'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 Takeaway: Alexander Rostov's life changes after Metropol Hotel confinement
Contains spoilers for 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1
MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Paramount+ and Showtime's new historical drama series 'A Gentleman in Moscow' is adapted from the highly praised novel of the same name by Amor Towles.
'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 introduces viewers to the simple yet confined world of Count Alexander Rostov (Ewan McGregor) as he adapts to life under house arrest in the Metropol Hotel in Moscow, Russia.
The first episode delves into the challenges and complexities faced by Count Alexander Rostov as he navigates life under house arrest.
There's a lot to uncover in 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1. So, let's jump in!
Count Alexander Rostov spared execution because of a Revolutionary poem
In the first episode, viewers are introduced to the aftermath of the 1917 Revolution and the execution of the Royal Family. Over the ensuing four years, the Leninists reorganized the country, effectively dismantling the Tsarist aristocracy.
The opening scene presents Rostov with a disturbing sight as he witnesses a man being forcibly escorted away by two guards.
He moved to Paris in 1914, but he eventually returned to Russia a year after the Revolution ended.
As the episode unfolds, Rostov finds himself summoned before the Bolshevik tribunal. He explains that he moved into the Metropol Hotel four years ago following the destruction of his house by fire.
When asked about his occupation, he replies by stating that gentlemen typically do not involve themselves in work.
He narrowly avoids execution due to a poem that is believed to have been written by him.
When questioned by the judge if he had written 'Where Is Our Purpose Now,' he replies, "It was attributed to me, yes."
The authorities acknowledge that the poem has had a significant impact, inciting revolutionary action in Russia. Due to the poem's supportive stance toward the Revolution, they grant Rostov clemency, sparing his life.
Count Alexander Rostov sentenced to solitary confinement in the Metropol Hotel
Despite sparing his life, the authorities sentence Rostov to a lifetime of solitary confinement within the confines of the Metropol Hotel. They explicitly warn that any attempt to leave the premises will lead to his immediate execution.
Osip Glebnikov (Johnny Harris) informs him that all of his money and possessions will be confiscated, except for a few select items.
He is assigned a servant's quarters, yet he doesn’t voice many complaints about the stark downgrade, transitioning from a luxurious room to the attic cabin originally intended for the aristocrats' servants.
How will he navigate his new life within the confines of the hotel? Only time will tell.
'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1 is now streaming on Showtime and Paramount+