"Crossbreed" is the sixth episode of the fifth season of the American period spy drama television series The Americans. It is the 58th overall episode of the series and was written by executive producer Stephen Schiff, and directed by Roxann Dawson. It was released on FX on April 11, 2017.
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. In the episode, Gabriel announces his retirement, surprising Philip and Elizabeth.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.71 million household viewers and gained a 0.2 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received extremely positive reviews from critics, praising the performances and character development. For the episode, Matthew Rhys received a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series at the 69th Primetime Emmy Awards.
Plot
Elizabeth (Keri Russell) tells Gabriel (Frank Langella) about her discovery on the pest-resistant strain of wheat. He assigns her to get a sample of the wheat, while Elizabeth claims that Philip (Matthew Rhys) is committed to the mission.
Gabriel tells Claudia (Margo Martindale) that Mischa (Alex Ozerov) has returned to the USSR, although he still feels conflicted on his actions. After visiting the Lincoln Memorial, Gabriel informs Philip and Elizabeth that he is officially retiring and will return to the USSR, as he feels tired. He also warns Philip that Centre may believe he is not suitable for their operations. Elizabeth is visited by a Mary Kay salesman, making her remember about Young Hee. She later visits a psychiatrist in charge of the samples, in order to get access to files.
In Moscow, Oleg (Costa Ronin) and Ruslan (Ravil Isyanov) continue interrogating Dmitri (Leonid A. Mandel). While Dmitri feels guilt over his actions, he still refuses to name his contacts, forcing them to arrest him. Later, when the CIA agents fail to show up, Oleg decides to burn the incriminating tape with his confession.
Before Gabriel leaves, Philip asks him about his father, as he is recently haunted by flashbacks to his childhood. Gabriel reveals that Philip's perception of his father as a logger is actually untrue; his father was a guard at a Siberian lumber/labor camp and he is not sure how he behaved during his job. Philip expresses his concerns with Elizabeth, as he failed to see the real nature of his father. They decide that they need Paige (Holly Taylor) to meet Gabriel before he leaves. They take her to his apartment, where they exchange looks for the first time.
Production
Development
In March 2017, FX confirmed that the sixth episode of the season would be titled "Crossbreed", and that it would be written by executive producer Stephen Schiff, and directed by Roxann Dawson. This was Schiff's seventh writing credit, and Dawson's first directing credit.
Filming
Filming for the episode wrapped by January 4, 2017.
Reception
Viewers
In its original American broadcast, "Crossbreed" was seen by an estimated 0.71 million household viewers with a 0.2 in the 18-49 demographics. This means that 0.2 percent of all households with televisions watched the episode. This was a slight increase in viewership from the previous episode, which was watched by 0.70 million household viewers with a 0.2 in the 18-49 demographics.
Critical reviews
"Crossbreed" received extremely positive reviews from critics. The review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes reported an 100% approval rating for the episode, based on 13 reviews. The site's consensus states: "'Crossbreed' quietly heightens the stakes in The Americans fifth season while opening the door to a beloved character's departure - and an unexpected meeting."
Erik Adams of The A.V. Club gave the episode an "A–" grade and wrote, "The quiet, confident work that Frank Langella has done on The Americans could go unnoticed. Consistency often is. But there’s nothing like the line 'I'm just tired. And old,' to make you realize you've been taking the Tony winner for granted. Without ever raising his voice above that reassuring purr, Langella stirs so many feelings in 'Crossbreed.' There's heartbreak at his reluctance to leave Elizabeth and Philip."
