I'll give this show sections of a review, as to explain why it equals out to about a ten for me. It should be noted that the show plays with actual history, but it's historical fiction, some parts are accurate, the rest is just fun. Don't go into this show with a historical set of glasses on, go in expecting to at least chuckle and have some fun watching the characters interact in their space.
Dialogue: Tony McNamara does an excellent job with the witty retorts and conversational tones of each character. McNamara, of course, also worked on "The Favourite" and it's rather obvious both were worked on by him. The dialogue is snappy, abrupt, and matter-of-fact. There is heavy cussing in this series, I am personally fine with this, as I feel it works as a form of satire on the historical fiction genre as a whole, but I know it will make many people turn away from this series, so I'm mentioning that now. The series is at times "immature" but it should be noted that each character is operating in a Russia that lacks emphasis on education, therefore giving an explanation for the "childish" behavior, and it's still good fun.
Acting: Elle Fanning is doing some of her best acting here. She really carries the show, and delivers her lines in a deliciously hilarious tone and wit. She makes Catherine's infectious bubbly attitude shine through, and it's clear as to why everyone would want to start a coup with her, she's fantastic. But this is not me saying Nicholas Hoult is bad in this show, he's just being out-shown by Fanning. Hoult delivers a performance that is both maniacal and hilarious. His portrayal of Emperor Peter III is one that you WANT to hate. That's the point. He's not likable, he's not kind, he's a tyrant, that's the point. In this regard, Holt delivers. The rest of the actors also give great performances but these two are the best by far.
Plot: Alright, I'll admit it. This is the weakest aspect of the show. Why? Well, I hate to *SPOIL* it for you, but Catherine the Great instigates a coup on her husband Peter III. That's the series. That's the history it's working with. The series is working loosely with history, it's focusing more on the characters themselves and playing with each one as a caricature of the actual history taking place. Again, as stated above, if you come into this show expecting historical accuracy, you'll be disappointed.
In all, a solid 9.5/10. It's a solid series, it's well written, and it's quirky, but it's not everyone's cup of tea and that's ok.
Dialogue: Tony McNamara does an excellent job with the witty retorts and conversational tones of each character. McNamara, of course, also worked on "The Favourite" and it's rather obvious both were worked on by him. The dialogue is snappy, abrupt, and matter-of-fact. There is heavy cussing in this series, I am personally fine with this, as I feel it works as a form of satire on the historical fiction genre as a whole, but I know it will make many people turn away from this series, so I'm mentioning that now. The series is at times "immature" but it should be noted that each character is operating in a Russia that lacks emphasis on education, therefore giving an explanation for the "childish" behavior, and it's still good fun.
Acting: Elle Fanning is doing some of her best acting here. She really carries the show, and delivers her lines in a deliciously hilarious tone and wit. She makes Catherine's infectious bubbly attitude shine through, and it's clear as to why everyone would want to start a coup with her, she's fantastic. But this is not me saying Nicholas Hoult is bad in this show, he's just being out-shown by Fanning. Hoult delivers a performance that is both maniacal and hilarious. His portrayal of Emperor Peter III is one that you WANT to hate. That's the point. He's not likable, he's not kind, he's a tyrant, that's the point. In this regard, Holt delivers. The rest of the actors also give great performances but these two are the best by far.
Plot: Alright, I'll admit it. This is the weakest aspect of the show. Why? Well, I hate to *SPOIL* it for you, but Catherine the Great instigates a coup on her husband Peter III. That's the series. That's the history it's working with. The series is working loosely with history, it's focusing more on the characters themselves and playing with each one as a caricature of the actual history taking place. Again, as stated above, if you come into this show expecting historical accuracy, you'll be disappointed.
In all, a solid 9.5/10. It's a solid series, it's well written, and it's quirky, but it's not everyone's cup of tea and that's ok.