The Queen’s Gambit : Beth Harmon is a "marvel." “You will get used to it.”

#theQueensGambit #queensgambit #chess #strongwomen #women #womenempowerment
A well deserve compliment from one of the most gracious loser of the match, Arthur Levertov on Ep 7 END GAME on “The Queen’s Gambit.”
Beth Harmon advances to play against World Champion and USSR Grandmaster. "The Russian," Vasily Borgov.

[@LikeMore2011]

"You are a marvel, my dear!"

[@petekdemircioglu]

💜👑💚👑💜 (hes not Russian in real life though. He’s British.)

[@SaltyChip]

@@petekdemircioglu that what actors do… act like someone else.

[@jamesblonde2271]

Oooh, as an Englishman im excited tosee a protagoniist who isn't a posh villian, except im not because my brains toobig for such petty bullshiit.

[@suyogbajracharya4186]

Lol

[@1yorknewable]

Yes she is

[@shr1mp565]

if uncle iroh was a chess player

[@ykzreyno4647]

Now that you've mentioned it, I can now see the resemblance.

[@alexvasquez537]

Accurate

[@alexwei2573]

I love this so much.

[@thomasedgerley7453]

Live action uncle Iroh!!

[@schusterlehrling]

The actor is actually the German producer of the series, and an avid chess player himself.

[@adolfopross7269]

"I resign with relief" such a powerfull line, he now can rest assured and leave the future of the game he loves in the hands of a brilliant new generation

[@SaltyChip]

Agree with every word!

[@Lexyvil]

I really love that line!

[@mareksicinski3726]

with relief implies that she was about to beat him terribly

[@real_mrmime9617]

@@mareksicinski3726 Everyone knows what the line means literally. OP was suggesting that there was a deeper meaning to the line.

[@whollypotatoes]

I remember watching this the first time- this line is perfect in every way. You feel Beth's anxiety knowing she's going to defeat a master. And he handles it with the greatest aplomb and humility. Almost immediate tears. This is the first real acknowledgment she gets from within the chess community that she truly belongs.

[@psyrmc]

Happy to see Russians are not portrayed as villians in this show. Put the politics aside and enjoy playing chess with talented people!

[@mrkek8242]

Russian Chess Players will always appreciate talent no matter where the person comes from... For them it’s one of the pure things that are still left in the world away from politics and hatred.

[@Dookieryan]

I believe this player was supposed to be Italian. Though I do 100% agree

[@gorillamac]

One of the things I appreciated about the last bit of the show was that it kept true to the politics of that time without making it a focal point.

[@pr3ttyb0yfl4cko]

@@Dookieryan Luchenko is a Russian. It was mentioned that 4 Russian Grandmasters are showing up. All 4 were given proper screen time to be recognized. The other two includes the Russian Grandmaster crying and the other one walking out with anger.

[@cmdreftilon9786]

Remember also the dialogue in the elevator.

[@Sasha45506]

as a Russian I appreciate the fact that we were portrayed as inteligent and warm and absolutely not agressive people here unlike in 90% of American movies.

[@wizardswine]

It was a good way of portraying the politics of the time without villainising either side. Both the russian government and the US government had politcal interests but the players didn't care any more than they had to.

[@juanmancinas56]

But you are aggressive though... 😂

[@lollipophugo]

I mean anyone following modern chess commentary from people like Peter Svidler, Vladimir Kramnik, Alexander Grischuk etc can attest that they are as warm and friendly as any other, and their main common element is a deep love of the game.

[@deepdragon2]

meh most people can get along it is our governments that tend to be idiots.....

[@r_panda1280]

It is a refreshing portrayal of men who aren't threatened by intelligent women but let's not pretend that Beth would have had this experience in real life (in the 1960s no less!). Men nowadays react poorly to being bested by women so it is doubtful they would have responded with gentlemanly grace and lent a hand in assisting her after she had defeated them.

[@alzinn8231]

What a fine gentleman!

[@SaltyChip]

Agreed! It was so satisfying to watch him praise her!

[@Poeskino]

Easily one of my favorite scenes of anything I've seen this year.

