The Great: Season One

“The Great: Season One is a satirical, comedic drama about the rise of Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning). From Creator and Academy Award Nominated writer Tony McNamara, comes a fictionalized, fun and anachronistic story of an idealistic, romantic young girl who honors an arranged marriage to the mercurial Russian Emperor Peter (Nicholas Hoult). Instead of love and sunshine, she finds a dangerous, depraved and backward world. Catherine becomes driven to change Russia and fulfill her destiny as the longest-reigning female ruler in Russia’s history. All she has to do is kill her husband, beat the church, baffle the military and get the court on her side.”

The Great didn’t seem like something I would immediately be interested in while searching the endless amount of shows on Hulu, but boy was I wrong. Although the case is covered with quotes like “Delightful” and “Explosively Funny”, what I didn’t expect was just how dark the show is, and how grim it can be in between those clever moments of wit.

The majority of both, the dark and the humorous, come from Nicholas Hoult’s character Peter, now Emperor of Russia, a spoiled man-child who is used to getting everything his way, and prone to brutal tactics when he doesn’t. His performance here is astonishing and sometimes hard to watch, as his ever-shifting mood can produce some genuine tender moments and some of the most horrific scenes you may have ever witnessed. There is an immediate fascination with this character you can’t help feel, and Elle Fanning has to be equally as versatile to play opposite him, plotting a coup while still trying to appease her husband so he doesn’t suspect anything, or simply kill her for being too boring.

The story unfolds with some fascinating twists and turns. The show is filled with brilliant writing and direction, with a setting that fits the period well, despite the English accents from supposedly Russian people of the court. I was pleasantly swept away immediately by this show, something I otherwise would have let pass me by.

Here is an episode breakdown of the first season:

1. The Great – Catherine travels to Russia to marry the Emperor. After becoming Empress, she realizes Peter is a selfish brat. She feels hopeless until her servant, Marial, suggests they overthrow him.
2. The Beard – Catherine’s attitude towards Russia and her role as its Empress takes a dangerous change of direction.
3. And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great – Recruitment to Catherine’s cause is slow. Meanwhile, the Emperor sends Catherine a new ‘friend’.
4. Moscow Mule – Ensnared by court intrigues, Catherine seeks ways to disentangle herself.
5. War and Vomit – A sudden turn of events moves Catherine closer to either becoming Empress or being executed.
6. Parachute – After his near-death experience, Peter is now open to Catherine’s progressive ideas and wants to focus on an heir. Orlo tries to figure out who poisoned Peter and faces demons of his own.
7. A Pox on Hope – Catherine is feeling optimistic, until a smallpox breakout causes Peter to revert back to his old ways. Meanwhile, Leo and Catherine’s relationship suffers and Georgina misses Peter.
8. Meatballs at the Dacha – Catherine’s political abilities are tested when she’s given an opportunity to travel abroad. Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.
9. Love Hurts – A body is discovered. Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial confides in Archie about Catherine’s plans. Catherine has a life changing revelation.
10. The Beaver’s Nose – Catherine moves forward with the coup. Marial betrays her by revealing a secret. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, no matter the sacrifices.

Video

This DVD set is presented in 16:9 480 resolution. Unfortunately, there is no Blu-ray release for this show, so the only way to watch it in High Definition is to stream it on Hulu, which I recommend, as it looks incredible; especially the set and costume design for the period it takes place in.

Audio

The audio is presented in Dolby Digital 5.1, which sounds quite good. There are quite a number of atmospheric effects you’ll hear from the surrounds, as well as other background commotion that enhances the immersive experience. Dialogue, soundtrack, all sound good on this set.

Special Features

Extras would be the main reason to pick up this set in Standard Definition, besides the fact of not having to rely on internet connection. These include:

• Bold and the Brash: Inside The Great
• Palatial Panache: The Style of The Great
• Gag Reel

The Great is one of those shows that immediately hooks you and compels you to keep watching. It’s a shame it didn’t get a Blu-ray release, as it is definitely worth of the seeing it the best way possible. Here’s hoping the show finds continued success with future seasons, as that is a rarity these days.