'The Regime' Episode 5 Takeaway: Elena Vernham and Herbert Zubak's bond strengthens amid civil turmoil

The most recent episode exposes the peculiar and passionate relationship between Herbert Zubik and Elena Vernham
UPDATED APR 1, 2024
Following their intense makeout session in the last episode, Elena Vernham and Herbert Zubik appeared to be inseparable in the fifth episode of 'The Regime' (@HBO)
Following their intense makeout session in the last episode, Elena Vernham and Herbert Zubik appeared to be inseparable in the fifth episode of 'The Regime' (@HBO)

Contains spoilers for 'The Regime' Episode 5

CENTRAL EUROPE, EUROPE: In the most recent episode of HBO's political drama developed by Will Tracy, 'The Regime,' a vivid depiction of the budding romance between Elena Vernham (Kate Winslet) and Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts) was established.

From the onset of the series, it was shown that the two share a weird relationship that only they could understand.

In the most recent episode, Elena's tenuous hold on her country grew weaker and Herbert's presence merely fanned the flames.

The pair continues to live in their bubble, indicating their undying devotion to one another; thus, they are unaffected by the impending storm of upheaval.

Herbert Zubek supports Elena Vernham's decision to stand her ground against the rebellion

A still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)
Matthias Schoenaerts as Herbert Zubak in a still from 'The Regime' (@HBO)

Elena and Herbert appear to be enjoying their honeymoon phase in the most recent episode of the show, which picks up exactly six months after the dramatic makeout scene from the previous episode.

Elena seeks therapy for Herbert because of his tendency to bite her during their intimate sessions.

She even had a family photo taken for the Christmas session with him and her son Oskar (Louie Mynett), taking their relationship to the next level. 

Later, Elena and Herbert attend a council meeting, but they can't seem to keep their hands off each other. Their public displays of affection makes other present at the meeting uncomfortable.

Following Mr. Laskin's (Danny Webb) suggestion that Elena relocate for her protection, Elena defies the idea, with Herbert backing her and saying that he will fight for her.

Elena Vernham decides to name Herbert Zubik as her successor

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)

Not too long after, Elena receives word of the Rebellion army's approach to the palace grounds, shattering their blissful bubble.

She uses her cunning to come up with a new scheme in which she names Herbert, the Foundling's heir, as her successor.

She decides to make the announcement but is unable to utter the words. Instead, she continues to postpone it until the army eventually storms into the palace.

Herbert, concerned about his lady love's safety, ushers her to the helipad amid the raging mayhem in the palace, but the ministers deceive them by using their cunning.

Even though there was an additional risk to their escape, Herbert managed to find a route out and guide Elena down the underneath tunnel to safety.

In the episode's last minutes, it was shown that both had fled the chaos of the palace, with Herbert protecting his lady love and Elena now fully depending on him, suggesting their deep relationship.

'The Regime' Episode 5 is now available to stream on Max

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