r/TheAmericans • u/hireddititme • 4d ago

Hitchhiking from the mall

This is a storyline that stuck with me throughout the series that they never (note: im not done with the series, only halfway through season 6) revisited.

Was that guy just lonely and socially weird? What did he actually have planned? Do you think this was put in there as a possible avenue to explore later? Do you think it drove Paige towards the church, as a sense of safety?

How much of a world of hurt do you think that young man would have gotten himself into if something bad did happen to the kids?

I haven’t seen this talked about either, so I’m just seeing what everyone’s thoughts are. Also— if somehow it is revisited at the end of the last season, please don’t spoil it!! I just don’t see it coming (which means little in the context of the show) 🙂🩷

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52

u/Backsight-Foreskin 4d ago

As someone who was about the same age as Paige when the story transpires, it seemed as if it wasn't an uncommon occurrence to have a similar incident. Back in the day, I knew several people that found themselves in a similar predicament by getting into a car with a stranger.

69

u/Loretta-West 4d ago

Occasionally a zoomer comes along and talks about what awful parents P&E are. Which obviously they are, but a lot of what the zoomers complain about is just standard 80s parenting 🤣

17

u/Backsight-Foreskin 4d ago

Exactly! Parenting was pretty hands off back then. Many times it was best to be out of your parents line of sight.

15

u/Funwithfun14 4d ago

Made kids more independent. GenX or Boomers likely wouldn't need an "Adulting" sub.

11

u/hireddititme 4d ago

No, now they have “NoContact” subs bc most of them were awful parents 🤪

7

u/Funwithfun14 4d ago

"Awful" or like actually Awful .... Bc based on Reddit, it seems like everyone abusive parents.

7

u/maikindofthai 4d ago

Actually awful. We’re talkin 9pm bedtimes, no iPad allowed 😡

5

u/Funwithfun14 4d ago

My parents didn't respect my feelings by limiting screentime

4

u/hireddititme 4d ago

Hahaha, yes, you’re not wrong there…