Understanding the Significance of Victory Day in The Regime: Unveiling the Country's Past and Elena's Path to Chancellorship

In the first episode of The Regime, titled "Victory Day," viewers are introduced to an unnamed nation celebrating the rise of Chancellor Vernham to power. Kate Winslet stars in this biting political satire, her third HBO miniseries, as Elena Vernham, the authoritarian leader of the regime. While Chancellor Vernham appears composed and elegant on the surface, she lacks a clear vision for the future of her country. Additionally, Elena harbors a fear of mold and toxic air, stemming from her father's death due to a lung condition.

"Victory Day" Celebrates The Day That Elena Won Her Chancellorship 7 Years Ago

The Regime never mentions the country where it takes place or provides a detailed look at its people. Instead, the focus is primarily on Elena, her cabinet, and the peculiar bond that develops between her and her new bodyguard, Herbert Zubak (Matthias Schoenaerts). Despite being condemned for his involvement in the shooting of a group of protestors, Elena decides to give Herbert a chance at redemption, and he eventually becomes her right-hand man. Through Herbert's perspective, viewers are given a glimpse into the dysfunction within The Chancellor's cabinet as they prepare to commemorate "Victory Day."

"V Day" is really about celebrating Chancellor Elena herself

Kate Winslet Chancellor sitting on a throne with a tiger mural in The Regime - "V Day" is really about celebrating Chancellor Elena herself - "Victory Day" Celebrates The Day That Elena Won Her Chancellorship 7 Years Ago

In episode one of The Regime, not much information is provided about the country where the story is set. Most of the action happens in Elena's palace. We do know that the nation has cobalt mines and grows sugar beets, but the main focus is on the title regime.

During a significant scene, The Chancellor is shown attending a grand celebration known as "Victory Day." This event commemorates the seven-year milestone of Elena becoming the chancellor after defeating her predecessor, Edward Keplinger (played by Hugh Grant).

Elena, a former physician, easily won her campaign and inspired the country. However, The Regime's first episode only offers a limited view of the country, making it hard to gauge public opinion of her. Despite the struggling economy, Elena's cabinet is pushing for a cobalt mining deal with America. The Chancellor is more concerned about appearing strong to the world than growing the economy.

While Elena may have won easily in the past, signs show that the nation and her own government are becoming tired of her. During a visit to her father's mausoleum, Elena admits that "Victory Day" is just an excuse to celebrate herself. She even performs a cringeworthy cover of “If You Leave Me Now," receiving a forced standing ovation from the crowd.

Elena Reveals She Was Elected Into Her Office With A "Free" Democratic Political System

The show is called The Regime for a reason

kate winslet and matthias schoenaerts walking out of a briefing room in the regime - The show is called The Regime for a reason - Elena Reveals She Was Elected Into Her Office With A "Free" Democratic Political System

Portraits of Elena are displayed all over her palace, and she frequently speaks to the nation through televised addresses. The recent Site Five massacre, where Elena's soldiers fatally shot protesting miners, has stirred up controversy, especially with the mining company CEO concerned about its impact in America. Despite the lack of visible opposition, Elena insists that she was democratically elected.

The Regime's satire makes it clear that Elena's claim of democratic election is not to be taken seriously. While she may not directly rule with an iron fist, Elena expects absolute loyalty from her people and does not tolerate any challenges to her authority. Her focus on appearances is evident when she publicly scolds Zubak for measuring humidity in front of American guests, a moment that the Chancellor describes as embarrassing following her own musical mishap.

Who Was Edward Keplinger? The Former Chancellor & His "Radicals" Explained

Elena has little interest in being democratic, from shutting down protests to ensuring "Victory Day" focuses on celebrating her achievements. The ending of episode 1 hints at even darker times ahead: with Herbert as her advisor, she has arrested cabinet members for alleged assassination plots and is reinforcing isolationist policies.

Hugh Grant's Regime character has yet to appear

Hugh Grant sitting in The Regime. - Hugh Grant's Regime character has yet to appear - Who Was Edward Keplinger? The Former Chancellor & His "Radicals" Explained

The Regime reunites Kate Winslet with former co-star Hugh Grant, who portrays former Chancellor Edward Keplinger. Keplinger was deposed by Elena years before the events of the series. Unfortunately, Grant does not appear in the first episode, but his character is mentioned by businessman Emil Bartos during a speech while toasting Elena. Bartos criticizes Keplinger, labeling him as "a rat" and accusing his group of "neo-Marxist thieves" of leaving the nation in despair during his rule.

In the first episode of "The Regime," it is implied that Elena Vernham comes from a powerful political family.

Elena's "Victory Day" visit to her father offers further backstory

Chancellor Elena (Kate Winslet) enters her father's mausoleum in The Regime episode 1 - Elena's "Victory Day" visit to her father offers further backstory - The Regime Episode 1 Suggests Elena Comes From A Powerful Political Family

Before heading to the "Victory Day" dinner, Elena makes a stop at her father Joseph's grave to leave some flowers. Joseph had passed away a year before The Regime's first episode, and The Chancellor was worried that she would succumb to the same lung disease that took her father's life. Despite her mixed emotions towards her father - a blend of respect and grief - Elena still feels the urge to subtly boast about her own power surpassing his.

In a later scene, Elena's husband Nicholas (played by Guillaume Gallienne) shares that he met Elena while she was studying in Paris, but she eventually returned home to lead her political party. This revelation, coupled with Elena's conversations with her late father, hints at her background in a political family. This background may explain why she takes pride in her position as Chancellor, a position her father never achieved.

Elena's campaign could have benefitted greatly from her background in a well-known political family. During a visit to the mausoleum, there was some tension, but it was evident that she truly misses her father. She also found common ground with Herbert, who shared that he had lost both of his parents.

Don't forget to catch the new episodes of The Regime airing on Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

Source: Rotten Tomatoes

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the first episode of "The Regime," a political satire that delves into the complexities of authoritarian leadership. Kate Winslet's portrayal of Elena Vernham, the enigmatic Chancellor, is particularly captivating as she navigates the challenges of her role while grappling with personal fears and a dysfunctional cabinet. The show's subtle satire effectively highlights the absurdities and dangers of unchecked power, leaving the viewer with thought-provoking questions about the nature of leadership and the fragility of democracy.

Overall, the article effectively introduces the main characters, themes, and plot points of "The Regime's" premiere episode, leaving me eager to delve deeper into the series and explore the inner workings of this dystopian regime. The focus on Elena's character and the glimpse into her motivations and fears promises a compelling and nuanced exploration of power and its consequences.