[@stevenwilson5556]

@@Poeskino There are actually many truly memorable scenes in this wonderful series. Her friends in the US calling her to help her out as a team, her playing the old men in the park at the end. Even her calling her adopted father "pathetic"… and who can forget the scene in the basement where she fiends Mr. Shaibel's shrine to her??

[@arepeacedz]

Also the same reason she is fond with older folks...

[@laurahuynh8333]

That is how a real man should act like.

[@Liamalaing]

I love how he's just in awe at her. Such respect for her game, leaving gender out of the equation

[@themetalpig7613]

I like that also. The f word, feminism, get thrown around too much already, but gets mentioned constantly when reviewing or discussing this show, but I feel it has very little, if any, presence in the show. It's not the focus at all.

[@BullRadu]

you brought gender into the equation, not him. all i see is a chess player.

[@spewgilist]

So pretty much like real life

[@nathanmount3232]

Seems like it’s a focus for you

[@mdeyab]

Gender, Age, Religion or Race is never in the equation when it comes to chess. Just a wooden board, a clock and two brains competing in respect;)

[@MindGameStudios]

"Excellent. What a brilliant recovery...you are a marvel, my dear." - and with a smile on his face. God I loved this so much. In this finale, every major opponent Beth faces is so respectful towards her talents (even Borgov!), it's such a subversion of what you expect in the best ways. The loser praises the victor as the best chess player of his life, and the winner honors the master by saying how she's admired him since she was a girl. I mean...what else can you ask for? Nothing but warmth among legends.

[@SaltyChip]

I waited the whole series for a master to acknowledge her brilliance, and her oppenent's words were so deserved and satisfying to all the fan of her journey. It's why this was my first upload of this show. Hope to add more soon. :)

[@drcarp7377]

You can tell her character was very fond of him. In fact, she was very fond of older men in general who played chess. They each, in their own way, reminded her of her true father, Mr Shaibel. And I feel that was what the ending scene was about, when she walked amongst all those elderly men playing chess. In that beautiful moment as they shared mutual joy and excitement as they embraced her, she felt truly loved. She was finally home.

[@joefriedman9843]

I really enjoyed how there were no true antagonists in the story. There were obviously mean people at times but no one who is truly working against her. If anything she is her own biggest enemy. It was really refreshing.

[@alexvasquez537]

This moment really stuck out to me. Glad I wasn't alone.

[@arepeacedz]

@@alexvasquez537 true. I watched few times on this scene alone. And she was touched with teary eyes as she ran into the cabs afterwards.

[@ponchorulloda6220]

Other than Borgov, Luchenko was one of the few opponents who respected her as a chess player. He didn't get upset about being beaten by a woman, but was happy he played against a great chess player.

[@ongkhuongduy3498]

You actually see it a lot in a lot of competitive fields. The middle guys (good but not great) usually has huge ego. The truly great ones usually are really humbled, and value the experience more than the result. These guys have nothing to prove.

[@gingerbreadmars]

Yeah, this scene was so unexpectedly wholesome

[@mdeyab]

Borgov also respected her ;)

[@trevorsmith8950]

Like Mikhail Tal.

[@julianj9830]

@@ongkhuongduy3498 Except Tom Brady and LeBron

[@OfficialMaxBox]

I think everyone's missing one of the best lines (I mean, they're all good) - "You get used to it" in response to her flustered reaction to his compliment. Such a casual way of defusing the moment and doubly affirming her.

[@TDansVids]

While also speaking from experience and relating to her. He’s been told it his whole life but now he’s saying it to her.

[@iarocks44]

Didn't miss it at all and totally agree, it was an amazing statement to make. The entire scene is just so well crafted.

[@WhiskeyDip]

I don't think anyone is missing the line that's literally in the title of the video

[@MrSupernova111]

"Flustered" is not the correct description here. You should look up the definition before using the word.

[@S0ulinth3machin3]

@@MrSupernova111 I think flustered is an apt description. She didn't know how to take the compliment, it was completely unexpected coming from a former world champion and one of the players she put on a pedestal as a child.

