There’s a telling moment in the hit new HBO miniseries “Chernobyl” in which Lyudmilla Ignatenko is attempting to get into the hospital where her afflicted fireman husband lies dying. The woman at the desk tells her she cannot let her in because it’s far too dangerous. Lyudmilla begs and pleads and then realizes what will work. She pulls out rubles and slides them across the desk.

Suddenly, all concern for Lyudmilla’s safety evaporates. She is free to go see her husband and risk her own life, too.