If millennials think making adult friends is hard, then they haven’t attempted to make friends as an adult couple. This harrowing experience is where we find John and Jane Smith in episode four, “Double Date.” Our John and Jane ironically come across another set of Smiths belonging to the organization. What they thought would be a relief becomes more than what they bargained for; a ghost of the couple’s future they hope to never become.
It’s their first day off, so they decide to stroll through their local farmer’s market. As if John’s past wasn’t too connected already, they run into a former lover of his: Rooney and her son, Ben. Jane is immediately jealous, commenting on how stunning Rooney is before delivering the backhanded comment that she only has one hand. Stumped, John defends his former lover, but the seed of doubt has already been planted. Soon, Jane has moved to the next vendor and runs into their neighbor (Paul Dano) and his dog.
John meanders to purchase an orange juice when the vendor announces “John Smith,” only for him to have prepared the wrong order. Suddenly, a suave gentleman approaches vouching to be John Smith. Our John, dumbstruck, notices the employer’s emblem on the stranger’s debit card. He’s found another John Smith. This John is played by Wagner Moura, and his Jane, Parker Posey. After a brief conversation, John and Jane decide to host the couple for dinner, their first event at home. Jane immediately decides to make a second round to purchase more items.
The Smiths arrive at John and Jane’s home with a bottle of wine. As John indulges Mr. Smith, Jane takes the Mrs. on a tour. They compare home decor and paintings; talk use of the panic room; the normal things assassins discuss when playing host. Jane asks Mrs. Smith if she ever thinks about who their employer may be. Mrs. Smith states in the beginning but then gives Jane some sound advice: “Don’t get in the way of your own happiness. The company is here to take care of you. All you have to do is ask.” Spoken like a real company woman.
The evening ebbs on as they learn more about each other, and coincidentally, more about the mysterious company. The Smiths have been together for 5-6 years, and are super high-risk agents, taking on more perilous missions for higher wages. We also learn this is Mr. Smith’s second Jane. Mrs. Smith asks about their level of intimacy, and Jane explains their initial pact. The Smiths seem puzzled by the idea of not ever engaging romantically, with Mr. Smith finding great humor in the idea of them going their separate ways, quipping “Like you can just break up and quit.” The laughter is followed by an eerie silence, alluding that divorce is not an option with the company.
Hours and drinks later, John asks them their craziest mission. They both comment, “Bali,” as they were sent to extract someone from prison with no comms, weapons, or cover. The secret to their success: “If you can control your breath, you can control anything.” Jane asks how they handle the emotional toll after a mission. A real answer is never given, but they do mention how they once had to kill another couple. Another unsettling silence.
Finally, the Smiths announce they have to leave or they’ll be late for a mission. Surprised by this, Jane and John ask for details. None are given, but the Smiths invite them along, for the experience. John and Jane nervously accept and rush to pack the needed accessories. They follow the Smiths to a random helicopter prepared for a multi-hour trip, only to find out – surprise, surprise – the Smiths aren’t accompanying their new friends.
John and Jane find themselves deposited in a jungle below the equator, facing an unknown mission. Thirty minutes later, they machete-chop their way to the extraction point, bloodied and distraught, detailing the horror to the Smiths via Facetime. In light of the circumstances, the Smiths allow John and Jane to reap the total bounty for the mission, something around 300K. Once home, the couple decompresses.
John reasserts that Rooney indeed has two hands, proving Jane was lying, and gets jealous. And then they both confess they love each other. And to share their love, they debrief on how much they hate the Smiths.
A masterfully written episode capturing a major moment in a relationship. The poison of comparison can break any bond and the fact John and Jane found displeasure in even imagining lives like the Smiths displays the growth they have each exhibited in the duration of their courtship. And they’ll never be super high-risk agents.
Rating: 9/10