Technology was a scary thing to people in the ‘80s. No one quite understood when a new device was being described to him or her. The jargon that we now take for granted as slang and everyday dialogue was just starting to break out behind the ivory walls of universities. The common man didn’t yet understand the concept of computers beyond ideas of digital typewriters. Through both Nina and Phillip, the world of The Americans reminds of us this time with great urgency. Nuclear war doesn’t scare these KGB agents, but ask them to download information and it can feel life-threatening.

And for what? That is the masterful question Phillip poses at the conclusion of “Arpanet.” The documents he and Elizabeth would copy or photograph will find new life on these devices, but not yet. Everything feels so preliminary about the Arpanet that one could argue this mission was a training exercise more than anything else. Despite that haunting scene at the open of season 2, Phillip’s conscience hasn’t been under fire all that much. His people were attacked. His desires to retaliate and protect his family have driven him through the season’s first half. After tonight, one would question whether that’ll be enough for Phillip. Again, what’s he doing all this for? The audience ability to indulge in twenty-twenty hindsight continuously raises the suspense.

Phillip isn’t in a state where he enjoys much at the moment. Everyone is pushing him in an array of directions. Although he doesn’t appear to be as tempted by The American Way as he was last season, he’s not happy with the state of the union. Much of that comes from Larrick’s (misspelled last week, my bad) abrupt change of plans to leave for Nicaragua. The Jennings and Lucia have their way on the base, but his plan still makes them vulnerable. Even more upset is Lucia, who’s proving to be a handful for the Jennings. Passionate, impulsive, and idealistic, she puts them in a risky position with her behavior. Elizabeth has that “she’s expendable” look in her eyes, and Lucia’s days are certainly numbered unless Elizabeth takes her under her wing.

However, this is a Jennings-light episode. That’s a bittersweet move for the show. Although I enjoy The Americans’ ability to stretch its wings as an ensemble show, Elizabeth especially could have been given more to do. Instead, Nina and Stan took center stage. Nina faces her greatest test yet: a polygraph. Now, the concept can appear silly through certain lenses. Polygraphs are a hallmark of the contemporary spy/crime drama genre, but again, this is the ‘80s. No one is going to make some quip about “how it’s done in the movies” because those movies don’t exist yet! In that light, it’s a refreshing and suspenseful twist on the trope. With the help of Oleg, Nina becomes one of the first to trick the lie detector.

Speaking of Oleg, Nina’s “gift” was unexpected on a first viewing. Oleg has been more of the sleazy guy at work than a romantic interest for Nina. Yet, he’s there in her corner when she really needs someone. Now, was this all one big play? Did Oleg play Nina into bed by pushing Stan? These are the questions we’ll have to wait on. Nevertheless, Oleg is a dangerous man even when he may appear to be otherwise. So much has been yet to be answered about the new guy at the Rezidentura. His mystery has helped make him the stronger of the two new characters.

Well, three if you count that new handler the Jennings have, but she’s nothing but a vehicle for exposition at the moment. In the words of Diana Riggs in The Great Muppet Caper, it’s got to go somewhere. In other supporting character news, Henry did things this week. It appears that age may just make it impossible for him to be the Bobby Draper of The Americans. While Paige compliments the equally rebellious Sally Draper, Henry is often just present for family life banter. Unfortunately, the tiny side story makes for nothing but a reminder of technology’s growing prominence. One day, though, Henry is going to do something crazy.

Spec script-brainstorming corner: How the Jennings react to the Russia/USA Hockey game of the 1984 Olympics would be a lot of fun. At this rate, we’ll hit 1984 during season 4. It would play very well if it happens after Paige finds out her parents are spies.  I’m just spitballing, people. I am writing that Bob’s Burgers spec, though. It’s been magical thus far. Until next week, keep your doors locked. Henry might break in and play your Asteroids.