#basmanov

Among his quite lengthy list of interests, Eisenstein (the director of Ivan the Terrible) was especially fond of Chinese art and the art of Peking opera specifically.

Having found this (and some photos of Mei Lanfang) out, the (previously) odd design of the Mokosh mask suddenly started to make sense to me.

But what i want to talk about is not much of a history but rather about the actors and their historical characters, in particular, Fyodor Basmanov, oprichnik on Tsar's service, warlord, and according to some Russian letters and foreign diplomats of that time, tsarev (Tsar's) lover.

He was officially at Tsar's service as military officer and was sent to his court at a young age, due to his Father's political games. According to some, he was originally meant to be a spy, but later, became much more of importance to the Ivan than ever expected.

Here where I come with my tags, because honestly, if Star Trek was filmed in Soviet Union, Dmitry Pisarenko, would be the best actor for Q.

We can see that he is being cocky and self centered. And it's exactly how he was, because Fyofor Basmanov was well known for his non manly appearance, too feminine and bright. Normally, man of that time, would were a lingering beard, but Fyodor, knowing we'll, how beautiful he is, used this to his advantage.

"So that's true what they speak of you"

"And what are they speaking or me?"

"That you are a debauchee, Juda in a female clothes ect"

Fyodor is not afraid of these words. Instead, he shows them all that he will do only what he pleases as he knows well, his family status, and Tsar of Russia are behind his back.

"Dancing in front of the Tsar in a skirt, tsk"

"And what if im dancing? Where would he (Tsar) find someone prettier than me?"

He knows damn well, what and how he influences the Tsar. Familiar trend, no? I think we saw it somewhere else, cocky brat that rage baits his love interest and who has a particular liking of all sorts of vulgar and unorthodox outfits. HMMMM

Honesly, I can draw a pretty straight parallel over here

But let's back to Basmanov.

He is not just a toy, he is a lover, the one who can calm him down, but also who will make him rage on people wronged Basmanov 's family

Incredible power and manipulation for someone who can be killed at any point when Ivan gets bored and tired of him. They have that toxic co-dependent situationship, where one can not without another but yet will throw him under the rails if that's politically convenient.

They are desperate to get what they want, playing games, knowing full well, non of them are genuine.

"Tsar loves him so much, seems like he cannot live without him "

"My Fedora, Basmanov" (A at the end, referencing to the female name version, rather than male one, Fyodor)

The movie ends with Ivan, raging on Fyodor and nearly executing him for so called black magic use. In history, we do not know for sure how the family met their end, either Ivan executed Fyodor and his clan or sent to the north, where they all died.

I would not call it a parallel to prime TNG, but it definitely gives a vibe of Mirror!Universe.

Q in a mortal state, personal toy to Mirror!Picard? MAYBE

Desperate to save his life aboard the Enterprise, he clinches to Picard, trying all to be useful, resourceful and entertaining for him.

And Jean-Luc, drunk from the power he has over that all knowing, not so mightly entity who is in his total control and at his mercy.

Co-dependency, toxic relationship, obsession and jealousy one to another.

Everyone aboard Enterprise knows that Q is not a regular advisor, they all know what happens in Capitan’s quarters under the vail of night, but no one dares to say anything, as the last time Comander Riker spoke up, he got that ugly scar on his face.

Q is broken, shattered but still high from the thoughts of being untouchable while his Capitan has his back. He is aroused, intoxicated and mad. Dangerous mix for an ex God.

Oh, didn't I say that Ivan's only true love, who was able to truly control his anger issue and who's death caused his mental breakdown and decades king rage, Tsarina Anastasiia, was haunting his narrative till the end?

Our beautiful Doctor perfectly fits that description. She, the only real love, with some sort of real feelings ( we are in Mirror!AU afterall) haunts Jean-Luc in his dreams, which makes Q blood boil, as he still have to compete with that bs, even though he is the one in Capitan’s bedroom.

Picard doing everything to get to the imperial power with Q’s knowledge, and Q, doing everything to survive, get his powers back and be the only one on Jean-Luc's mind.

Cannot find artist as it's from Pinterest, if i do find, I will copy them, as this is the masterpiece.

I really got inspired with Q looking like that