[@syrupsnake302]

His smirk after he begins to realize he lost, love it hahaha

[@JULKEE]

"I might have just played the best chess player of my life" Imagine one of your childhood idols say something like that to you, while your idol feels comfortable knowing that you have surpassed him... only the ones who have dedicate all their lives to a certain passion or skill could understand this.

[@user-xb4dn3sg5o]

I know, I bead.

[@oliviabytner1614]

I really love the contrast between her first tournament and her last. When she played with the amateurs, they were disrespectful, acted frustrated when they lost to her. In her last tournament, when she played with the best players in the world, there was nothing but mutual respect, they lost with a smile on their faces. This really portraits well that a true master doesn't act like there is no one better in the world than them. True master wants to see others flourish in their art.

[@SaltyChip]

And more importantly, Beth had a huge change in regards of her attitude from the 1st tourney to the last. Not while playing chess, but her home life. At the end, she finally accepted her friends help and that leveled her up to the best in the world. Before, she was the best “freestyle” player, but after she accepted that she needs to use previously used, known moves, she becomes the full package.

[@xDeadlyWarriorX]

Correct me if I am wrong but this just shows the difference between America and Russia - In America, most men are all individualistics and egocentric. But in Russian, aren't they teached differently? Like they're all a community and must help each other... Idk. Maybe it's because of their culture.

[@tymondabrowski12]

@@xDeadlyWarriorX that doesn't sound like Russian culture, afaik. They might be less individualistic but there is still plenty of egoism, you gotta take care of yourself and your family and friends and you don't have to care about anyone else. From what I know, at least.

[@xDeadlyWarriorX]

@@tymondabrowski12 But aren't they communists? They all live in community like hippies and etc... Or I am talking shit? 🥸🥸 Sorry, I'm from the other part of the world and don't really know. This is what I've been told by my history teacher.

[@tymondabrowski12]

@@xDeadlyWarriorX oh tbh you kinda sound very confused here (no worries though, yoir excuse is valid, though learning about Soviet Russia in particular might be very educational). Living in a commune (like hippies or cults) and being a communist are two different things. Communism in Russia was a totalitarian regime with a leader (Stalin, Lenin and others) and ruling communistic party, no legal opposition, there was censorship, political oppression etc. Economy-wise, there was central-planned economy (as in, the ruling party demands this amount of cows, this amount of grain, and the price for this will be that etc.), and instead of private companies or corporations there were government-owned companies (so in theory the nation owned them, so in theory the workers owned the company they worked at, which is what communism is about). Communism had an effect on the culture but plenty of that was a bad effect: corruption, lack of initiative, and "if it belongs to everyone, then it belongs to no one, so no one takes care of it and you can destroy it without feeling guilty". I guess there must be some good impact too but I can't think of any now. In regards to how they live, on the more civilised and western parts (Russia is huge, after all) it's as usual on the west, in villages, towns and cities. Typical ones, not communes. And actually Russia isn't even communist anymore (after USSR blew up in 90s). Still a regime, or afaik again a regime (thry had a few years when they had a somewhat free elections and opposition and options, but then Putin happened), with Putin as the leader, political oppression and whatnot, but the economy changed a lot and it's more of an oligarchy, with corporations and capitalism (and capitalism is kinda an opposite of communism). Putin likes to sentimentally mention Soviet Russia, but that's because Soviet Russia had more power, not because current Russia is communistic. Disclaimer, I'm not from Russia, but I do believe that eveb if I'm wrong at any moment in my comment, it's still closer to the truth (no offense to you, you don't know what you don't know and what no one taught you, and you're from a different part of the world; it's more embarrassing for me to not be 100% sure about certain things since Russia is my country's neighbour).

[@moviesrus1673]

I legit tear up whenever I watch this, every time! There is something so sweet and endearing about a mentor or elder showing graciousness in defeat and recognizing talent. He encourages her and praises her, and bows out. My favorite character she plays

[@Dazlidorne]

Just this scene? I cried after almost every episode. Always a point where it hits you hard in your heart.

[@Dazlidorne]

Esp. at the end when she walks down the streets and all the gentleman recognize her and she is dressed as the Queen.

[@yahoo12345jojo]

Beth being moved to tears at hearing that her idol idolizes _her_ , that's what got me.

[@spanit3446]

I do feel like you.

