'The Regime' Episode 2 Sneak Peek : Chancellor Elena Vernham locks horns with American delegate Judith Holt
CENTRAL EUROPE, EUROPE: The fictional world of a central European country serves as the backdrop for HBO's latest miniseries, 'The Regime.'
Starring Hollywood royalty Kate Winslet as the lead, the series is created by 'The Menu' famed Will Tracy. The first episode of the miniseries, titled 'Victory Day,' premiered on Sunday, March 3.
It tells the tale of a power struggle within the fortified walls of the palace, where Chancellor Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet) grapples with paranoia linked to her health.
The story takes a sharp turn when Elena begins to be influenced by a disgraced soldier named Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts).
Judith Holt offers a full NATO membership to Elena Vernham
The second episode, titled 'The Founding,' unfolds three weeks after the eventful episode one, where Elena publicly vows to sever ties with the United States.
In the latest episode, it is revealed that Judith Holt (Martha Plimpton), the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is scheduled to visit Elena's unnamed nation to address the escalating tensions.
Equipped with her bodyguard, the American senator is welcomed by Elena and Herbert Zubak, with Elena implying her dissatisfaction with the American President not being there.
Getting straight to the point, Judith starts to negotiate her way into a profitable agreement that would ease export restrictions, allow American schools to reopen in the country, and—most importantly—grant the nation full NATO recognition.
Corporal Herbert Zubak intimidates Judith Holt in 'The Regime' Episode 2
Additionally, Judith suggests the restoration of the cobalt trade, emphasizing its potential to significantly enhance their diplomatic relationship.
Amid the continuing back-and-forth of the negotiations, Herbert unexpectedly approaches Judith, which unnerves her. Elena, seemingly uninterested in the charades, suggests a tour of the premises.
Despite Herbert's efforts to make Judith feel uneasy during the tour by recounting the site's history, things quickly turn into a nightmare for her when she finds herself locked in a room with her intimidator.
Her attempts to escape are thwarted by Herbert's menacing comments, which imply that she isn't welcome here and that she should depart immediately.
She leaves the room and heads to the airport, not wanting to cause herself any more difficulty with Herbert and Elena watching her go from a window, grinning.
'The Regime' episode 3 will premiere on March 17.