'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 2 Takeaway: Trouble in paradise for Alexander Rostov and Mishka Mindich amid class differences
Contains spoilers for 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 2
MOSCOW, RUSSIA: Paramount+ and Showtime's new historical drama series 'A Gentleman in Moscow' is based on the bestselling novel of the same name by Amor Towles.
In the premiere, viewers were riveted as Count Alexander Rostov (Ewan McGregor) was sentenced to house arrest at the Metropol Hotel in Moscow, Russia.
The unexpected death of Prince Nikolai Petrov (Paul Ready) also added a thrilling twist to episode 1, captivating viewers and leaving them eagerly anticipating what would happen next.
In 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 2, viewers are treated to a few glimpses of Rostov's life before the revolution. These glimpses provide a stark contrast between Rostov's former life of luxury and his current life of confinement in the Metropol Hotel.
Count Alexander Rostov meets his old friend Mikhail 'Mishka' Mindich in Episode 2
In 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 1, Rostov meets his old friend Nikolai, and Episode 2 is no different as he encounters another old friend, Mikhail 'Mishka' Mindich (Fehinti Balogun).
Apparently, before the Russian Revolution, Rostov and Mishka were very good friends. Rostov is now stunned to learn that Mishka is one of the leaders leading the resistance against Russian nobles in Moscow.
Viewers are treated to a nostalgic flashback of Rostov and Mishka riding horses together. At this point, viewers are left wondering what could have happened between these two friends that they are now apart.
As the episode progresses further, viewers learn that Mishka desired to marry Rostov's sister, but Rostov objected because Mishka wasn’t of noble status in society. This could be the reason why Mishka joined the revolution and wanted to eradicate the Tsarist aristocracy.
Can Count Alexander Rostov and Mikhail 'Mishka' Mindich overcome their differences?
In 'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 2, Rostov apologizes to Mishka for his past actions. Rostov questions whether his sister would still be alive today if he had allowed Mishka to marry her.
Mishka explains that they would both be dead if he had married Rostov's sister because, after the revolution, the royal family was executed.
In Episode 2, Rostov and Mishka make an effort to resolve their differences, hinting at the possibility of rekindling their friendship in Episode 3.
Rostov wants to spend more time with Mishka because he is his old friend, and the hotel confinement offers them an opportunity to reminisce about their shared past.
However, it seems that while Mishka may forgive Rostov, he remains committed to the revolution and the fight against the Tsarist aristocracy.
Rostov, as a member of the aristocracy, embodied the privileges and advantages that came with his social status. However, Mishka was never happy with the class difference between himself and Rostov.
As Rostov and Mishka are from different social classes, their reconciliation may lead to several challenges in the upcoming episodes.
'A Gentleman in Moscow' Episode 2 is now streaming on Showtime and Paramount+