[@mathewdeering]

The actor did a great job - every word felt truly warm.

[@thegreenreaper6660]

The Russians are absolute Titans at chess, and are portrayed as 'political enemy's, yet its shown here they are warm people, with a great respect for this elegant game and treat it with that respect and class. The entire entourage of it already, the newsfeeds, crowds outside the building cheering.... No compare to how the rest of the world 'does this off'. They treat Chess as one of the most respected sports, as its a great mindgame which requires one to look and plan ahead in every move, and do the unexpected on the most unexpected moments! How Luchenko, probably the most experienced player in this tournament, shows his respects to Harmon is a statement to the finesse and respect the Russians truly have, but also confirms they are not the cold people they are feared to be, but the most respectful, appreciative and warmest of them all! Borgov, even more calculating, menacing, intimidating and dominant, added up to that by applauding her for beating him. Unlike the 'furious' 1/4th finalist who walked off in a rage,, not even shaking her hand out of spite, the Russians not only treated her with gréat admiration, but her manner of playing and winning, with the utmost respect and dignity! You can imagine how grandmasters líke Borgov and Levertov would personally invite Harmon over, just for a few few friendly rounds of game, only to help eachother improve!

[@thegreenreaper6660]

@Andrew I was more referring to this TV-show, and in any 'reality-referance', to the status-quo around the mid to end-60's. But you're right. Still the Russians have produced absolute chess-titans over the decades! Karpov, Kasparov, just to name two of them.

[@tellyboi2875]

@Andrew and how chess now change from classical and evolve Fisher Random.

[@BullRadu]

every country has smart people, but unfortunately, the majority have been rotten by extensive period under communism.

[@user-mo3cj1dv5x]

@@BullRadu as a Russian, I can say that you are mistaken:)

[@hitrapperandartistdababy]

@@BullRadu what do you mean by this? That the majority of smart people in every country has all been ruined by communism??

[@Beachdude67]

This was my absolute favorite moment of the series. I got the sneaking impression that the old russian grandmaster was based loosely on Mikhail Tal.

[@stevenwilson5556]

If Tal had not died relatively young… RIP

[@schusterlehrling]

More a kind of Bronstein or Boleslawski or Kotov, though his age, 57 in 1968, clearly hints at Botwinnik.

[@Beachdude67]

@@stevenwilson5556 ironically, it was Tal's drinking that killed him.

[@terrance8771]

Interesting! I forget the tournament and his opponent, but I remember reading how Tal often said that his favorite game that he ever played was one that he lost to one of his contemporaries. Tal was a fan more of the game than of himself :)

[@mf5202]

IMO, Tal could have been the best player ever, if not for his demons. Seems like a curse of the true genius (Fischer, Morphy were paranoid/schizo).

[@jovanlanderos8087]

When he say's, "you are a marvel, my dear, I may have just played the best chess player of my life." It just hits you; differently. It gave me goosebumps when I first saw this scene.

[@SaltyChip]

Same here! The scene was soo good that I had to share it on YT. I never uploaded another's work before, but this had to be available!

[@bhaskar9589]

Imagine being respected and praised by the person you have admired since childhood. What an absolute beautiful moment! Brings tears to my eyes everytime I see this scene...

[@SaltyChip]

Same here!

[@cansomer6433]

I think this show is a huge punch to faces of all movies that are paranoid about and hateful towards ussr. This show symbolizes peace, not only respect but friendship also.

[@betaomega04]

Oh there are plenty of legitimate reasons to hate the USSR.

[@benjaminodonnell258]

The USSR was evil, the Russian people were not.

[@betaomega04]

@@benjaminodonnell258 While I do want to agree with that sentiment, you have to consider that indoctrination and willful obedience were major components of the Soviet Union. Of course, individual adherence may vary, but it would ignorant to discount complicity.

[@gmanvazgen3665]

@@betaomega04 what the hell are you even saying? are you speaking shakespeare english? are you trying to sound smart??

[@IGilin-xh6zb]

@@gmanvazgen3665 No, thats just how educated people talk, you shmuck

[@kunal25roy]

One of the best scene of the show...

