'The Regime' Episode 3 Takeaway: Herbert Zubak's violent streak leads to his downfall in HBO drama series
Contains spoilers for 'The Regime' Episode 3
CENTRAL EUROPE, EUROPE: The political crisis in a fictional European country serves as the backdrop for HBO's ongoing political drama series, 'The Regime'.
Directed by Jessica Hobbs and Stephen Frears, the series was conceived by Will Tracy.
Its plot revolves around a Chancellor of the nation, Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet), whose rising paranoia keeps her council on edge.
Things take a turn for the worse when she appoints Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a vile ex-soldier, as her adviser, further eroding her power over her country.
In the last episode, we see Elena conclude that Herbert is a direct descendant of 'The Foundling', declaring the big news nationwide with pride.
Herbert Zubak twists Elena Vernham's wrist in 'The Regime' Episode 3
From the beginning of the series, it was clear that Herbert had major violent tendencies, which might be linked to his military history or unstable mentality.
He skillfully employs persuasion tactics to exert power over Elena and achieve what he wants. However, things take a nasty turn in the most recent episode when he asserts his violent streak against Elena.
At the beginning of the episode, the man uses his authority to propose a new land reform strategy, which obviously requires funding for implementation.
Elena refuses to use her holding company's funds for the implementation, telling Herbert that she is unsure about the new policy.
However, the man becomes agitated and swiftly smashes a vent with his leg, forcing Elena to breathe the air by twisting her wrist.
Herbert tells her that it is poison she is breathing and that it has not come out of her body because she is making an insane decision. In a moment of weakness, she admits her corruption to the man, who plans to use it against her.
Herbert Zubak violently chokes Elena Vernham in 'The Regime'
After dreaming of her father asking her to reclaim control of her authority from Herbert, Elena decides to prophesy the reunification of Faban Corridor, causing an international uproar.
She also sends Herbert off to the frontlines with her self-made designation of Faban Freedom Captain.
After Herbert returns, he notices Elena's changing conduct towards him, which is reinforced by Elena's ignorance of him and the arrival of Emil Bartos (Stanley Townsend) at the party.
His aggression, however, skyrockets when he learns of Elena's uninformed attitude, which entails delaying the implementation of the land reform policy.
Not holding back, the man forcefully chokes her before leaving the room to pursue Emil. He unleashes his inner beast and beats the businessman black and blue.
At the end of the episode, Herbert gets the taste of his own medicine and gets arrested for his criminal spree.
'The Regime' is available to stream on Max
