Episode 8 of Gentleman in Moscow kicks off its thrilling finale with a chilling message delivered by Anna. The window of opportunity for success and escaping the confines of the hotel is narrow, and their destination is clear: the US Embassy, specifically Richard Vanderwhile, to deliver some crucial tapes. Their mission will be deemed successful when every phone in the Metro hotel rings at precisely 10:30 pm. Sounds straightforward, doesn't it? However, the truth is far from simple.
Flashing back, Anna commands Rostov to sit and remain silent. They await Sofia's arrival patiently, and she finally arrives, resplendent in a stunning blue dress, ready for her moment on stage. All of this is thanks to Marina's meticulous planning and dedication.
On the rooftop, Rostov confides in Sofia, revealing his plan. He urges her to flee to the US Embassy and escape the country. This revelation sheds light on the mysterious plan we witnessed earlier in the episode, clarifying that it's actually intended for Sofia. After her performance, she must blend into the crowd, undergoing a hasty haircut and adopting a new disguise. If caught, her fate would be dire. Yet, like Anna and Rostov, Sofia's heart is set on freedom.
Down in the bar, Anna speaks poignantly to Sofia about the significance of this place. It's where she first met Rostov, and Nina was there to share that moment with them. With tears in her eyes, Anna urges Sofia to go and never look back. She knows they may never see each other again, given the high stakes and inherent dangers of this risky plan.
That fateful evening, Rostov dispensed with the niceties and candidly informed Sofia that their reunion in the States was not to be. This farewell was reminiscent of the parting he had once shared with Helena, and he was determined not to repeat the mistake of leaving things unresolved. Sadly, he had never had the chance to properly bid farewell to his sister. Sofia, sensing his regret, urged him not to make the same mistake with her.
Upon hearing her words, the Count revealed that he had made a solemn promise to Nina and was committed to fulfilling it no matter what. With that, Sofia departed from the hotel for the final time, leaving Rostov with a heavy heart. His voice trembled as he bade her farewell, realizing that this was the last time he would ever see his daughter.
That night, Rostov raised a toast to a life lived without regret. He believed that while life was filled with its share of ups and downs, it was the sorrows that made the joys all the more sweet. Having reconciled with his comrades, he ascended the stairs to his room, where he encountered Osip.
Osip revealed that he had witnessed the passing of many lives and felt that his own end was nigh. He mourned the loss of his daughter and wife, both now deceased, and regretted the fleeting moments he had shared with them. Time, he lamented, was a cruel mistress, and by turning his back on her, he had been forced to pay the ultimate price. He wished he had more time to bid farewell to those he loved.
As they spoke, Osip confided in Rostov, regarding him as a trusted friend. He warned that Sofia was a valuable asset to the State and that their seemingly foolproof plan was not as secure as they had hoped. Osip knew that they were being watched, and part of the reason was Sofia's prominent role in the upcoming performance. Her schedule had been altered, and she was now set to appear later than expected. This change also meant that Anna and Rostov might not receive the phone call they were anticipating.
As Anna and Rostov sat in their seats, overwhelmed by worries, they decided to seek a momentary distraction by dancing together. Their bodies moved gracefully in sync, yet their minds were consumed by thoughts of their escape. Both had resigned themselves to the fact that a happy ending was not within their grasp.
A crucial part of their plan rested on two passports left unattended in the hotel room, which Anna and Rostov could conveniently utilize for their getaway. However, Bishop's keen instincts soon began to sniff out the truth. He spied Anna as she left the hotel, his suspicions growing with each passing moment.
Meanwhile, Sofia's performance filled the air with melody, but her heart was not in it. As she gathered her things and darted out of the room, the final curtain call rang out, signifying the end of her act. Sofia was quickly spotted as missing, and despite her efforts to disguise herself by cutting her hair, she found herself fleeing the relentless gaze of her teacher.
Her escape was narrow, but successful. Down in the hotel's dank boiler room, Rostov set fire to all the documents pertaining to Sofia and her family, ensuring that their trail would lead to a dead end. He left Bishop chained and alone in his office, a victim of their carefully crafted ruse.
But the plan to spirit Sofia away hit a snag. Just then, Osip appeared at the station, anxious to see Anna who was waiting impatiently. The trio's fate hung in the balance, and only time would tell if they would succeed in their desperate bid for freedom.
He hands her a passport, urging her to board the train that would take her safely to Finland. Attached to it is a note from Rostov, a gesture of kindness from Osip that, while it cannot erase the atrocities of his past, offers a glimmer of redemption.
However, we do not witness Anna boarding the train as the scene shifts back to the hotel. Rostov waits in the lobby until every phone in the building rings, signaling Sofia's successful arrival at the Embassy. The sound is music to his ears, relieving his heart as he knows his daughter is now safe. After taking one final glance around, he places his hat on his head and departs the hotel.
The following scene plays out like a poignant epilogue. We learn that Sofia never laid eyes on Anna or Rostov again in her lifetime. But the camera shifts to Rostov wandering through the woods, reunited with Anna. This scene lends itself to multiple interpretations.
The first interpretation, and the one I personally find credible, suggests this is a glimpse of the afterlife. Anna opts not to board the train, her love for Rostov too profound to abandon him. Somewhere in Russia, the pair perish together, their love eternal. Their ethereal state further supports this interpretation. Notably, the camera framing mimics the letterbox style we've seen in visions and flashbacks, adding to the sense that this is a foreshadowed glimpse into their fate. This reinterprets the nightmare from episode 7, where Rostov is left "in the cold" (amidst falling snowflakes) and Sofia survives the fire (screaming while playing the piano), emerging unscathed.
Alternately, one could interpret this scene as Anna and Rostov escaping Russia. Perhaps they board the train together or separately, managing to evade authorities. Maybe they both reach Finland, and the epilogue showcases their life together, living off the land in the wilderness. For now, the ambiguity remains, inviting you, dear reader, to craft your own interpretation!
