Aptly titled “The Founding”, Episode 2 of The Regime sees Herbert’s influence over his Chancellor rise to new heights. He got Elena to renounce Western medicine in favor of yummy bowls of dirt, and he even went as far as to threaten a visiting U.S. Senator. But what goes up must come down, and that’s something Elena’s poetic husband knows all too well. Nicky’s plan to remove Herbert from favor and the potential consequences of Elena’s less-than-diplomatic actions raise burning questions about what could happen next week in Episode 3, which will mark the halfway point of Season 1.
Will Nicky’s plan to mastermind Herbert’s fall from grace succeed?
Nicholas seems to know his wife and might be sure she will soon grow tired of Herbert and his mustard poultices. However, the other councilors aren’t as convinced, even if they did go along with the plan. The relationship between Herbert and Elena is co-dependent and borders on emotionally abusive. She seems to depend on him for everything, so it’s hard to tell if elevating him to the rank of genetic legend will backfire and push her even closer to the Butcher.
On the flip side, Elena is a spoiled little autocrat who likes comfort and nice food. There may just be a limit to how many bowls of fresh country dirt she’s willing to ingest. It doesn’t help that Herbert is growing a bit too comfortable too quickly in his new role, which could lead to his downfall.
Did Elena damage her country’s relationship with the Americans beyond repair?
In Episode 2, Elena got poor Senator Holt away from her security personnel and locked her in a room with Herbert. The woman was terrified and pretty much ran out of the Palace after Herbert stopped short of putting his hands on her. His plan to turn Elena away from American influences may have been a success, but consequences are sure to follow.
Without American political support and their money for the Cobalt mines, Elena’s government is left to fend for themselves. We know how much Elena likes money (as do most in her inner circle), so there is a small chance she would try to mend the damage Herbert’s actions cause. There’s also a possibility she will double down against the U.S. and lead her small country into economic turmoil.
Can Agnes continue to medicate her son for epilepsy?
Herbert’s insidious influence over Elena is threatening the health of Agnes’s son. The boy has epilepsy and the Butcher insists on treating him with black radishes. Like any responsible mother living in a dictatorship, Agnes sources real pills to treat Oskar’s condition.
If Herbert’s influence continues to grow, she might find it harder to get the tablets for the boy. Even worse, she could be caught “cheating” by either Elena or Herbert, which may lead to her dismissal or even imprisonment.
The Regime Season 1 Episode 3 Release Date and Where to Watch
Episode 3 of The Regime is scheduled to be released on HBO and streaming on Max on Sunday, March 17, 2024. The release time is 9:00 p.m. ET/PT. Episode 2 is titled “The Heroes’ Banquet” and will have a runtime of 48 minutes.
Viewers worldwide can catch The Regime on HBO and on the streaming platform Max, which is only available with a subscription. In the UK, The Regime will air on Sky via NOW TV.
