IR TV Review: THE REGIME - EPISODE 6 (“Don’t Yet Rejoice”) [HBO]
The resolution of power simply rests in many instances with the optics given. In the final episode (#6) of "The Regime" entitled "Don't Yet Rejoice", we finally see the payoff on the acting we were expecting because the element of reparation in a way is finite. Both Kate Winslet and Matthias Schoenaerts have been building the considerations of Elena and Herbert over time. At the end of Episode 5, one was expecting a quick result but the power move is much more dynamic than that. Both of these characters trade places at many points but none so much as in this last episode. But what this final episode does do is create a pivot of stakes showing that mistakes can be made all over again. It is all about the catalyst.
Henry Goodman comes to bear here though he reminds one of another actor but it is his gravitas and Winslet's resistance of truth that is so riveting which makes the final coda and decision both bittersweet, dark, earned and even sad, despite the fact that empathy shouldn't be earned here. Bloodshed leads to new mutiny in a way harking back to "Romeo & Juliet". There is a moment right towards the end between Schoenaerts and Winslet which is filmed and breathes just right that is as good as any recent TV lately. The only issue is that most of the show was played for satire in many ways while these true moments where the facades come down is where these actors truly shine without having to puff up (if you will). "The Regime" was an uneven and yet interesting experiment in narrative and political satire with some great turns and acting to finish it off. A-
By Tim Wassberg
