The Jaw-Dropping Twist on Paige's Decision - Unraveling 'The Americans' Mind-Blowing Finale

Summary

As Philip and Elizabeth return to Russia, they find themselves having to readjust to a rapidly changing country. However, this homecoming is overshadowed by the painful reality of being separated from their beloved children, with the haunting uncertainty of never being able to see them again.

Despite his anger and hurt, Stan spares the Jennings family, displaying the depth and complexity of their friendship and his enduring love for them. The Americans, set in the 1980s during the Cold War, concluded its six-season run with a powerful finale that dramatically alters the lives of its main characters. The show revolves around Philip and Elizabeth Jennings, Russian KGB spies posing as a married American couple in the suburban town of Falls Church, Virginia. They navigate the challenges of balancing their duties with their family, including their American children, Paige and Henry. Throughout the series, their covert operation remains a secret from their neighbor, FBI agent Stan Beeman.

Why Paige Gets Off The Train In The Americans' Ending

"START," the final episode of The Americans season 6, stands out among the already exceptional season finales. This intense conclusion to the spy drama showcases outstanding writing, directing, and acting, resulting in a superb ending. The series finale received widespread acclaim and even secured two Primetime Emmys. One for Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series, awarded to showrunners and writers Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, and another for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, presented to Matthew Rhys. Discover a comprehensive breakdown of this celebrated ending to the popular TV series below.

One of the most heart-wrenching moments in the finale of The Americans occurs when Paige disembarks from the train bound for Canada, while Elizabeth and Philip watch in astonishment from their windows. Even without any dialogue, this scene leaves a lasting impact on the viewers. The reason behind Paige's decision can partly be attributed to her deep affection for her brother. At the train station, Elizabeth and Philip have a heartrending conversation with their son, Henry, whom they have chosen to leave behind in America, unaware of their secret lives as spies. They express their love for him, but Paige, on the other hand, finds it difficult to bid him a final farewell.

Paige's concern for Henry runs deep, and she cannot bear the thought of never seeing her brother again. According to Holly Taylor's interview with Gold Derby, Paige likely harbored immense anger about the deceit that defined her entire life. Starting afresh in an unfamiliar environment, where she wouldn't even comprehend the language, would have been incredibly daunting for her. For Paige, it would have been an arduous task to forge a new life surrounded by people she couldn't completely trust in a foreign land.

What Will Happen To Elizabeth & Philip Jennings In Russia?

The Americans culminates with Elizabeth and Philip finding themselves in Moscow, their homeland. Philip describes their return as "strange," while Elizabeth, speaking in Russian, assures him that they will grow accustomed to it. After spending over two decades in America, they must now readjust to life in Russia. However, it is the year 1987, and the Russia they come back to is vastly different from the one they left. The leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev has set the Soviet Union on a more promising path. In the upcoming years, they will undoubtedly confront the challenges of navigating this significant transformation while residing there.

Why Stan Lets The Jennings Go Free After Learning The Truth

Contrary to Paige, Philip and Elizabeth were born and raised in Russia, making it easier for them to readjust to their Russian lifestyle. However, Philip has fully embraced American customs and will undoubtedly miss some of the comforts from back home in the States. Luckily, they have Arkady Zotov, the deputy chief of Directorate S, to protect them, ensuring they will likely be treated well. Nonetheless, there is one significant void in Elizabeth and Philip's lives - their children. They are currently unable to contact Henry and Paige and must come to terms with the possibility that they may never see their children again unless Paige and Henry decide to visit Russia.

Throughout the final season of The Americans, Stan's suspicions about the Jennings intensify, leading to a climactic confrontation in a parking garage. Discovering the truth about Philip, whom he had regarded as one of his closest friends, fills Stan with understandable fury. Presented with the choice to either shoot Philip or Elizabeth or turn them over to the authorities, Stan ultimately decides to release the family. This decision comes after he listens to Philip's passionate admission about his espionage activities (although not revealing the complete truth) and the genuine significance of their friendship to him.

