Episode 6 of "The Gentleman in Moscow" kicks off with Rostov offering Sofia sage advice before her departure to school. Despite the Count's evident nervousness, a charming glimpse of the hotel's front doors steals the scene. Sofia departs, and when she returns, she's transformed into a maturing teenager, the year now being 1947.
Sofia's teenage exuberance is in full bloom, her flippant attitude towards her social circle, particularly the boys she associates with, is apparent. Meanwhile, Osip and Rostov's interests have broadened from books to films. As they watch "It's A Wonderful Life," Osip laments the indoctrination of Hollywood, but Rostov challenges his perception, arguing that the film's impact is tied to the people we encounter in life. Osip, however, has reached his limit and decides to depart, vowing to choose the next film himself.
Upstairs, chaos erupts as two geese escape and roam freely around the hotel. Rostov struggles to suppress his laughter, especially when summoned by the manager, Bishop. The latter accuses Sofia of being responsible for the commotion, fearing it will taint the hotel's esteemed reputation.
Meanwhile, Sofia is downstairs, her bond with a young man named Viktor growing stronger. They sit in the dining room, playing piano and sharing laughter and jokes. Anna watches from afar, but the idyllic scene turns sour when Rostov stumbles in, mistakenly believing Viktor is pursuing Sofia romantically. Sofia confidently assures him that Viktor is not her type, explaining that it was just piano lessons. She had planned to surprise Rostov for his birthday, but now those plans are ruined.
Upstairs, Anna and Rostov clash over Sofia's upbringing. Rostov flippantly remarks that he spends more time with her than Anna due to her busy schedule, but Anna retaliates, highlighting the sacrifices she's made to accommodate Sofia. She abruptly cuts the conversation short, insisting that Rostov should leave instead.
That fateful night, while engaging in a thrilling game of chase, Sofia stumbled on the stairs and fell, her screams echoing through the silence. Upon learning of the accident, Rostov, who had hitherto remained confined within the hotel's walls, ventured out for the very first time, bravely carrying her to the hospital. Despite the grave risk of being hunted down and killed, he cared not for his own safety, only for Sofia's well-being.
Covered in Sofia's blood, Rostov's departure was witnessed by a dozen eyes, including the watchful gaze of Manager Bishop. Without hesitation, Bishop alerted the authorities, who were instructed to scour every hospital in search of the fugitive. Meanwhile, Olga, unaware of the unfolding drama, embarked on her own quest to find Rostov.
However, it was Osip who unexpectedly intercepted Rostov. Rostov's impassioned plea for Sofia's life moved him deeply, and Osip wasted no time arranging for the finest surgeon in Moscow to attend to her. Sofia's condition was dire; a bleed in her brain demanded immediate surgical intervention.
As time ticked away, Osip urged Rostov to flee, warning that his men were on their way. But Rostov refused to abandon his daughter, declaring that he could not leave her side. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Osip arranged for a van to spirit Rostov away.
Back at the hotel, Anna weaved her magic around the Captain of the guard, luring him down to the bar. But he was a tough nut to crack, having never heard of her before. He recognized her name but was clueless about her profession or her connections. Unfazed by her charm, he warned her that if caught lying, she could be sent to Siberia. He hinted at a possible agreement, but Anna dismissed him with a shrug. The tense standoff continued for some time, especially as he left to investigate, leaving Anna to stew in her own thoughts.
The van rolls back into sight, and the staff springs into action, orchestrating a covert operation to sneak Rostov back into the hotel undetected. As he emerges from the elevator and strides confidently back into the bustling main lobby, Manager Bishop's jaw drops in astonishment. Osip confronts the hotel manager with a stern warning, landing him in hot water with the Captain. Shortly after Bishop is escorted away, Osip offers Rostov a subtle nod, signaling that Sofia's condition has improved and things are looking up.
Overjoyed, Rostov retreats to his room to speak with Anna. His heartfelt words reveal how much she means to him and his regret for not appreciating her sooner. Anna, whose trip was not canceled but whom chose to return out of her deep missing for him and Sofia, decides to make the hotel her permanent residence - albeit in a luxurious suite, far from Rostov's Spartan quarters.
As Anna bids farewell to Olga for the final time, we learn that the two women shared five blissful years with Vasily before Olga's passing. But the poignant moment that follows - Rostov's birthday, no less - is etched in Anna's memory as the last time they were all together, Sofia's music filling the air. Anna leans close to Rostov and whispers, "Happy birthday."
Yet, changes are afoot, and the man pulling the strings is Bishop himself. He peruses the files scattered across his desk, his gaze lingering on Sofia's. The future is uncertain, but one thing is clear: the stage is set for a new chapter in this intricate drama.
