The Regime – Episode 4 “Midnight Feast” Recap & Review

Midnight Feast

Episode 4 of The Regime begins with us getting a glimpse of Herbert, who is clearly struggling to cope with his current circumstances. It seems like Herbert’s paranoia and neurotic tendencies are getting worse while he is in prison. Additionally, he can’t stop hearing Elena’s voice on the radio, which only serves to incite him to act even worse.

Moving on to the Royal Palace, Elena is now facing a new health crisis: hot flashes. In light of this, the palace is cooled down to an extremely chilly degree. Everyone, from Elena’s partner and staff to the council members, has to endure this new kind of torment at Elena’s hands.

Concerns over Elena’s expanding trading relationship with China are voiced by her councilors at the meeting. Since local businesses can’t match the low prices offered by Chinese manufacturers, this has been damaging the country’s economy. Additionally, we find out that this resulted in the shutdown of the sugar beat factories.

We then watch as the councilors inform Elena about the escalating tensions in the nation. They inform her that a horse recently kicked a pregnant woman. A social upheaval has resulted from this. At first, Elena refuses to do anything about the situation. Nonetheless, she consents to meet with a few Westgate kids after her councilors insist.

The imprisoned former chancellor, Ed, on the other hand, attempts to sway Herbert to his cause. To achieve this, he invites him to private jail dinners. In addition, he suggests that Herbert read his book. Herbert, on the other hand, appears to be completely devoted to Elena; therefore, nothing is working. Moreover, Herbert appears to oppose leftist philosophy, considering his strong dislike for the former chancellor.

On the other hand, Herbert finds the Chancellor’s imprisonment surprising. He and her compatriots were previously informed by Elena that Herbert is hiding out in a mansion and plotting her downfall. In addition, she went so far as to say that Ed was behind the mold infestation.

The camera cuts to Elena meeting with the Westgate kids, a live televised event. The kids bring up a lot of concerns about her connection with China and how it has affected the people around her. However, Elena lashes out at one point and addresses the issue upfront involving the pregnant woman. She proceeds by saying the pregnant woman should have stayed at home and then abruptly leaves the meeting in the middle of its proceedings due to a nosebleed.

We also learn that an American agent has been contacting Agnes through messages. The person offers her and her son, Oscar, a way out of the palace. The man wants her to give him some inside information in return. Since Agnes has been suffering under Elena’s rule, she gives it some thought. She considers the offer, but decides it’s too dangerous for her and her son.

Elena visits Ed, who is currently in prison. Ed makes fun of Elena for her regime’s failures during their passive-aggressive conversation. Ed inquires about his family before she leaves. Instead of telling him anything, Elena orders the guards to beat him up. Afterwards, Herbert and Elena lock eyes as she leaves the prison cell.

Elena films a video with Nicky, acting out a “date night” scenario. She does this to be relatable to her people. After this, Nicky informs Elena that she must go to Westgate if she wants to win over her people. The idea of doing that makes Elena cringe at first. On the other hand, taking into account the gravity of the situation, she travels to Westgate with her husband and gives the people there her word that she will discontinue all relations with China.

Ed makes another effort to win Herbert over in the prison dungeon. As Elena’s regime begins to crumble, he plots to become chancellor. On the other hand, Elena frames the leader of the Sugar Beat union office for scheming against her. He is subsequently taken into custody. The news reports this incident, labeling it as a plot by the United States against Elena’s regime.

Herbert pays a visit to Ed’s prison cell later that night since he can’t sleep. After that, he tells Ed that he does not love him but loves Elena. Ed ends up referring to Herbert as a butcher, which pushes Herbert to murder Ed. He receives Elena’s attention as a consequence of this.

After that, we witness Elena outlawing any and all Western products, including electronics. Furthermore, she replaces it all with Chinese goods. During the episode’s final minutes, Elena summons Herbert to appear before her. Herbert goes on to tell her that he wants to have sex. The two of them start kissing passionately in front of Elena’s husband, Nicky. The episode ends with Nicky being taken away by the councilors while Elena and the Butcher continue to make love.

The Episode Review

Herbert struggles to move on from Elena in episode four. The former chancellor, in the meantime, appears to be plotting Elena’s downfall. Elena substitutes American products with Chinese ones. In addition, local businesses have been closing as a consequence of Chinese prices. Slowly, but surely, Elena’s reign is crumbling. 

On a positive note, the show’s plot is growing increasingly bizarre. It is intriguing to see the primary characters spiral into insanity and delusion as they become increasingly neurotic. Regarding the plot, the satire peppered throughout is intriguing but not up to par. Having said that, it is still an admirable effort.