I don’t know if it was made intentionally by Jacob Tierney. I think, taking into consideration his previous acquaintance with Trotsky and absense of all below mentioned Russian scenes in the book, it’s absolutely possible. And,maybe, actor’s choice (if so, my applause to Alexey Rozanov’s actor (by the way, the only person in all series, who speaks without accent and with correct Russian intonation)). So, the scene after the funeral.
Watch it: there text opposes subtext at maximum.
Just notes:
1. Alexey already knows that Ilya is going to leave the country. Immigrate, hence avoidance.
2.it’s really rude not to get in touch with your older brother on arrival, considering what he was through during this time.
3. Alexey, due to his work and family connections knows about Ilya’s sexual orientation and probably about Shane.
4. Alexey definitely knows that if Ilya would immigrate and /or publicly come out, it would cost Alexey his career and put shade on their family.
5. Alexey spent at least five months apart from his family, stopped or quit his police job to be with their father. Their sacrifice is not equal.
6. Rozanovs family have no problem with money even without Ilya’s help. They have at least two big nice apartments in the centre of Moscow in fancy buildings. Not to speak about father’s salary as very high ranked brass (he is police colonel, as written in Ilya’s phone contacts), his friendship with minister(s). They are wealthy,Alexey will easily live without Ilya’s money. To ask for it was always the only way to get on Ilya’s nerves and attention.
7. Svetlana interference in the middle of conversation between two very close relatives, especially men, is extremely rude.
8. Alexey is not frightened by Ilya’s outburst. He already realises that he lost his brother.He doesn’t hit him back and prevents second blow like he is accustomed to fight. He is not intimidated by Ilya’s treats,look at his face,he is clearly in pain as a man, who forseen this break up apoaching.
9. Alexey says nothing since assault. I suppose he doesn’t even hear what Ilya is saying.
So, communication goes the ugliest possible way from all sides. And each participant is villain here, not only Alexey.
If you agree or have same cognitive dissonance between popular perception of Rozanov’s family and your opinion on the topic, pls, reblog.
If you disagree, comment.
It’s not that I would defend all Russians in this show just for the sake of their Russianness. Russian assholes are next in queue, and their are not fun playful assholes, as series tries to sell it.
Thank you,Jacob Terney for putting Chekhov’s gun on Tolstoy’s wall in Dostoevsky room of HR apartment.