Episode 23 of “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth,” titled “Comrades Who Built the Same Era,” sees Nowak spiraling into chaos as his convictions clash with Antoni’s unwavering beliefs. The episode, which aired on NHK General TV on March 1, 2025, and is available on Netflix, delves into the destructive nature of obsession and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge.
Nowak’s Obsession and Confrontation
Consumed by his beliefs, Nowak confronts Antoni, leading to a fiery confrontation within the church. In a desperate attempt to bury the truth, Nowak sets fire to the church. However, Draka retaliates, resulting in a fierce battle.
- Antoni’s Words: Antoni’s cruel words, “You are not figures of history,” deeply affect Nowak.
- Nowak’s Defiance: Nowak, anticipating Antoni’s plan to execute him, douses the church in alcohol and threatens to set it ablaze.
- A Chilling Question: As Draka and Antoni envision a world on the brink of transformation, Nowak questions whether any change will occur if all three of them perish. Driven by this thought, he attacks Antoni and Draka.
The Weight of Knowledge and Technology
The episode explores the idea that knowledge and technology can be destructive forces.
- Jolenta’s Sacrifice: Nowak witnesses Jolenta’s self-immolation, highlighting the potential for knowledge and technology to cause harm.
- Money vs. Truth: Nowak is saddened to learn that Draka prioritizes money above all else. He attempts to persuade her and Antoni to see the bigger picture.
Nuance and Closure
Episode 23 offers nuanced portrayals of its characters, granting them a measure of closure, though tinged with regret.
Nowak’s Penance
Nowak’s final moments are complex, showcasing both pathetic and sympathetic aspects of his character. He finds some peace regarding Jolenta but is haunted by the knowledge that she died opposing him because of his actions.
- The Hallucinatory Rafal: The appearance of a hallucinatory Rafal raises questions about whether he represents Nowak, the author, or the real Rafal, creating an amalgamation of perspectives.
- Nowak’s Realization: In his final moments, Nowak comes to the realization that he was the villain of heliocentrism all along.
Draka’s Farewell
Draka receives a more gentle closure. Despite being cursed by heliocentrism, she dies without regrets.
- Symbolism of Release: In her final moments, Draka releases a pigeon, symbolizing the passing of history’s baton to the next generation.
- Sunrise: Draka dies as the sun rises, fulfilling Schmidt’s wish and representing the triumph of truth over darkness.
A Shift in Setting
The episode concludes with a shift in setting, moving from the “Kingdom of P” to Poland proper. This change suggests a new direction for the final episodes of the series.
Other Key Events and Developments
- Rafal’s Research: Rafal continues Hubert’s research but is betrayed by his foster father, Potocki.
- Rafal’s Suicide: At his inquisition, Rafal refuses to denounce the heliocentric theory and commits suicide.
- Oczy and Gallus: Oczy and Gallus are assigned to guard a heretic who reveals the location of the research to them.
- Gallus’s Sacrifice: Gallus entrusts their mission and a pendant to Oczy before dying in a bridge collapse.
- Badeni’s Contribution: Badeni uses Piast’s records to complete the heliocentric theory.
- Oczy and Badeni’s Capture: Nowak captures Oczy and Badeni, forcing Badeni to reveal the location of the research materials.
- Jolanta’s Freedom: Jolanta is freed by an inquisitor after Antoni attempts to convict her as a heretic.
- Oczy’s Diary: Cklamovski discovers that Badeni transcribed a diary written by Oczy onto the heads of local vagabonds.
Final Thoughts
Episode 23 of “Orb: On the Movements of the Earth” is a powerful and thought-provoking installment that explores the complexities of belief, the destructive nature of obsession, and the sacrifices made in the pursuit of knowledge. The episode’s nuanced character portrayals and symbolic imagery leave a lasting impression, setting the stage for a compelling conclusion to the series.
