IR TV Review: A GENTLEMAN IN MOSCOW - EPISODE 4 (“Good Times”) [Showtime/Paramount+]
As times continue, lives must adapt. One of the iinteresting aspects of "A Gentleman In Moscow" is how it skips time. As Episode 4: "Good Times" begins, Count Rostov (Ewan McGregor) once again has adapted, working in the hotel as a waiter as he continues to serve out his sentence. 1938 is a much different time as the essence of the war begins to come in although he doesn't see it as much. The cosmopolitan nature of the global community moving more through Moscow is becoming more apparent. His captors, specifically Oslip, are starting to bend or become more desperate which is usually an inherent sign of danger. There are interesting opportunities but Rostov (Ewan McGregor) is almost unwilling to rock the boat.
However someone from his past changes his mind. She is altruisitic but unexperienced. As the episode winds on, she only understands his wisdom was just weathered in care too late. His knowledge is that history is a cycle. He wants to protect those around him but is almost powerless to do so despite his own abilities of perception despite a still lofty standard of self. Mistakes beget fear and Mischa (Fehinti Balogun) relaizes his own mistakes which allows Rostov to reflect in his. Again these lives are based in the little moments and the series is adept at recognizing this. Rostov himself allows just the faintest hint of desperation which makes you empathize with him even more. It is just a matter of when and if it breaks and he must rebel with all his being, possibly to his death. B
By Tim Wassberg
