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The Best Episodes of The Americans Season 2

Every episode of The Americans Season 2 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of The Americans Season 2!

Binge this in 10h 26m•Peaking at 8.9/10

Set during the Cold War period in the 1980s, The Americans is the story of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in the suburbs of Washington D.C.

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    The Americans Season 2 Episode 1 - Comrades
    8.4/10(2194 votes)

    #1 - Comrades

    S2:E1

    Elizabeth comes back from her injury and straight into what should have been a routine mission – but it goes awry, leaving her and Philip in fear not only for themselves but for their whole network… and family. Paige's suspicions have only grown in her mother's absence. Meanwhile, Stan continues to fall for the Russian agent who has started to play him.

    Director:Thomas Schlamme
    Writers:Joel Fields, Joe Weisberg

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  2. The Americans Season 2 Episode 2 - Cardinal
    7.8/10(2003 votes)

    #2 - Cardinal

    S2:E2

    As Philip investigates the fallout from the last operation, Elizabeth sticks close to home, concerned for her family until she gets a mysterious distress signal. Meanwhile, a walk-in arrives at the Rezidentura - providing both Nina and Stan with unique opportunities.

    Director:Daniel Sackheim
    Writers:Joel Fields, Joe Weisberg

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  3. The Americans Season 2 Episode 3 - The Walk In
    7.8/10(1974 votes)

    #3 - The Walk In

    S2:E3

    Philip and Elizabeth complete their next mission - but not without complications - and Philip's fears about Elizabeth's readiness for action deepen. Stan tracks the KGB walk-in which leads to much praise at work and a deepening of his attachment to, and dependence on, Nina. Meanwhile, Paige snoops into her mother's family background and Oleg begins to scrutinize Nina's secret operation.

    Director:Constantine Makris
    Writer:Stuart Zicherman

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  4. The Americans Season 2 Episode 4 - A Little Night Music
    8.0/10(1955 votes)

    #4 - A Little Night Music

    S2:E4

    Just when Philip and Elizabeth think they have a quiet road ahead, an old friend returns to complicate things. Not only do they have to intercept a target who could prove valuable to the Soviet Union, but they also have to take on an important rogue mission without the support of the Centre. Divisions inside the Rezidentura deepen between Oleg and Arkady and there’s an upheaval at the FBI as the chickens come home to roost for Agent Gaad. Meanwhile, Martha’s frustrations threaten to blow Philip’s cover.

    Director:Lodge Kerrigan
    Writer:Stephen Schiff

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  5. The Americans Season 2 Episode 5 - The Deal
    8.2/10(2008 votes)

    #5 - The Deal

    S2:E5

    Philip and Elizabeth are finally assigned a new handler as Philip works to clean up the mess of the last operation and Elizabeth, in disguise as Clark's sister Jennifer, does her best to smooth things over with Martha. As Stan searches for a missing scientist, Oleg and Arkady continue to argue over how best to handle the situation on their side, leaving Nina once again caught between the FBI and KGB.

    Director:Dan Attias
    Writer:Angelina Burnett

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  6. The Americans Season 2 Episode 6 - Behind the Red Door
    7.9/10(1908 votes)

    #6 - Behind the Red Door

    S2:E6

    A dangerous Naval officer becomes the key to Philip and Elizabeth’s mission as well as a potential threat to their family's safety. Lucia, a Sandinista intelligence officer working with the Jennings, is tasked with getting Elizabeth access to Capitol Hill. Stan struggles with the potential costs of protecting Nina.

    Director:Charlotte Sieling
    Writer:Melissa James Gibson

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  7. The Americans Season 2 Episode 7 - ARPANET
    7.8/10(1858 votes)

    #7 - ARPANET

    S2:E7

    Philip uses his agent Charles Duluth to help him gain access to an early precursor to the Internet so that the KGB can bug American government communications. Nina faces the threat of a potential FBI polygraph exam, bringing her closer to KGB colleague Oleg.

    Director:Kevin Dowling
    Writer:Joshua Brand

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  8. The Americans Season 2 Episode 8 - New Car
    8.0/10(1844 votes)

    #8 - New Car

    S2:E8

    Philip and Elizabeth both find themselves faced with painful turns in their various missions. Stan fights to gain access to an American military program that could give him the upper hand in his battle of wills with Oleg.

    Director:John Dahl
    Writer:Peter Ackerman

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  9. The Americans Season 2 Episode 9 - Martial Eagle
    8.5/10(2016 votes)

    #9 - Martial Eagle

    S2:E9

    Philip and Elizabeth’s long-planned mission turns ugly, impacting each of them in different ways. Stan digs in deeper at work as his personal life continues to unravel.

    Director:Alik Sakharov
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. The Americans Season 2 Episode 10 - Yousaf
    7.9/10(1783 votes)

    #10 - Yousaf

    S2:E10

    A new mission with international stakes has Philip calling on Annelise for assistance just as an old foe returns to D.C. with a vendetta. Stan makes a discovery that could put the FBI hot on the trail of illegals.

    Director:Stefan Schwartz
    Writers:Stephen Schiff, Stuart Zicherman

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  11. The Americans Season 2 Episode 11 - Stealth
    8.0/10(1785 votes)

    #11 - Stealth

    S2:E11

    Elizabeth makes a shocking discovery about Kate. Philip pursues a contact for information about stealth. Stan continues his pursuit of the illegals.

    Director:Gregory Hoblit
    Writer:Joshua Brand

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  12. The Americans Season 2 Episode 12 - Operation Chronicle
    8.1/10(1771 votes)

    #12 - Operation Chronicle

    S2:E12

    With Larrick closing in, Elizabeth rushes to exfiltrate Jared while Philip readies Fred for a crucial mission. Arkady finally plays his hand, forcing Stan to make an impossible choice.

    Director:Andrew Bernstein
    Writers:Joel Fields, Joe Weisberg

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  13. The Americans Season 2 Episode 13 - Echo
    8.9/10(2162 votes)

    #13 - Echo

    S2:E13

    No one is safe as Philip and Elizabeth evacuate their children while trying to complete the mission. Stan holds Nina's future in his hands.

    Director:Daniel Sackheim
    Writers:Joel Fields, Joe Weisberg

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Season 2 Ratings Summary

"Comrades" is the best rated episode of "The Americans" season 2. It scored 8.4/10 based on 2194 votes. Directed by Thomas Schlamme and written by Joel Fields, Joe Weisberg, it aired on 2/26/2014. This episode is rated 0.6 points higher than the second-best, "Cardinal".