Episode Guide
Dickhead – 4/5 Alone at Last – 4.5/5 The Devil’s Lunch – 4.5/5 Animal Instincts – 4.5/5 A Simple Jape – 4.5/5 Stapler – 3.5/5 Five Days – 4.5/5 Walnut Season – 4/5
The Great is unlike any other period drama I’ve seen. It delivers on eye-catching costumes, and it showcases quirks and factoids of its particular time. ..
This Russian-setting series dramatizes events inspired by true history: It takes sordid tales surrounding Catherine the Great’s reign and spins them into comedic delights.
In one of the very first scenes, for example, children kick around a disembodied head (a result from the coup of season 1). The Great uses the scene more so to commentate on Catherine’s amusing ineptness at inspiring her youngest subjects than to showcase the morbid realities of war. ..
The Great is a show that takes absurd situations and makes them into interesting stories. It uses the morbid to make its points and has a great sense of humour.
This season of “The Crown” follows the overarching plot of Catherine’s attempt to take and maintain power. This is more difficult than anyone expected, as allies have differing opinions, war threatens the country, and people consistently challenge her ideas. ..
After a series of mishaps, Catherine must decide if Russia is worth the trouble. ..
Season 2 of “The Crown” focuses on the character development that results from the challenges faced by the monarchy.
Catherine and Peter adjust to their new relationship well, though it is at times painful. Supporting characters have their own compelling stories, but the main story of Catherine and Peter felt a bit forced and Orlo’s story fizzled out.
The whole cast excels in their respective roles, but Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult particularly shine as the leads. While not historically accurate, I hope they don’t kill off Peter any time soon. The show just wouldn’t be the same without the boyish charm Hoult lends to his character.
If you enjoyed season 1 of The Great, season 2 is well worth the watch. While it doesn’t quite deliver on the high stakes present in the previous season, it twists alliances and evolves the character dynamics to a completely new level.
The second season of The Great is more than just a story about who will rule the kingdom. It’s an exploration of the complicated relationship between love and hatred. ..
Since the coup of season 1, the show has lost some ground but gained a fresh perspective and a completely new playing field. This will make all the difference in season 3.
