Series Review: The Great (Season One). Directors: Matt Shakman, Colin Bucksey, Bert and Bertie, Ben Chessell and Geeta Patel.
When Mary Antoinette relegated the struggle of French women by telling them to eat cakes, it marked a defining conclusion in all of History. The Queen was just the wife of the King who could have been just as destitute as the others, but for her marriage. The Queen was humored, and the King was honored. But what if the Queen (and mostly was) was smarter, more competent, more spirited and more empathetic towards the people than the King? History is full of examples where the King solicited the Queen's counsel but ultimately passed off the decision as his own. But History does not have much examples of Queens who ruled in principle at the time their husbands lived, fewer examples when they are remembered as 'The Great'.
'The Great' streaming on 'Hulu' is a comedy period drama partly based on a true story that characterizes the story of Katherine, a simple and destitute Austrian girl whose marriage is arranged with the Russian Czar, Peter the Third. While Katherine has dreams and hopes of a beautiful future as the Queen, her dreams shatter when she meets the King and understands that she is married to an unkind person and an abysmal sovereign.
What makes the show great is how relatable it is. Be it Katherine the Great or any other girl in the bloom of her life, the future is always rosy, sanguine and warrants fulfillment. The journey of Katherine, an Austrian girl to Katherine, The Great of the Russian Empire is the central premise of the series and represents history in a unique light. While the legendary show 'Game of Thrones' was grim and dark for the most part, 'The Great' shows history in a whimsically jocular vein. Imagine a life where philandering is the order of the day and being loyal is looked down upon.
The series, in ten episodes depicts Katherine's mindset as various countries. It is Austrian where Katherine, originally an Austrian strives to carve her identity in the ruthless Russia, Russian where Katherine wallows in tragedy, Indian where she stands resolute in her decision to rise from the ashes and stops at nothing to be 'The' Queen, and British where she plots her journey towards Queendom.
'The Great' is an Epicure's paradise and exhibits the zenith of extravagance. While the show was actually shot in East London, it gives the look and feel of the true Russian Empire. The Court, the Courtiers, the Ladies of the Court, their fashionable dresses and juicy gossip, everything would teleport the viewer back in the time when curtseys and bows, embellished language and depraved humans underneath beautiful clothes was the order of the day.
The one thing missing in the show is the lack of a good Russian accent. As the actors are all British/American, the viewer would miss the thick Russian accent, as one of the most important things in the portrayal of the Russian empire would be the defining accent. Barring that, the series has a very good cast, intense performances and chucklesome caustic humor. The many different directors of the series shed a new perspective on every episode, and the viewer is sure to catch a new feeling in each episode.
'The Great' is a testimony to the fact that an unconventional script combined with artists with conviction can lead to great results. Elle Fanning dazzles and inspires in her role as Katherine, Nicholas Hoult at once intimidates and amuses as Peter, the Third and special mention to Adam Godley as Archie, the Machiavellian God man would not be out of place. All the supporting artists have done a great job.
Period dramas call for extensive detailing in art direction, make up and costume designs. 'The Great' leaves no stones unturned in these aspects and the show is not only a beautiful watch, but also filled with lovely gowns, crowns and tiaras that everyone would stop to admire. The show spans to over ten episodes, none of which is suitable for family viewing, but even so, the individual experience is not to be missed out on.
Overall, the first season is a true entertainer and an unconventional watch. The ending of the season at a cliffhanger has generated much speculation and anticipation for the second season which the viewer will be sure to watch after the first.
MY TAKE: 8/10.
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This is a terrific review and want to compliment you on your choice of words.
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