The Great (Hulu) Season 1

Catherine the Great ruled Russia for more than 30 years in the late 18th century, bringing the European renaissance to a country stuck in the medieval era. Billed as an occasionally true story, The Great takes some events, characters and the broad brush of history to create a story that reflects the spirit of the remarkable Empress. Naïve and optimistic Catherine, from a minor branch of German royalty, has an overly romantic idea of her marriage to Emperor Peter of Russia. He is a charming, spoiled and brutal tyrant, who can never live up to the legacy of his father - Peter the Great. His debauched and depraved court is tolerated by the church as a means of retaining its power by keeping Russia in the dark ages. The two form a brick wall against Catherine’s modern and progressive ideas of enlightenment and education. She has to find a way to survive and subvert the powers that be, but will the personal price of Greatness be too high? Production design and costumes perfectly complement the story, as history embellished. The magnificent ensemble cast of mostly British actors is led by Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult, who are indeed Great. The darkly comic tone is deepened by touches of philosophy and poignancy, providing a very entertaining account of the true cost of power. Here’s hoping for a second season that maintains the Greatness. Huzzah!