Sharon

Sai

Romain

Emma

Macie Potts

LNC0704

BonesForever

Katnewkirk

CarolinaGirl251

Joel Fields answers SpoilerTV readers' questions about the next season, characters, and the thoughts that go into the writing of The Americans.First of all, it’s great to be a part of something so fan-driven. We can make all the television we want, but if the fans don’t tune in, well, it’s like a tree falling in the forest, isn’t it?:-)What are some of the differences, if any, between being an Executive Producer of a Drama like The Americans, a Dramedy like Rizzoli and Isles and an out and out comedy like Ugly Betty?How much free reign does FX give you in terms of the sex and violence on the show?Being an 80's girl, I absolutely love the music the on the show. Can you give us any teasers as to some of the tracks that we'll be enjoying in Season 2?How much input do you have in choosing the music/tracks selected?Without giving specifics, do you have a plan for the end of Season 2 without knowing if you'll get a Season 3 renewal? or do you leave it opened ended?Do you have a favourite character on the show?Is Phillip and Elizabeth’s marriage going to be tested further ?Do Phillip and Elizabeth fully trust each other now in terms both work and personal life? or are their ideological differences still have lingering effects on them?Holly Taylor was amazing in the first season, will Paige have a bigger part in the new season?Nina is a very interesting character, she went through a lot last season, can you hint what is next for her?Do you already have in mind how the show will end or is it still on discussion between writers?Will there be any real life events taking place in season 2?In which way will Elizabeth being shot impact the story besides Philip going back home? How is this experience going to affect her?Is there anything extra you can tell us about the Season 2 premiere?Will we get to see more of Sandra this season?Can you hint what is next for Stan?We know a lot about Elizabeth's back story (e.g., Pilot, In Control, Gregory, Covert Wars), but very little about Philip's past, except for Duty & Honor. Will we ever learn more about Philip's "old" life?Will we ever learn more about the early years of the Jennings' marriage?It would be interesting to know how the characters reacted when they discussed getting pregnant or how they set rules and boundaries in their early "fake" marriage. Heck, did Elizabeth even go on maternity leave?!?!Will the topic of religion ever come up at the Jennings' family table? Do they celebrate Christmas as a cover or do they not celebrate it at all?The question of religion is one we asked ourselves quite a bit in the writers room this season, and one that plays very much into the themes of our show – namely, loyalty and duty to a higher power, though we often write in terms of national sovereignty. One of the things we will explore this season is how religion affects the Jennings family, not just on a personal level but on how they interact with one another as well.Do you have any goals in mind for what viewers take away from the program as far as changing their views of Russia?Will we begin to see more of the children's view of their family life?Has the CIA or FBI commented on this show?How difficult is it and how do the writers pull off making all sides of the Cold War sympathetic characters? As a viewer we pull for Philip and Elizabeth, and for Stan, and for Nina. It's an amazing feat of character development and plotting.I have never seen a show about Washington D.C. that balances the politics, until The Americans. It seems the writers check their own politics at the door. How do you manage to make the show so apolitical (and therefore broad in appeal)?Thanks again to Joel for taking the time answer SpoilerTV readers' questions.Season 2 of "The Americans" premieres on February 26th on FX Channel. Be sure to come back here to SpoilerTV to let everyone else know what you thought of the episode.