Last week, two dramas commanded the airwaves. First came the submersible. Millions of people clung to hope long after it was clear that tragedy had prevailed. Then we had Russia and the Wagnerian coup, a theme worthy of that composer. This time, hope had more resources, or so it seemed, for a few tense hours. Not that there was any easy path to a better future in Russia/Ukraine. The experts seemed to agree on one point. If Putin did fall, he would not be replaced by Thomas Jefferson. General Cutthroatovich, or whoever did emerge, would not be a liberal democrat. But he might at least be prepared to negotiate a way out of the conflict. Now, Putin is back in charge.