Summary
The abstract whimsy may distract from the emotional heart of the story, but this is a fitting conclusion with a tour de force performance from our magical lead.
This recap of Netflix’s Russian Doll season 2, episode 7, “Matryoshka,” — the ending explained — does not contain any significant spoilers.
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Nadia’s time travelling escapades have all been in the hopes of changing her family’s misfortune and rewriting history to provide the Vulvokov’s with their precious Krugerrands. These time travelling adventures have shown us a glimpse into the family’s past, highlighting the struggles of Vera (her Grandmother), Nora (her mother) and Ruth. Ruth being the family friend and in Nadia’s eyes her second mother. The finale explores Nadia’s obsession with these maternal figures in her life and brings some much needed closure to the whole saga.
Russian Doll season 2, episode 7 recap – ending explained
Having completely broken time, Nadia and Alan find themselves back in that cursed party, with that infamous song stuck on repeat. Nadia brought her baby-self back to the future in the hopes of saving them from a troubled childhood. It’s a crazy scenario, which Alan barks at, but it is quite fitting for the narrative to go full circle and return to the first season’s time loop setup. Nadia is totally out of control in the finale, having collapsed the very fabric of time on purpose. She’s had enough of the universe’s games, has finally given in and seems happy to be stuck in the never-ending time loop once again.
Alan’s pleas have little to no effect on our crazy lead, the only thing that will knock her back into reality is the maternal Ruth. Nadia sees the fragile therapist struggling up the stairs an infinite amount of times and realises her wrong doings. She’s happy to disrupt everyone’s existence except Ruth’s. She adores this woman and would do anything for her. With the time lines now melding into one another and rather odd things taking place, Nadia accepts blame. The dynamic duo decide to catch the six train and escape this nightmare reality for good.
More time travelling shenanigans take place as they make their way to the train. They find themselves in a static carriage, with the whole cast of characters heading to Ruth’s funeral. Alan manages to drag her off and then they’re hit by oncoming trains. The show descends into the whimsical abstract once more and Alan is provided closure thanks to his Grandmother Agnes’ supportive pep talk. Whereas Nadia is faced with the choice of rescuing the Krugerrands or her baby duplicate.
The ending
The time travelling couple exit the void in time to make it back to 2022 and Ruth’s wake. It’s a somber finale that allows Nadia a chance to accept her natural mother and mourn her second. The filmmakers cue up the classic Pink Floyd song, aptly titled ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ as Nadia embraces Alan and then heads into the toilet. There she lights a cigarette and takes in her reflection. Nadia smiles, content to have learnt some valuable lessons and survived to fight another day.
This season attempted something slightly different, albeit with a similar time-related kooky concept and that digressive, random styling. Unfortunately though, it seems to have lost its spark and doesn’t quite flow right, but there are still masses of positives to the Russian Doll sophomore effort. Each episode is intriguing enough, with an unpredictable storyline. Natasha Lyonne is magnificent on and off-screen, creating an intricate and iconic character in Nadia. The show has a distinct style and carries a unique atmosphere, it’s just a shame the through line wasn’t so strong. In a fittingly paradoxical way, maybe the flaws are what make this show so special. Like the final song says, shine on you crazy diamond.
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