In the first of six episodes of the political satire series, we delve into Chancellor Elena's realm and the distinct challenges she faces. Having triumphed over her political rival, Elena has maintained her authority for the last seven years.
Starting off strong, the episode sets the stage for the unfolding story. We quickly meet the main characters and the show's political humor adds to its engaging appeal. Elena initially appears under the television lights' glow, but it swiftly becomes evident that her hypochondria has severely hindered her functionality. The persona presented on TV is merely a facade.
Chancellor Elena Vernham (Winslet) and Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts) are a powerful chancellor and an ordinary corporal whose paths intersect. Elena lives as a paranoid recluse, as she fears succumbing to the same lung ailment that claimed her father's life. Elena is in a perpetual state of mysophobic panic, convinced that her expansive palace is infested with toxic mold.
Acting on the Chancellor's directives, her anxious staff — including the pragmatic palace manager, Agnes (Andrea Riseborough), formidable minister of finance, Susan (Pippa Haywood), and deferential Dr. Kershaw (Kenneth Collard) — enlist Corporal Herbert Zubak as the latest "personal water diviner" for their leader. Essentially, he trails the Chancellor with a hygrometer, gauging humidity levels in every room she enters.
While the Chancellor grapples with the imaginary spores and her father's long-dead body, Zubak faces inner demons and the persistent accusations surrounding a death at Cobalt mine, Site Five.
Despite others constantly reminding Zubak of his role in that debacle, Elena stands as the lone voice affirming his inherent goodness and need for love. Unbeknownst to Zubak, her encouragement likely echoes her own journey as someone who justified similar actions to seize and maintain power.
Kate Winslet is excellent as Elena, and a stand-out moment in this episode is when Elena half talks, half sings her way through a performance of "If You Leave Me Now" which comes off as half comedic, half threat in nature and highlights her power over a room full of adversaries and allies.
Following a late night incident in which Zubak comes to her aid, She initiates a political purge within her party, imprisoning those who aimed to maintain government roles during her absence in the palace, under questionable charges of treason. In a message to her people, she emphasizes the cessation of reliance on NATO's support and rejects the perceived "generosity" of the Americans.
Without those who did their best to keep her in check, I look forward to the next episodes getting crazier as Elena spins further out of control.
