'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 Takeaway: Count Alexander Rostov faces a grim fate after Prince Nikolai Petrov's death

'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 introduces viewers to the simple yet confined world of Count Alexander Rostov
PUBLISHED APR 1, 2024
Following Prince Nikolai Petrov's death, Count Alexander Rostov is confronted with a bleak future in 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 (@Showtime)
Following Prince Nikolai Petrov's death, Count Alexander Rostov is confronted with a bleak future in 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 (@Showtime)

Contains spoilers for 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1

MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Paramount+ and Showtime's new historical drama series 'A Gentleman in Moscow' transport viewers to the tumultuous aftermath of the Russian Revolution. 

The first episode centers on Count Alexander Rostov (Ewan McGregor), whose life takes a dramatic turn as he is sentenced to house arrest at Metropol Hotel in Moscow, Russia.

However, Prince Nikolai Petrov (Paul Ready) suffers a grim fate in the aftermath of the revolution.

After the 1917 Revolution and the execution of the Royal Family, the Leninists embarked on a radical reorganization of the country, seeking to dismantle the old order and establish a new order.

The new order brought by the Leninists had a profound impact on both Prince Nikolai Petrov and Count Alexander Rostov.

Count Alexander Rostov placed under house arrest at Metropol Hotel

Ewan McGregor as Alexander Rostov in the official trailer screengrab (Youtube/@SHOWTIME)
Ewan McGregor as Alexander Rostov in the official trailer screengrab (Youtube/@SHOWTIME)

Following a dramatic trial, the Bolshevik tribunal sentences Count Alexander Rostov to a life of solitary confinement within the walls of the Metropol Hotel.

The tribunal's ruling comes with a stark ultimatum: any attempt by Count Rostov to leave the confines of the hotel will result in his immediate execution.

As he grapples with the challenges of his new life, Rostov encounters Nikolai Petrov during his confinement at the Metropol Hotel.

Apparently, after the new order, Petrov has lost everything. He performs for the dinner crowd at the Metropol Hotel, a stark contrast to the life of privilege he once knew.

Prince Nikolai Petrov shot by Red Army Soldiers

Paul Ready as Prince Nikolai Petrov in a still from 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 (@SHOWTIME)
Paul Ready as Prince Nikolai Petrov in a still from 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 (@SHOWTIME)

As Nikolai Petrov plans to leave the country, Alexander Rostov becomes increasingly concerned about his friend's safety.

Rostov's concern is heightened by the increasing presence of Red Army soldiers in Moscow.

In the last scene, Rostov is forced to helplessly watch as Petrov plays his final set at the Metropol Hotel. Suddenly, Red Army soldiers burst into the dining hall and grabbed Petrov, forcefully pulling him away from the crowd.

The authorities shot Petrov because they discovered his plans to leave the country.

How will Count Alexander Rostov's life be affected by the tragic events at the Metropol Hotel? Only time will tell.

'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 is now streaming on Showtime and Paramount+

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