As this episode begins, Nikolai has hung on the cross for seven hours. He is covered in sweat and clearly in pain, but he is such a fine specimen, has such athletic strength and stamina, he still manages to hold himself upright and breathe freely. Most fit, young men are near total collapse by this point. Some even need medical attention to avoid going into shock. Nikolai, by contrast, is in agony but still has full command of his body. He has seven more hours to endure – and you get to witness all of it, his remaining terrible, brutal, yet beautiful ordeal. Every fadeout represents the passage of an hour or more. We especially love watching this young wrestler during his last few hours crucified, as he sags in agony but manages to rally for a few moments. The cross, however, always wins.