IR TV Review: A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW - EPISODE 3 (“The Last Rostov”) [Showtime/Paramount+]

The context of perspective only comes with time but also of reflection. After finding a glimpse of life, Count Rostov continues to try to find a life that makes it worth living. But news comes from abroad that rattles him in Episode 3: "The Last Rostov". It however gives him a reason to move forward. It is interesting that in the Count relating to others how he can see the simple pleasures like honeycomb or a sunrise and still be enlightened. In many ways this is an interesting coda for McGregor also of Christian in "Moulin Rouge" who never got to see the passing of time. McGregor can relate this wisfulness when many other actors can't. The Count relishes in seeing Nina grow older though he doesn't understand how certain people aren't as direct as he is (specifically Mary Elizabeth Winstead's Anna). The play on that relationship is interestingly complicated and yet utterly organic.

However it is Rostov's response as certain parts of his world are torn away that make him question his own resolve. The people he loves are changing in front of him (both his captors and his friends) so that he starts to hardly recognize them. He tries to put on an event for a very specific occasion to reinforce his vigor only to have it fall apart in almost every way. It is interesting the control at which McGregor moves at this man. You know he won't explode but his frustration even in becoming content is palpatable. But surviving is about understanding and finding those moments of contentedness (and perhaps love) in the most unexpected but fleeting moments, ones that stand still even as we are still living them. B+

By Tim Wassberg