The Great

Series 1 - Episode 3 And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great

Review

by David Butcher

It’s another refreshing visit to the Imperial Russian court, as very freely imagined by writer Tony McNamara. “Is this a coup or a… bookclub?” complains Marial, the caustic maidservant who used to be an aristocrat and has, thanks to her downfall, a cynical bent.

Phoebe Fox plays her with just the right level of dryness hiding real pain, as she and Catherine plot the emperor’s downfall alongside Orlo, the court politics wonk. The balancing act the show pulls off is being silly and sweary but at the same time making us care what happens. It helps that the cast includes several British character actors having fun, notably Douglas Hodge as an alcoholic general.

Summary

Peter nervously writes a speech for his military and Generals - his father's old buddies. Catherine presents her ideals for a new Russia to Orlo and Marial, who think these radical ideas need to be toned down. Comedy drama, starring Elle Fanning and Nicholas Hoult.

Cast & Crew

Catherine Elle Fanning

Peter Nicholas Hoult

Marial Phoebe Fox

Count Orlo Sacha Dhawan

Georgina Charity Wakefield

Grigor Gwilym Lee

Archie Adam Godley

Velementov Douglas Hodge

Aunt Elizabeth Belinda Bromilow

Arkady Bayo Gbadamosi

Leo Sebastian De Souza

Lady Antonia Svenska Danusia Samal

Tatyana Florence Keith-Roach

Marina Kemi-Bo Jacobs

Vlad Louis Hynes

Colonel Svenska Blake Harrison

Tolsten Stewart Scudamore

Chef Louis Asheq Akhtar

Ivan Charlie Price

Footman Jordan Kagaba

Drama

Full Episode Guide

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Accessibility Links

Series 1 - Episode 3 And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

How new period dramas like Bridgerton and The Great have galloped bareback over the genre’s traditions

The Great episode one review: An idiosyncratic romp with a feminist core

Meet the cast of Hulu and Channel 4's The Great

When is The Great on Channel 4?

The Great

Series 1 - Episode 3 And You Sir, Are No Peter the Great

Review

Summary

Cast & Crew

How new period dramas like Bridgerton and The Great have galloped bareback over the genre’s traditions

The Great episode one review: An idiosyncratic romp with a feminist core

Meet the cast of Hulu and Channel 4's The Great

When is The Great on Channel 4?

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