The Great: Stag

May 22, 2023 12:14 PM - Season 3, Episode 4

Arkady and Tatyana help Peter and Catherine through a rough patch as they clash over their son, Paul, whom Catherine fears will grow up to be a ruthless leader and so refuses to ordain him, to the alarm of Archie and Elizabeth.
posted by Parasite Unseen (4 comments total)

I wonder how much of this was based on fact, that is, was Paul not originally ordained at the expected age in Russia or how much was just show drama. I appreciated how much of this episode flowed from last episode's devastating failure of her first major attempt to change Russia, and on that, her sister's letter asking about their mother. It was a bit incredible to realize that Catherine had completely forgotten to send her a note saying their mother had died. Whoops!

I probably liked best Peter's self reflection about his own experience as the final piece that convinced him that an ordination was not necessary. So much of his character is tied into his own perception of who he is versus who he's always been expected to be. That he wants to give his son a choice is pretty darn touching.
posted by Atreides at 8:56 AM on May 23, 2023

Badminton! I'm wondering if that was a sly reference to Tsar Nicholas II playing tennis while the empire crumbled.

This is a show that seems to delight in messing with people who try to read Wikipedia for spoilers, so I'd be surprised if there was any historical basis to the non-ordination.

Other than the stag, I don't think there were any murders this episode. Everyone deserves a week off, I guess.
posted by phooky at 10:16 AM on May 23, 2023 [1 favorite]

Heh, I just read that Orlov survived Peter in reality. Welp!
posted by Atreides at 12:53 PM on May 23, 2023

Just thinking about how much -- very unexpectedly! -- I really like Arkady and Georgina this season. I know she's evil, but they're really showing her putting the work in (now that the work involves more than screwing Peter) This show is so delightful.
posted by grandiloquiet at 7:49 PM on June 4, 2023