[@misteraxl1]

I love how these men are first and foremost lovers of chess, above all the politics and competition and personal pride. Yes they are sad that they lose, but at the same time they are openly happy that there's such a young, passionate and genius player. Like, they are old and slowly exiting the world of chess, content that there's someone who will inherit their place, all in the name of that beautiful game they love so much.

[@SaltyChip]

Yes! It's as if he knows he's on his way out, but happy to see what the future of chess looks like.

[@MultiSamSami]

I absolutely love this scene, not only because of this masters humbleness, but also because it mirrors the admiration of Mr. Sheiloh for Beth at the beginning of the series. Great ending

[@ritvishetty8346]

One of the best scenes in this series, really overwhelming.

[@SaltyChip]

This is my first time uploading something that I didn’t create for that exact same reason. It is in my top 3 scenes from this mini series!

[@ritvishetty8346]

@@SaltyChip Mine too! I love scenes where legends appreciate legends.

[@SaltyChip]

@@ritvishetty8346 and the fact we had to wait 7 eps to hear that validation made it that much more rewarding!

[@ritvishetty8346]

Ahhhh yes for Beth. If you remember Beth appreciates a young chess player in the tournament at Mexico quoting somewhat the same words "you're the best chess player I've ever played".

[@siddhartha9834]

@@ritvishetty8346 exactly..its like one generation handing over the baton to the other..

[@12neef]

I love this scene. The only one I feel rivals this is when she goes back to the orphanage to find the janitor had collected all of her press clippings.

[@finebabex3543]

THIS!!

[@donovanmartin7946]

I’m telling you anya Taylor joy gave a career performance and shes only like what 24-25 (somewhere in that range) what an impressive feat

[@pinkgiraffe378]

Their little conversation at the end of this scene made me so happy. You can see how much admiration and respect they have for each other. It was so sweet and pure. 🥺🥰

[@dariozea1474]

The best scene of this serie. I think it has a powerful meaning, "try hard to defeat your heroes"

[@VivaLaDnDLogs]

Some people have a hard time separating "competitive" from "passionate". This is firmly the latter. My favorite scene from this whole series.

[@sas9153]

You know what it takes for a pawn to become a queen, the vertical squares has to be open, or no pieces hindering it get to the 8th square., symbolizing Beth's life, she had to remove all of the things hindering her to become the world champion and to take control of her life. Stopped taking the pills and alcohol. You can't create an open vertical space without the help of other pieces, kind of like how Beth's friends helped her. Now, The queen's gambit, the move sheibel taught her (which gave me chills when he said it in the first episode with the perfect music key change in the background), this gambit requires a pawn sacrifice in order to take control of the center and gain a dominant position to win... in this case, Mr sheibel is the pawn. I realized after sheibel died, that's when beth started to gain control of her life. Beautiful writing and what a fantastic show. Also that game with the old guy before the borgov game, the guy said " Brilliant recovery," talking about the game but reflecting Beth's recovery from struggling with addiction. In the final game with Borgov, the end game, we saw bet sacrificing a queen, this clears the way for the pawn to get to the 8th square giving birth to another queen. Beth had to kill her old self in order for her to become reborn as a new queen and win, the queen is also the most powerful chess piece. There's so much more but im to lazy to type. This show is a masterpiece and beth is so mesmerizing I love her. I can't praise this show enough

[@halflifeguitarist4224]

this is genius?

[@TheMikeVldz]

Thanks for this!

[@nattineeg]

I read it all. Brilliant comment!

[@Avichai]

love this!

[@dsg1992]

There are many heartwarming moments in the show and this is certainly one of them. The mutual respect and admiration towards each other is brilliant. This scene perfectly captures how a veteran of the game recognizes the genius in front of him in Harmon regardless of age or gender and how Harmon who once looked up to him has a catharsis of surpassing her idol.

[@Oksana7751]

0:26 , anyone else thought their phone wasn’t charging or wasn’t supposed to be charging and was confused af? lmao

[@SaltyChip]

Lol couple other people have said the same thing. I accident,y left my microphone on when recording the scene. My fault lol!

