'The Regime' Episode 1 Sneak Peek: Elena Vernham grapples with challenges to maintain her authority

The latest political drama on HBO, 'The Regime,' centers on Elena Vernham, a woman striving to assert her authority in a European nation
UPDATED MAR 4, 2024
A still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)
A still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)

Spoiler for 'The Regime,' episode 1

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The latest political drama on HBO, 'The Regime' delves into the enticing politics of a European country.

The show, created by Will Tracy, debuted its first episode, 'Victory Day,' on Sunday, March 3.

The pilot episode of the series established the paranoia of Chancellor Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet), who battles to preserve her position of authority amid multiple political hurdles.

Elena Vernham strives to finalize the cobalt deal in 'The Regime' episode 1

Kate Winslet as Elena Vernham (@HBO)
Kate Winslet as Elena Vernham (@HBO)

The first episode delves into the ongoing struggle of Elena, as she is trying hard to maintain her public image and health.

During a meeting with her top officials, it was urged that she finalize the cobalt deal with Americans to keep the country's economy afloat.

Taking the proposition seriously, the chancellor meets with the American businessman Richard Kaisen, who demands she hand over 51% of the shares. A request implying that if Elena has any plans involving cobalt, she must first obtain his consent.

Elena Vernham is suggested to take some time off by Minister Susan 

A still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)
A still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)

Elena is frequently despised by her ministers since she has become increasingly paranoid due to her concern that she may have inherited her father's lung problems.

She isolates herself from the outside world and begins living under strict protection after an assassination attempt.

She only meets her dependable aide, Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), who also saves her from the life-threatening situation. Subsequently, after being persuaded by her husband, Nicholas Vernham (Guillaume Gallienne), she decides to meet Dr. Kirshaw and Minister Susan (Pippa Haywood).

Later, Susan and Dr. Kirshaw inform Elena that she should relocate to the countryside, allowing them to oversee matters there.

After their departure, Elena turns to Zubak for guidance. He advises her to assert herself strongly against anyone who views her as weak, and she enthusiastically adopts and applies his counsel.

In the concluding moments of the episode, she delivers a groundbreaking announcement, declaring her intention to eliminate the nation's debt, relinquish American independence, and sever ties with NATO's dependence

Simultaneously, Minister Susan and Dr. Kirshaw are seen getting arrested as co-conspirators in her assassination plot.

'The Regime' Episode 2 will premiere on HBO and Max on Sunday, March 3rd at 9 pm.

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