"The Americans" TV series is over.

[MineralMan]

I didn't watch it, but my wife did and summarized each episode for me. Deeply-implanted Russian spies were at the core of the story. They got found out, and had to flee. OK.

That reminded me of some hilarious training films I had to watch, 50 years ago, while in the USAF and, later, working in the big NSA building as an erstwhile analyst. A couple of times a year, you'd have to sit through a poorly-directed, low-production-value film, warning you about such embedded spies.

The funniest of the films involved a seductive Russian-looking woman coming on to a youngish Top Secret + analyst somewhere. It was pure melodrama, complete with a heavy Russian accent and ample, heaving bosoms.

It was very, very funny.

[octoberlib]

1. I loved the show. Haven't watched this season yet though.

[Dave Starsky]

3. It's pretty intense.

I mean, it's an intense show anyway. But this season has been particularly nail-biting.

Missed it last night, but Mrs. Starsky and I are looking forward to seeing it tonight. We will both be sad when it's over. It was a consistently excellent show..

[StevieM]

2. I love that show. For six years it has been the best show on television IMO. (eom)

[Dave Starsky]

4. No argument there.

Most shows run out of steam at some point. But this one always fired on all cylinders.

[SharonClark]

5. So using "The Americans" in your subject line

was just a lame way to talk about a 50 year old USAF training film?

[MineralMan]

7. No, it wasn't just that at all.

Thanks for asking, though...

[teamster633]

6. Anyone who was politically aware during the Reagan era would have been...

...consistently struck by the ring of truth at the core of each episode. While the finale leaves all of its main characters drowning in disillusionment, it reminds us that there was a brief period at the end of the Cold War when it looked like the former WW2 allies might actually enjoy a future of peace and cooperation.