The tasks both Philip and Elizabeth are assigned to complete over The Americans 6 seasons are without a doubt some of the toughest tasks any spy has ever taken on. This requires them to use all their skills and instincts to achieve their goals. They have drastically different personalities and skills. Each having strengths and weaknesses, making them more suited to certain tasks.
Their comprehensive training makes them both expert fighters, able to take down almost any opponent. But beyond their physical skills, it's their covert abilities to blend in and disappear that makes them both masters of their craft. With this in mind who is the best spy?
PHILIP: He Didn't Want Paige To Join Them
When Paige learned that both Philip and Elizabeth were Russia spies, she was shocked, but after learning more about what they do she decided she wanted to join them. Philip was adamantly against her joining and didn't want her to be subjected to the terrible things they went through every day.
His concern for Paige's safely above the mission makes Philip a better spy because although she proved useful, Paige also heightened the chances that they would be discovered.
ELIZABETH: She's Tougher
Although there's no doubt that the questionable things Elizabeth was required to do as part of her mission took a toll on her, she took it in her stride and rarely let it affect her.
She saw the bigger picture and justified what she was doing, to prevent something worse from happening. While this may be perceived as cruel and cold, it was required to do what she had to without going crazy. Keri Russell did an excellent job of conveying this while still making her struggles relatable.
PHILIP: He Left When It Became Too Much
Philip became more and more conflicted throughout the series until he could not do the job anymore and dropped out to become a travel agent full time. While this may be seen as a weakness, Philip's honesty with himself makes him a great agent.
If he had continued to work he wouldn't have been operating at his best, which would have inevitably led to consequences. Whether that be his death or larger consequence that affects the entire country. With stake this high, there's no room for error.
ELIZABETH: She Uses Seduction Techniques
Both Philip and Elizabeth are required to make friends and engage in relationships to gain information, and while Philip is an expert at this task, Elizabeth can use her seductiveness to her advantage.
Seducing prominent and powerful men is all part of her job, and she is excellent at it. This method proved to yield far better results than violent interrogations ever could. The information Elizabeth gathers during these encounters proves to be invaluable and she is the best at it.
PHILIP: He's More Patient
Philip's patience is unrivaled and he is more than willing to wait, rather than act rashly to achieve his goals. The most extreme example of this is when he posed as Clark and began a relationship with Martha, who he dated for years before eventually marrying her.
This commitment goes above and beyond what many spies would do, and he was required to maintain this relationship for years. This leads to some of the show's most suspenseful moments, and upon discovering Clark's true identity, Martha was sent to Russia to keep her safe.
ELIZABETH: She's More Observant
Elizabeth's covert abilities are unparalleled and she can slip into almost any location and remain undetected. In addition to this, she is rarely caught off guard or taken by surprise.
Compare this to Philip who, while still excellent, has been captured or almost been killed due to his lack of observation. Elizabeth's training in Russia saw her surround by men, because of this she had to be alert to the many dangers that the men in positions of authority posed to her.
PHILIP: He Follows Orders Despite Being Conflicted
The tasks Philp was assigned and the many bodies he left in his wake took a heavy toll on him, leading him to constantly question whether what they were doing was worth it. But despite these reservations, he continued to follow orders, to his own cost.
This resulted in him unraveling and struggling to live with himself. His mind was pushed to the breaking point and the stress he endured was unimaginable. However, despite all this, he continued to get the job done.
ELIZABETH: She's Dedicated
Both Philip and Elizabeth are required to do many terrible things to complete their missions, and where Philip began to unravel, Elizabeth remained strong. No matter what she is assigned to do or who she has to kill, she remains professional and completes the task without questioning the ethics of her actions.
This is because of her loyalty to Russia and her strong belief in what she is doing and fighting for. While this has a breaking point, Elizabeth remained loyal and uncompromising throughout the series.
PHILIP: He Doesn't Hate America
Philip was told many things about America before he got there, and upon arriving he was pleasantly surprised. As he lived among the people he began to see the good in America and appreciated many aspects of their lifestyles. The 1980s America he finds himself living in stands in stark contrast to the poverty that he grew up in.
This has a drastic effect on him and he began to soften as a result of this. His appreciation of his enemy makes the things he does even tougher for him. This is a strength, and unlike Elizabeth, he doesn't turn his enemies into monsters and will do almost anything to prevent a war.
ELIZABETH: She's Willing To Go Further
While there is no question that both Elizabeth and Philip are excellent agents, it's clear that Elizabeth is willing to go further and be the one who bears the burden of their actions. This is evidenced in season 5's "Dyatkovo", where they are tasked with assassinating a former Nazi collaborator.
Upon finding her, it is up to Philip to kill her, but after hearing her tragic story he is unable to complete his mission. Without hesitation Elizabeth kills her. This goes to show the lengths she is willing to go to achieve her goals and makes the episode one of the best in the series.