"The Americans" (2015–2018, seasons 3–6)

Philip loved America even as he was failing there---perhaps, even more so because of that. Henry was different; though him, Philip had accomplished his American dream. He had given his son the gift of an American life, which differed from a Soviet life in that it offered an individual more than one chance to succeed.

What is the point of Jennings' escape? A duty to the kids. Professionalism, for it is all that they had left to live for. A commonsensical acceptance of a gift of (at least) one more life.

One can live for a certain ethos and values that one associates with a country, but living for these is ultimately living for oneself, not the country. A diplomat either identifies with his mission or resigns. Friendship transcends national boundaries and trumps national loyalty, rulers' tool to manipulate the masses. Friendship also teaches one to empathise broadly; nationalism does not. While everyone being true to his own values may hamper co-operation, it safeguards against the nation's patriotic sentiment being hijacked. In The Americans, the Centre did not even want their own spies married to each other to be friends.

All kill. Some sit on bureaucratic committees. Some grade negligently, teach halfheartedly, govern foolishly, serve lazily, work to rule, cure inexpertly, or just sit and do nothing. Indeed, those who kill for living (e.g., the active military) may be more acutely aware of the deleterious effects of their actions than those who simply sit back and promote inefficiency.

The American Dream is not about America. It is about being free: being the first one to go to the Iguazú jungle and settle in a hut or to build a startup in a friend's garage. Philip might as well have another chance at this dream.