A Gentleman In Moscow Episode 5 Recap: 8 Biggest Reveals

Warning: Major spoilers ahead for A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5, “An Arrival.”

A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5, “An Arrival” reveals yet another facet of Alexander Rostov’s character, as well as the fate and eventual future of certain other figures. The ending of A Gentleman in Moscow episode 4, “Good Times,” came with a shocking revelation, and it’s one that’s greatly built upon in “An Arrival.” The latest episode of the Showtime adaptation of Amor Towles 2016 novel is the first since A Gentleman in Moscow episode 3 not to feature a significant time jump, with events unfolding over a matter of weeks rather than years.

A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5 solidifies the presence of a new face while also featuring the loss of a pivotal character in Alexander’s life. As a result, the number of main figures in A Gentleman in Moscow‘s cast remains the same, but the trade-off isn’t without emotional devastation. Just as Alexander’s life in Moscow’s Metropol Hotel had settled into a steady rhythm, his daily routine is seriously disrupted. However, by the end of the episode, the reason for his world being turned upside down becomes one of his biggest reasons to carry on.

Alexander Rostov Would Have Been A Great Father

Sofia helps Alexander learn more about himself

When Count Rostov’s incarceration in the Metropol began, he was in his early 30s, and he’d already been a prisoner for some years before his official sentencing. As such, he hadn’t married nor fathered any children, and his new circumstances made either option functionally impossible. However, Sofia being left in the care of “Uncle Alexander” has given Ewan McGregor’s character to learn what it means to be a parental figure. While fatherhood is uncharted territory for Alexander, he excels at the task in a very short space of time.

The former count has a natural affinity with children, as proven by his friendship with Nina during her much younger years. The difference in Alexander’s dynamic with Sofia is that he is tasked with her welfare on a 24/7 basis rather than just simply entertaining Nina whenever she appears. Learning to brush Sofia’s hair and even sacrificing his bed for her are both prime examples of how committed Alexander is when it comes to caring for and perhaps raising his new ward.

Alexander’s Role As A Waiter May Not Be Voluntary

Count Rostov’s job could have been forced upon him by the hotel

Until “An Arrival,” it was suggested that Alexander’s job waiting on the guests of the Metropol Hotel was a decision he made to aid in keeping himself occupied. However, if this were the case, he would surely have more control over when he works, but this doesn’t seem to be true. Not only have there been times when Alexander has mentioned not being able to get the night off, but he was also warned that if caring for Sofia interferes with his duties, then she would be forced to leave.

This threat doesn’t particularly align itself with the theory that Alexander can simply stop working whenever he wants. This paints an even darker image of his imprisonment. While Alexander is still in a much better position than more traditional prisoners, and also a much better position than other members of his former social class, his life in the Metropol isn’t as laced with free will as it initially seemed.

The Metropol Hotel’s New Deputy Manager Could Be A Huge Threat

Leplevsky has had a promotion in A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5

Manager Halecki has quietly been an ally of Alexander’s throughout the show so far, showing leniency where others may have acted with greater levels of strictness. Unfortunately, that help seems to be drawing to an end. During Alexander’s meeting with the hotel’s boss, Deputy Manager Leplevsky appears to be learning the ropes so he can take over. Leplevsky’s relationship with Alexander has been wrought with tension in the past, with the pair having numerous run-ins when the former was still a waiter.

Halecki’s warning to his subordinate when Alexander leaves the room: “Might I remind you, Leplevsky, that you are still deputy manager” is a clear sign that the manager believes his deputy is overstepping. This caution is proven to be reasonable at the end of the episode, as Leplevsky arranges for Sofia to be taken away due to Nina’s continued absence. Fortunately, Halecki disarms the situation, but if Leplevsky eventually takes the reins, Sofia could be destined to live in an orphanage.

Osip Glebnikov Has A Heart After All

It’s becoming more difficult to predict how Osip will react

Glebnikov has been a very changeable man throughout A Gentleman in Moscow so far. While he has had moments of leniency, his arrest of Mishka proves that he is very far from being Alexander’s ally. However, during their etiquette lessons in “An Arrival,” Osip is strangely forgiving of Alexander’s failure to read the book on which they agreed. Alexander’s shortcomings are due to trying to care for Sofia, so while the moment of compassion is likely caused by Osip’s perspective as a father, it’s still proof that he has the capacity for understanding.