[@watertruck9893]

Didn’t expect to see Albert Einstein play chess in this show

[@jakep1979]

🤣🤣🤣

[@WonderfulHayden]

What a display of sportsmanship and an invaluable lesson on how to conduct yourself with dignity and kindness like a champion, regardless of whether or not you won the game.

[@MellSayzHi]

Honestly I truly loved their game more than I did the ending. Here is someone who truly loved the game and saw someone who was at a caliber he felt strong enough to resign against. To this day I see this as the truest victory she could have won

[@SaltyChip]

That's exactly how I feel about this match as well. Beth receiving that compliment from someone she truly admires made this my fav match of the entire series!

[@S0ulinth3machin3]

this sportsmanship displayed in this show is an example of how everyone should conduct themselves in such contests. The Queen's Gambit is such a great piece of cinema on so many levels.

[@yeskiii]

one of the best scenes of the whole show, chills!

[@SaltyChip]

Fully agree which is why I felt obliged to upload it! Glad I did! Found out I wasn’t alone in feeling that!

[@ForNoOne1]

This dude's hair was the real star of the scene

[@tamim24]

For me I love shows and movies that show the struggle people would go through to achieve greatness. This scene hits a deep part in my heart just like the final scene of Whiplash. You gotta love shows like this.

[@winglau3128]

The selection of her clothes is awesome on this show. The green velvet is so elegant and stylist, which is a great match with her hair style and orange color. A very well done show.

[@Stopstalkingme7]

I really love this scene. My favorite of the whole series , just 2 great minds admiring each other intelligence, doing what they love. Powerful emotion.

[@NeithDollhouse]

It is in fact a lovely scene, very warm with mutual respect for each other

[@saskiavanamersfoorth]

i literally cried in this scene it was so wholesome

[@talister106]

When you love chess so much that a better player is rewarded with respect.

[@SaltyChip]

I've never been upset if I lost to the better opponent. That's life, and you just gotta give respect when you witness that rare greatness.

[@lawrencewestby9229]

Luchenko was played by Marcus Loges who was one of the producers of the series. It is his only acting credit to this point.

[@Damphouse]

imo this is the most fulfilling and heartfelt scene. Nothing demands tears of joy more than acknowledgment from legends you grew up admiring

[@hitrapperandartistdababy]

On a different note whoever designed that chess hall deserves some recognition. Its a beautiful stage

[@ersetzbarescrewmitgliednr.7063]

"Excellent. What a brilliant recovery." is the line from this series that I remember the most. The most important thing for him is the sophistication of the game not who wins and who doesn't. That feeling is truly amazing.

[@SaltyChip]

That’s exactly the reason I uploaded this scene! The entire series up to that point was beth proving the next competitor wrong. The fact that all the men lost while in disbelief of what just happened, seemed to creep into Beth’s head. Yes, she knew she was exceptional, but she held the Russians in a whole different league of class. So when one of her chess idols laid that compliment on her, it was the validation she had been craving since her first tournament and it felt well deserved from our (the viewers) point of view!

[@itsjustme0123]

Loved this scene!

[@brendan6455]

sends a chill down my spine when he says, “marvel”

[@SaltyChip]

You and me both!!!

[@dracu9833]

I just typed in "queens gambit bearded russian dude" and here I am. god bless 'ya

[@jhoncena1111]

Lol I typed "The Queen's Gambit beautiful recovery".

[@Zoldszeder]

"queen's gambit marvel you'll get used to it"

[@jagrubster]

This is my favorite scene out of this whole incredible series. I completely forgot that they were actors. You can feel the genuine admiration and pride in this scene. It’s as intense as love.

[@SaltyChip]

Same. We go waiting the whole season waiting for someone of note to give her a compliment, and we get it in spades!!!

[@bzzzttt]

What a scene, acting. What a series, inspiring.

[@iarocks44]

Thank you so much for posting this!! I was trying to find it but you know the algorithms. This is my favorite scene in the entire mini-series. What a classy and humble response by him. The respect he has for her is so genuine. And he has no problem sharing it. You can see the reverence she has for him and what his words mean to her. Very well acted by both! Just a brilliant scene! My favorite line? "You will get used to it." It may be time to rewatch the whole thing. It's been a whole 2 months ... ;-)

[@tvscribe]

This was probably my favorite moment of the series.

