'The Regime' Episode 4 Takeaway: Elena Vernham's interaction with Westgate children ends on bitter note

The series digs into the intrigues and complexity of politics in a fictional European country led by a paranoid Chancellor
PUBLISHED MAR 25, 2024
Kate Winslet as Chancellor Elena Vernham in a still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)
Kate Winslet as Chancellor Elena Vernham in a still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)

Contains spoilers for 'The Regime' Episode 4 on HBO

CENTRAL EUROPE, EUROPE: HBO's current political drama 'The Regime' explores the complexities of governance within an unnamed European country.

The show, which debuted on Sunday, March 3, consists of only six episodes, indicating that the April 7 conclusion is just two weeks away.

The series is set in an unnamed European country, led by Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet). Initially perceived as a formidable figure, but a closer look reveals that she is falling under the weight of her neurotic and stupid political decisions.

In the latest episode, Elena encounters fresh hurdles as her ties with China do not unfold as smoothly as she had envisioned.

Elena Vernham decides to hold conversations with the Westgate Children

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

The latest episode illustrates how Elena's influence over her country is disintegrating as a result of her rebellion against Americans.

Her final action of infiltrating the Faban corridor only added to her already mounting issues.

However, her aspirations to set things right hinged on cooperation with China, which is also proving to be problematic.

The Chinese are taking their time initiating work on cobalt mines, and their sugar operation in the country has sparked significant criticism from local sugar beet farmers.

During the council meeting, she was also informed of the death of a pregnant woman protester at the hands of a police officer's horse.

Elena, who was unconcerned about the death, is advised by her ministers to initiate a public dialogue with the children of the Westgate, which may improve her social status in the nation.

Despite her initial ignorance of the concept, she decides to proceed with the plan.

Elena Vernham addresses the 'pregnant lady' death in Episode 4 of 'The Regime'

Kate Winslet as Chancellor Elena Vernham in a still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)
Kate Winslet as Chancellor Elena Vernham in a still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)

The following day, the stage was prepared for Elena's conversation with the children, during which she instructed her ministers not to address the incident involving the horse.

As the event began, she grew agitated, urging those in attendance not to voice complaints and to let her do her job, implying that ordinary people should practice restraint in their spending to help stabilize the economy.

Unable to hold anything up, Elena finally addresses the elephant in the room by mentioning the death of a pregnant woman.

She erupts and claims that the woman's death is not her responsibility, leaving the audience in an awkward situation. She further accuses the protest of being a plot by Americans to undermine their nation's strength.

Things become increasingly heated as she continues to vent her rage at the West. The encounter ends abruptly when she begins to bleed from her nose. 

'The Regime' is available to stream on Max

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