Unfortunately, the moment probably won’t lead to a permanent softening of Osip Glebnikov going forward. While Sofia is seemingly going to be a permanent resident of the Metropol Hotel for the foreseeable future, Osip still wants Alexander’s help, and it’s unlikely he’ll shift from the stern, borderline unfair methods of getting the assistance he so desires. Only time will tell whether his character will evolve even further.

Anna Urbanova Has Passed The Acting Torch

Anna has been supplanted by a younger actress

Anna has long been one of the biggest stars in her industry, but as with everything, the passage of time has changed her standing. A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5 introduces a new up-and-comer called Mila, who is primed to take the limelight from Anna. While Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s character initially takes the development badly, she eventually makes her peace with it and even offers Mila a few words of sage advice during an encounter in the hotel bar.

Despite Anna accepting the fact she’ll no longer be a movie star, that isn’t to say she will quit acting altogether. Her admission of, “I’ve always loved the theater” when asked by Nachevko what her next move will be strongly implies she will transition into an adjacent area of the entertainment industry. Thankfully, Anna seems genuinely satisfied that she’s taken all she can from her spell as a movie star.

Sofia Is A Gentleman In Moscow’s Mystery Narrator

All signs previously pointed to Nina being the storyteller

Interestingly, A Gentleman in Moscow isn’t narrated by Alexander Rostov. The female voice has been used sparingly throughout the show, but the implication has always been that it was an older version of Nina telling the story. However, the final moments of A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5 reveal that it’s actually been Sofia narrating the entire time. Of course, this would have been impossible to guess until at least A Gentleman in Moscow episode 4, when Sofia was introduced near the end.

The version of Sofia who is narrating is older than the version currently shown on-screen, so it affords her character a certain level of plot armor. However, what isn’t clear yet is whether the older Sofia is mentioning Alexander in the past tense due to the story taking place in the past, or if he has since passed. Either way, there are hopefully still plenty of stories to tell about both Sofia and Alexander.

Nina Is Dead

Sofia never discovers what happened to her mother

Just as A Gentleman in Moscow episode 4 ended with Sofia’s introduction, episode 5 concludes with the upsetting revelation that her mother has died. Sofia’s narration confirms that Nina never returned for her daughter, but she never discovers why: “Years later, I tried to discover what happened to her. But there was no record.” Sadly, while the audience is shown where Nina is buried, Sofia is seemingly never privy to this information.

During Nina’s last living appearance, she tells Alexander that she plans to head to Serbia due to her husband’s five-year sentence of “Corrective labor.” The scene that shows her being added to a mass grave may be also in Serbia, but this isn’t confirmed. Nina’s cause of death also isn’t mentioned, but the seemingly poor conditions in that area of the world were likely contributing factors.

Nina was Alexander’s first spark of hope in what was set to be a very isolating existence in the Metropol. The fact that she passed away cold and alone is a macabre yet poetic reminder of how Alexander must have felt before the pair formed their unexpected friendship. Nina is survived by Sofia, so with Alexander looking after Nina’s daughter, it’s as though he always has something to remember her by other than his fond memories.

A Gentleman In Moscow’s Flashbacks Now Show Scenes From The Earlier Episodes

Alexander’s memories now include much from within the Metropol

A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5 takes place 16 years after Alexander was sentenced to life imprisonment in the Metropol Hotel. This lengthy period has given McGregor’s character a lot of time to acquire new memories within his admittedly very limited environment. Before episode 5, all of Alexander’s flashbacks showed events that predated the show, but that has now changed.

“An Arrival” includes a flashback from Alexander’s point of view that shows a young Nina, as she appeared in the first two episodes of A Gentleman in Moscow. So, what once would have been shown as a traditional “present-day” shot, has now passed into the realm of the 4:3 aspect ratio flashbacks. Seeing Nina at such a young age through Alexander’s eyes goes from heartwarming to incredibly emotional, with the rapid change in perspective being brought about by A Gentleman in Moscow episode 5’s reveal that his friend is dead.