Episode 4 of "Gentleman In Moscow" unfolds in the vibrant yet tense year of 1932. The Count, having been confined to the hotel's confines for a decade, finds himself a natural fit for the role of a waiter, his extensive knowledge of cuisine and vintage wines being his greatest asset. The wine bottles are once again adorned with their labels, a testament to Stalin's profound transformation of the country. Guests from all corners of the world descend upon the hotel, eager to witness Stalin's Russia in its full splendor.
Amidst this flurry of activity, Rostov and Anna's clandestine affair continues to unfold, sneaking into bed together whenever they can find a moment. However, actual slumber remains elusive, as Anna prefers to spend those precious hours alone.
A familiar face emerges in the hotel's private dining room - Osip. Rostov is slightly taken aback by his lack of manners, as he helps himself to food before offering any to Rostov. Despite this, Rostov perseveres, educating him on the various books that Osip has been devouring.
However, Osip's true purpose for his visit is far more sinister. He is sent by the new Minister of Culture - Alexei Nachevko. Rostov should be well aware of this man's character, given his entanglement with Anna. Initially, the Count resists, but Osip, with his cunning, practically blackmails him into compliance. This same minister of culture is the man Anna was whispering to in the previous episode, hinting at a secret liaison of their own.
As Rostov was still grappling with the aftermath of his earlier encounter, another familiar face unexpectedly emerged at the hotel, causing him to be further rattled. It was Nina, much older now, having resided in Leningrad for five years. She was merely passing through, destined for the East and her service to Stalin.
A week later, Nina appeared, apologizing for her hasty demeanor in their previous encounter. She revealed that she was on her way to Donetsk, a place Mishka had recently returned from. Her mission was to assist the shock workers in the collectivization of farms. As they conversed, the camera captured some intriguing framing, with a chessboard prominently displayed in the foreground, a poignant reminder of their past games – ones they were now no longer playing.
Despite Nina's dismissal of any romantic notions with her companion Leon, Rostov displayed a surprisingly romantic side, treating her to a rooftop rendezvous at the hotel. There, they shared a drink and a delectable piece of honeycomb, the evening air filling with a sense of unspoken intimacy.
That night, as one of the wait staff was unexpectedly taken away, Rostov hastened to check on Anna. However, their encounter was interrupted by the Minister's arrival. He sneered at Rostov, mocking their lack of subtlety and declaring his awareness of their clandestine meetings. As he departed, Rostov warned Anna of the perils surrounding the new minister, urging her to exercise caution. Anna, however, dismissed his concerns with a shrug, claiming that danger had always been a constant in her life.
That evening, Rostov's concerns materialized as he returned, bringing a bleak reality to the forefront. He revealed that the farmers had been forcibly evicted from their lands, and the crops across the nation were failing miserably. Rostov had witnessed starvation up close, and he knew that the hotel storeroom, stocked with an abundance of food, was merely a facade for the hollow shell of Russia.
Mishka was devastated, his dream of a better Russia shattered. Worse still, his public criticism of Stalin had put a target on his back, and his days seemed numbered. Rostov, meanwhile, fretted over what this meant for Nina. His fear spiraled into dangerous territory that fateful night.
As Osip arrived with his family to celebrate his daughter's birthday, Rostov hovered awkwardly around the table, causing a slight commotion. The tension was palpable, and later that evening, Osip confronted Rostov in his room. Osip was displeased with Rostov, but after a hasty exchange of apologies, the situation calmed slightly.
Once Osip had composed himself, he revealed the gravity of the situation. They suspected that Belsky was plotting to overthrow Stalin and needed the assistance of Nachevko, the Culture Minister. These were powerful men, and that was why Osip needed Rostov. He demanded that Rostov provide him with something useful by the next evening. If he failed to comply, Mishka would be in grave danger. This trade-off—Mishka's life for the favor of two influential men—was overheard by Mishka himself, who was in the adjacent room.
Afterward, Mishka spoke to Rostov in confidence, urging him not to sacrifice his dignity to protect those he loved. He emphasized the importance of maintaining his honor, no matter the cost.
Speaking of honor, Rostov's was put to the test that night when Anna celebrated the start of her new film, which had been greenlit for production. However, he was tasked with delivering a couple of bottles of champagne to the general's room—a request that did not sit well with the Count. As it later transpired, this was because Nachevko and Belsky were romantically involved.
Witnessing this extravagant display of culinary delights and beverages, Mishka found it all too overwhelming. On behalf of Russia and its ordinary citizens, he spoke out, embodying the values that the country holds dear. However, his boldness did not go unnoticed, and he was escorted out of the hotel premises. As this unfolded, Alexander addressed Osip from the balcony, observing the commotion. Rostov, refusing to disgrace Mishka, stood firm, prompting Osip to withdraw, but not before reminding Rostov of the scene Mishka had caused and his subsequent removal, leaving Rostov shaken.
Meanwhile, Osip soon discovered the intricate relationship between Nachevko and Belsky, resulting in the latter's abrupt departure under the escort of armed guards.
The scene shifts to 1938. Rostov continues his duties at the hotel, his life remaining largely unchanged... until fate intervened, introducing a figure in the hotel lobby that would irrevocably alter his existence. That person? Sophia, Nina's daughter. Nina, now married, faces the challenge of her husband Leon's absence, having been sentenced to five years of manual labor. Determined to aid Leon, Nina finds herself in a predicament, leaving Rostov with the unenviable responsibility of caring for her daughter. Nina, regretful about her hasty departure, embraces her old friend tightly, expressing her gratitude before departing.
