I love Joshua Brand. Seriously, this episode was top drawer. With or without the Kama Sutra.

It's Elizabeth's turn to pour Phillips coffee already! 
Episode #1:  E. pours herself coffee and leaves P. reaching out his empty mug / young Phillip politely pours young E's tea in Russian coffee glasses / Martha serves Clark tea AND a cookie.  Now ep. #12:  first scene with E & P at the travel agency, and he's still…

I like how Nina's bra and panties were mismatched. It was almost jarring to see such a slice of real life!

Startled by the nudity, some what, but I guess he was just pumping her for information.

Did anyone think it was puzzling when Martha told Chris, "we didn't break up, Chris" and then one of them said something to the effect that he can't help what he is… could it be he's just the jerk who left his condom in her nightstand, or what's up with him? and how is they went out, they're now apart, but they didn't…

The KGB must bug everything that goes on - remember the recordings of Clark/Martha during the phone book torture?

I really liked the first season, but this season was blah.

I think this episode deserved more than a B. Aside from the pilot, and maybe Gregory episodes, I thought this was the
most tension filled yet. It opened up so many possibilities
for the future:
Will Nina find out about the Jennings now that she's
promoted? Is she a double-agent? Will the Jennings separate? How long
wil…

I was freaked out about Clark's wig staying on - talk about tension!

I liked the pay phone part.  First Clark, then later Paige asking for pay phone money. 

Maybe I'm thick too, but the thing about Stan, is you can't really read him, can you?  I'm not buying the Stan-Nina thing.

Clarke is one of my favorite characters.

As soon as we saw Martha showing off her new shoes, we knew she was having a rendezvous with "Clarke."  Well done. The sweet kiss ("I've been wanting to do that for a very, very long time"), and him noticing the shoes, was enough for her to open up.  For now.

When I see the actor Noah, I can't help but think him as Truman's fake friend in The Truman Show.  Kind of a common theme for him (?)

I'm really enjoying these recaps.  I love this show.  Interesting that by episode 4, the old married couple get to have the opening sex scene.

Hey, good point. This was a really creative way to flesh out these people, while they're finally learning the truth about each other.

Wow, smooth episode with lots of development.  I want to know Phillip's back story.  I love this show and 1 hour per week isn't enough!

These spies have gotten themselves into deep shit, and they're doing horrible things, but after killing Timochev, do they have much choice?  I think their desperate actions with the housekeeper, and then their reactions, Phillip's especially, show that they aren't simply "shitty" people, not yet anyway.

I don't agree that the rape back story felt contrived.  So far the sexual aspects of this story have a life of their own.  Maybe having her rapist turn traitor was convenient, but the actors carried the scenario wonderfully, I thought. Finally, a tv show to get excited about this season!

Hi, I do remember that movie, it was quite an event.  Thanks for pointing it out, it helps to bring back that "cold war" uneasiness.  I love this new show.