists providing easy answers or a neatly tied-up ending. It leaves the audience to grapple with the moral complexities of the characters’ actions and the long-term consequences of their choices. The ambiguity of the ending allows viewers to contemplate the true cost of the Cold War and the enduring power of human relationships, even in the face of betrayal and loss. The open ending creates a lasting impact that encourages reflection and discussion about the themes explored throughout the series.