While very violent, I found this series interesting and engaging mostly as a look back at Russian history. It seemed to realistically portray both the banal cruelty to and disregard by the nobility of the serfs. As well as the vagaries of Court life. As described, the main character was a murderer, but the other characters also treated their serfs (or in the case of Catherine as players on a chessboard/toys), as less than human. As things, really-to use or laugh at. And, tellingly, to at times fear. And the poor serfs! These people lived hard, hopeless lives and were owned! That part I found both heartbreaking and fascinating. Though based on a true story, the psychological portrait of the Duchess and the family and in law issues were probably made up. With her alleged emotional scars obviously thrown in to illicit some pity on our part-if you can feel such for a killer! So those storylines were a bit melodramatic but who doesn't like a little melodrama once in a while? The acting, sets and costumes were great. So were cinematography and direction. If you like thrillers, period pieces and more sophisticated soap opera you'll like this. But be forewarned: the Duchess's unnecessary "discipline", rages and retribution ( all done violently) are relentless. This is not a feel good show. But it IS riveting.
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