Empire of the Tsars

Empire of The Tsars is an illuminating historical documentary series from BB4, aired in 2016. The series is an in-depth exploration of the Romanov dynasty, which ruled over Russia for over three centuries. The main focus of the documentary is on the flamboyant, ruthless, and much-revered Romanov Tsars, who shaped the nation's identity, politics, and overall trajectory until the Revolution in 1917.

The series consists of three parts, each infused with themes of power, politics, and personal narratives of the sovereigns that were the beating heart of Russia's volatile past. The riveting and insightful storytelling is conveyed through the rich and immersive narration of historian and television presenter Lucy Worsley. Worsley, known to many as the BBC's “history queen,” takes viewers through the intriguing, complex webs of the Romanov dynasty with her rich knowledge and infectious enthusiasm.

The first episode, "Reinventing Russia," embarks on the journey from the inception of the dynasty with Michael I in 1613 and delves into the rule of several Tsars, finally ending with Peter the Great's reign. Peter the Great, who is perhaps one of the most iconic figures in Russian history, is renowned for his modernisation of Russia and his strategic geopolitical moves to ensure that Russia had a seat at the elite table of worldwide power politics.

The second episode, "Age of Extremes," provides an intimate look at Catherine the Great’s reign and moves on to explore the dilemmas faced by Nicholas I. Here, the viewers get to understand the extreme highs and lows of the Romanov dynasty, from Catherine's enlightened despotism to the mounting pressures faced by Nicholas I, resulting in deep societal unrest.

The final episode, “The Road to Revolution,” dives into the conflict-laden era of Nicholas II. The narration takes us through the tumultuous events of the late 19th and early 20th century in Russia, setting the stage for the subsequent Bolshevik Revolution that forever changed the Russian landscape.

Throughout the series, viewers are treated to a treasure trove of gorgeous filming locations, including some of the grandest palaces, churches, and landscapes that Russia has to offer. The set designs and costumes are meticulously crafted to ensure authenticity. They bring alive the opulence, grandeur, as well as the struggles faced by the Tsars and their subjects in an era gone by. Worsley’s deep dive into the historical archives, personal letters, governmental documents, and anecdotes help the viewers establish an emotive connection with these larger-than-life historical figures.

Assisting the dramatic narration is an impressive line-up of interviewees, from Russian historians to political commentators, who offer a broad range of perspectives and insights into the Romanov era. This combination ensures a comprehensive exploration of the Romanov dynasty, helping viewers understand not only the timeline of events that transpired but also the motivations, actions, and consequences that came with each Tsar.

In Empire of the Tsars, Lucy Worsley does a commendable job of illuminating Russia's rich and complex history, striking the right balance between drama and an educational retelling of the past. Her energetic antics, insightful comments, and hands-on approach ensure that the documentary is far from a dull history lesson. Instead, it's a captivating, dynamic, and enthusiastic exploration of the Romanov dynasty’s legacy.

Altogether, Empire of the Tsars is an ideal pick for history enthusiasts looking for a comprehensive, engaging, and thoughtful retelling of the Romanov era. The series transcends being just a historical investigation, encapsulating the human experience, trials and triumphs of these historical monarchs, making it a riveting watch for a wide variety of viewers. With its exceptional visual components, engaging storytelling, and a charismatic presenter at the helm, Empire of the Tsars stands as a distinguished addition to the panorama of historical documentary series.