The Great

[Nighthawker]

Anyone else watch this on Channel 4 last night? I enjoyed it a lot, the two main actors playing the emperor and empress are great, I know I should hate Peter's character because he is such a terrible person but Nicholas Hoult has great charisma. Saying that, I really hope he gets what is coming to him by the end of the series.

I watched a bit, but...why is it called a comedy?! The bit I saw was just domestic abuse, no humour to it.

Saying that, I really hope he gets what is coming to him by the end of the series.

Spoiler alert (aka passing knowledge of Russian history).

It's not going to take to the end of the series .

Thoroughly enjoyed it (response to DV probably tempered by knowing what happens next - incidentally as far as I know there's no evidence the real Peter II was at all like this).

I don’t think Peter was like this at all. He was as ugly as sun and pick marked. History claims that the marriage wasn’t consummated

Ugly as sin not sun!

I loved it & can't wait for the next episode.

I though it was great 😆

Peter in the series is an amalgamation of Peter III (Catherine’s actual husband, impotent) and Peter II (young, womaniser, much more like the Peter we see in the show).

I think they rushed to the denouement of episode 1 because they knew their audience wouldn’t be able to take much more without reassurance that he was going to get what was coming to him.

I didn't expect to like it as I knew it would be totally inaccurate but I did like The Favourite and it was in this vein. Also, a bit like Harlots, as in a lavish historical romp with some elements of truth.

Nicholas Hoult and Elle Fanning were both fabulous. I think it is comedy but pretty black. I've not actually seen The Favourite but if it's similar to this I think I'd enjoy it. It's a breath of fresh air really. Especially when compared to the silly Bridgerton.

It's a breath of fresh air really. Especially when compared to the silly Bridgerton.

Totally agree. And yes, the black comedy works because you know he's going to pop his clogs and leave her empress of all Russia.

My favourite character is the maid. I enjoyed it.

I liked Bridgerton too though, thought it was silly fun 👍

Smutty, costumed, plotting daftness.
Thoroughly enjoying it.

Wasn't sure I liked it to begin with i felt it had rapey vibes which made me feel uncomfortable. Sticking with it because it had such good reviews.

Just finished ep2 I find it disturbing but such a talented cast I might continue. When will he get his come-uppance?!!

We were really hoping to be able to stream the whole series.
I love the maid, she’s like the servant/slave in Plebs

Must say I am enjoying it. He is a terrible person (mind you ...his mother....).

Switched off after the first 15 minutes or so when they brought the bear in (☹️) - utter tripe.

I’m loving it, great pacing, fantastic acting, costumes, scenery

I love this series already, I agree part of it is knowing he'll get his comeuppance.

I don't think the violence is overly gratuitous, although of course everyone has their own level for that.

Every time I've found myself starting to sympathise with Peter slightly, he does something awful, usually involving violence. I think it's deliberate on the part of the writers.

Nicholas Hoult is also doing an excellent job of portraying a petulant man-child with no empathy, who finds cruelty amusing. The tsars were not known for their empathy and it wasn't just Imperial Russia where cruelty was considered suitable entertainment in the past.

I've watched the whole first series, loved it very much and looking forward to the next season, if they do one.

Watched the first episode and thought it was funny. 'Rabbit!'

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How has RapsodyandAshe watched the whole series? I can't see any more after episode 3?