Though Stan is angry and hurt, he still loves Philip and his family, which is ultimately why he lets the Jennings family walk away. Instead of seizing the opportunity to apprehend the enemy and become an American hero, Stan's fondness prevails, and he permits Philip, Elizabeth, and Paige to escape. He regarded these individuals as part of his own family, particularly Henry, and ultimately, he couldn't bear to tear them apart by incarcerating Elizabeth and Philip. This gesture is both saddening and endearing, especially considering that Stan is still wrestling with the fact that his closest friend was working for a cause that Stan had spent a significant amount of time opposing.

What Happens To Henry In America? Does Stan Tell Him The Truth?

As Elizabeth, Philip, and Paige strategize their escape from the country, Henry is attending St. Edward's Academy, a prestigious boarding school located in New Hampshire. Embracing his role as a member of the academy's hockey team, Henry focuses on his athletic pursuits while his family faces imminent danger. During one of his hockey games, Stan makes an appearance, and it is presumed that he divulges the truth about Henry's parents. Although the details of their conversation remain unheard, Henry's visible reaction speaks volumes–he is consumed by anger, disappointment, and a pervasive sense of betrayal, as if his entire existence and familial connections have been built on falsehood. In this crucial moment, Stan becomes the sole steadfast adult figure for Henry to rely on.

Was Renee Really A Spy In The Americans?

Stan has developed a paternal bond with Henry and they have formed a strong connection through their shared love for sports. Their relationship has grown to a point where Henry feels comfortable discussing his thoughts on girls with Stan. Without a doubt, Stan will take care of Henry, especially since Paige and Philip have earnestly requested him to do so. Now that Henry is aware of the truth about his parents, he will require emotional support, which Stan will be readily available to provide. Although Henry will likely continue with his regular life, he will have to confront the absence of his parents and sister – unless Paige manages to find a way to reconnect with her brother.

Before the Jennings family departs from the parking garage, Philip discloses to Stan his belief that Renee may be "one of us," insinuating that she could be a fellow KGB spy. Philip has harbored suspicions about Renee for quite some time, even tailing her car in The Americans season 5, episode 5, "Lotus 1-2-3." However, The Americans leaves Renee's true allegiance uncertain, leaving Stan with doubts as he sees his partner in a new light, influenced by Philip's words. There exists a possibility that Renee is indeed a spy, particularly considering her deep involvement in Stan's FBI work. Nonetheless, she could also simply be an ordinary individual.

Stan's trust has been shattered upon discovering that his closest friend is a spy, but this recent revelation from Philip is a game-changer. It highlights the fact that Stan is unsure of who he can confide in anymore. Either Renee is a spy, implicating their entire relationship as a facade, or Renee is innocent and Stan's growing paranoia is unwarranted. Regardless, Stan will never view his relationship with Renee in the same light again. In a recent interview with The Ringer, Joe Weisberg even confesses that the cast and crew are clueless about Renee's loyalty, placing the power of judgement solely in the hands of the audience.

The Real Meaning Of The Americans' Ending

The conclusion of The Americans is a mix of emotions; while Philip and Elizabeth manage to escape, they do so at the heartbreaking cost of their children. The couple had already made countless sacrifices when they left Russia for America, and now their journey has come full circle, compelling them to once again make sacrifices to return to Russia. The ending brilliantly portrays the evolution of Philip and Elizabeth's marriage. At the beginning of The Americans, they were merely pretending to be a couple, concealing their true identities. However, as the series reaches its climax, their bond deepens, and their devotion to one another surpasses their loyalty to their spy mission.

Will The Americans Season 7 Ever Happen In Some Way?

Currently, there are no plans for a seventh season of The Americans. Keri Russell expressed doubt about the show's return, stating that the ending was so well-done that it shouldn't be tampered with. However, Matthew Rhys is more open to the idea of a revival, believing that there are still more stories to tell after the open-ended finale.

Despite Rhys' enthusiasm, it might be best to leave The Americans as it is. While there were some loose ends, the show ultimately wrapped up its major storylines. Additionally, a revival runs the risk of tarnishing the show's exceptional legacy. Although it would be intriguing to see what has become of Paige and Henry in the present day, it is not necessary to have a definite resolution for their characters. The Americans' finale was one of the best in television during the 2010s, making it difficult for a revival to equal or surpass such a remarkable conclusion.

Sources: Gold Derby, The Ringer, ComicBook, YouTube