Catherine the Great

"Catherine the Great" is an ambitious historical drama series aired in 2019 on Sky Atlantic in the UK. The television series follows the latter years of the Russian Empress, Catherine II, in a rich, immersive exploration of her life, her politics, her power, and her various relationships. The eponymous character of Catherine the Great is brilliantly brought to life by Oscar-winning actress Helen Mirren, whose involvement extends beyond her role in front of the camera to her position as executive producer of the series.

Set in the 18th century, primarily in Russia, "Catherine the Great" highlights Catherine’s unique and unconventional approach to politics and governance, creating a complex, strong-willed and lustful character. Mirren captures the essence of this remarkable woman who had to maintain her position of power in a male-dominated society, affectionately presenting the popular historical figure's undeniably bold, passionate, and eternally fascinating persona.

The series begins in 1762, approximately halfway through Catherine II’s reign, following the successful coup d’état she led against her own husband, Peter III. Picking up on the narrative several years after this, the rot of corruption seems to have set in, with the noble classes resistant to Catherine’s attempts at Russian reformation. The mini-series delves into the female sovereign's rule and personal life, touching upon her many romantic and political machinations, her much-gossiped-about relationship with her favored statesman and lover, Grigory Potemkin, and her reformist tendencies which established her as one of Russia's greatest political leaders.

"Catherine the Great" is richly rooted in the political drama of the era, with many of the key characters being high-ranking officials or nobles who either support Catherine or plot against her. It captures the strife and political turbulence of her time, while still managing to delve into the more human and personal aspects of her life, such as her well-known love affairs and her fraught relationship with her son, Paul. The storytelling offers insight into how her determination, strength, smarts, and vulnerability were combined into one of history's most dominant female rulers.

Produced by David Thompson, with the screenplay written by Nigel Williams and directed by Philip Martin, "Catherine the Great" is a showcase of talents at their best. The script provides strong, engaging, and layered dialogue that superbly transports viewers to a time of royal extravagance, political unrest, and societal change. Martin’s direction adds a sense of grandeur without losing the realism that makes the period drama so appealing, while the production values are truly impressive with spot-on historical detail, opulent palaces, lavish costumes, and a gritty depiction of life in 18th century Russia.

In terms of performances, other than Mirren’s anticipated brilliance, the characters on the series are well fleshed-out and give a solid performance. Jason Clarke plays Grigory Potemkin, Catherine's main statesman and lover, with passion and sincerity. Their onscreen chemistry is palpable, making their relationship one of the central themes of the series. Rory Kinnear also stands out as the Minister Panin, ideally capturing his character's nuanced complexity.

"Catherine the Great" is a complex character study of one of the most intriguing and influential women in history. The series artfully blends historical accuracy with fictional touches to create a compelling portrait of a woman who defied convention and broke barriers in a male-dominated world. It is a story of political power, personal relationships, often taboo love affairs, and an unflagging lust for control. Through the life of Catherine the Great, the series touches upon various concepts like gender, power, politics, monarchical governance, and societal traditions, making it more than just a historical biography.

This series offers a unique perspective on a fascinating period of Russian history and on a figure who was often vilified, misunderstood, and misrepresented. It manages to do so while providing a compelling drama filled with intrigues, romance, and betrayal, easily holding the viewer's interest. The excellent performances led by the ever-breathtaking Helen Mirren, combined with an engaging script and skilled direction, make "Catherine the Great" a must-watch for fans of accessible historical dramas.