[@KristineMaitland]

Luchenko is my favourite character. Witty and gracious. We all could aspire to that.

[@Clark8008]

Loved this series, and this scene alone is powerful, resigned with much respect for her🤝🏽

[@giovannivignato6426]

GREAT FILM, GREAT ACTRESS.

[@oscarchuquillanqui8574]

That Marx dude is such a gentlemen

[@fabiocaetanofigueiredo1353]

This was the part that got me in tears the most. Accepting defeat with grace and honor... ❤

[@heteroclitus]

I love that shot of Harmon's winning move reflected in the clock face as the announcer says she won with 25 minutes to spare.

[@gl846]

Class act

[@drcarp7377]

I loved how the Russian masters, and the country itself, were portrayed in this series. The country was first introduced as Spartan, cold, and forbidding. A total contrast to the hedonistic country she was used too. Even so, I don’t think they overplayed that inevitable comparison. Instead they used it to highlight Beths sense of total isolation, before her eventual triumph. And then the masters were introduced as equally forbidding Titans, cold and calculating. However, the frugal atmosphere was the perfect antidote to Harmons addictions, and the masters turned out to be highly sophisticated and well mannered. In the dinner scene, for example, she felt painfully out of her depth. An orphan girl, with a fairly limited exposure to high society, she felt that she did not belong, amidst all this sophistication. But then came the chess, and she showed her talents, to the point where the masters accepted and admired her. And she craved that recognition more than anything in the world. Especially from older men. She craved to be loved by father figures. And that final scene, dressed like a true queen, walking to the street chess players, was simply wonderful. The way they greeted her with glee, with love and warmth. And to then be invited to play against their street master, was an honour. Finally she was home.

[@normthabit7179]

My favorite scene of the series. I was reminded of Spassky applauding Fischer.

[@nateb2715]

This show blew away every expectation I had. A marvel of a show

[@rebeccamaracle2878]

I love how this conversation bookends the playful conversation she and Townes had after she beat him. And Borgov's reaction to losing was very similar to Harry's, where you expect anger but only see respect.

[@SaltyChip]

Nice catch!

[@XaerJ]

There’s so much warmth and respect in this scene I’m crying🥲

[@TheHiddenNarrative]

The author said that Bobby Fischer was an influence on Beth's character, I wonder if this character has a real life inspiration.

[@tellyboi2875]

you meant the russian guy? personality speaking, I would say it's a multitude of russian players like Spassky and Karpov in particular. but basing from the achievements, timeline and origin, I would say it's definitely Botvinnik.

[@howlermonk473]

My money is on Mikhail Tal. Fischer idolized him and he played against him when Tal was past his prime and near the end of his life. Unlike Beth, Fischer lost to Tal four times.

[@tellyboi2875]

@@howlermonk473 yes, I forgot to mention that. I was suppose to put Tal as one of those personalities but somehow omitted it considering he wasn't exactly russian but character-wise, he was indeed an inspiration to Fisher. I believe the other reason that I didn't include him was that his name already was mentioned in the tv series as one of Beth's inspiration if I'm not mistaken or Tal was mentioned to have lost against the elderly russian man when he was younger. so it couldn't be Tal and he wasn't russian but otherwise, character speaking, he did resemble the makings of Tal.

[@TheHiddenNarrative]

I agree with these answers. He seems to have the stature and elder statesman quality of someone like Botvinnik, but the way she idolizes and was inspired by him seems to resemble Mikhail Tal.

[@stevenwilson5556]

@@tellyboi2875 Tal was from Riga which is in Latvia one of the Baltic states along with Lithuania and Estonia, and was part of the USSR during the time period of this movie. So while not "ethnically Russian" he was very much a member of the same country.

[@tsozbk]

this is my favorite scene in the show!

[@SaltyChip]

Mine too. Sooo much so that I had to upload it here.

[@edwardallen2696]

They picked the best actor ever for that guy she’s playing. What a good show.

[@seanthomas5303]

Dignity, humility, and love for people and the game.

[@TheVTrider]

@1:05 "I may have played the best chess player of my life" - Such a powerful and humble statement, love it!

[@PhanHuyQuan]

What a gentleman !

[@doktawho5637]

That "receiving mail" Sound on mac in the Video drove me crazy haha!

[@frankmyrand]

Mutual respect and admiration, all with sincere humility. Such a heartwarming, wholesome moment, my favorite of the serie.

[@SaltyChip]

Translation: “the people were nice to each other.” On a more serious note, yes, i absolutely agree with your post and it was one of the factors that separated itself from everyone else

[@grantmackintosh5883]

Such a powerful scene. You are a marvel my dear. I may of just played the best chess player of my life

[@martinespinosa]

One of my favorite series from beginning to end. Every word, movement or silence has a deep meaning. I enjoyed this show very much. And she was born in Argentina just like me, I liked it even more!

[@kfcbandit4713]

It’s like Vince Lombardi saying you are the greatest coach he ever saw. After years of you being Lombardis pupil from a distance admiring him. This was my favorite scene in the show. It’s sad that the Russians appreciated her brilliance much more than her American counterparts just because she was a girl.

[@gingerbreadmars]

The last episode made me shed tears with scenes like this

[@tsa2857]

The thumbnail has a hair in the picture XD I thought it was my hair and tried to clean up my screen. Well played. I resign with relief 😭

[@Knightwingofbludhaven]

this is the epitome of meeting defeat as a gentleman.

[@S0FIAV]

yes

[@marykardys]

I teared up watching this scene. So wholesome

[@violetblue1251]

I love her dress in here.... 💚💚💚

[@jaybuckley1455]

A brilliant movie! All of her competitors recognized her talent: from the janitor; "you are astounding", to the nearby chess club instructor; "Sweet Jesus!", to one of her first tournament challengers; "Shit!", when he sees Beth coming to his table. Of course it's a fictional story, buy Sooo believable.

[@swimbait1]

He was a wonderful character in the movie

[@Bekka_Noyb]

loved every second of this series! Perfection! ♥

[@hitrapperandartistdababy]

My favourite scene in the show by far!!

[@Starnoch]

God his lines are so perfect.

[@DMORGAN486]

One of my favorite scenes of the whole series

[@BobfromSydney]

As a chess player I'm bewildered by neither of the players offering to shake hands at the end of the game.

[@SaltyChip]

We are in the middle of a pandemic! What would u expect? Of course I'm kidding, but this is a fictional tv series, so not every little detail will be shown. Good catch though!

[@Soldr4hire]

This was the best scene in an amazing series.

[@xDeadlyWarriorX]

Such a wonderful scene. It reminded me of her playing with Mister Shaibel as a kid.

[@samwoodley7625]

0:28 The man complimenting me on plugging into charge at 1%

[@marctoone4078]

That was one of the best productions of my 58 years!

[@rogerodle8750]

This reminds me of an event I read about decades ago during the height of the cold war. The editor of Field and Stream magazine had been permitted to go to Russia to fish. Upon meeting the understandably suspicious (and officious) director of fishing and hunting for the region, they began to labor on all the paperwork. Finally the American said, "Why don't we forget about all of this political stuff and just go fishing." The Russian official broke down and cried. He knew then that he had met a kindred spirit.

[@trlavalley9909]

Anna plays this moment so well, so well written.

[@mijreed]

The passing of the torch, so humbly, so brilliantly

[@shaynecompton1602]

A lovely scene.

[@Asymvivastosd]

This man is the answer to my question: Why somone wants to become an actor? He is a performer but i think that he is acting better than the writer of this story imagined.

[@EddieY1408]

100%. His delivery holds much more weight than the actual line.

[@glynthomas6025]

However, he is not a professional actor.

[@user-zn7nx7zn4t]

I love how much detail they gave to these scenes. That's a Jantar chess clock. It was likely built in the 1950s or 1960s in the Soviet Union. I have one, but it's a wood model that was built probably in the 1970s. The one they are using appears to be an older model than mine and is almost certainly made of carbolite. Some of the Jantar clocks are made of bakelite. That one is also smaller than mine, but it is in great condition.

[@SaltyChip]

nice catch!

[@stoneymcneal2458]

The humility on display in this scene is so refreshing.