The Great: A Philosophical Battle

A good show has a point, a good satire has to have a point. A great satire has a point but leaves you uncomfortable with the acceptance of it. Life isn't simple enough to take one side of a debate and not feel the loss of the other, and that is where The Great truly shines.

It may be early to say, considering I finished the Season 1 finale a few minutes ago, but it was one of the most intelligent works of comedy television ever. To delve into its storytelling decisions would be useless, as it would just result in a long essay raving about its twisted themes, its unexpected turns, and its deep and complicated characters. Not to mention, its incredible ability to find humour in the dreariness of 1700s Russia. It is a masterpiece of juxtaposing the ideas present at that time to a modern context to create an intriguing and comedic contrast.

This show is not for everyone, however, as it has moments that are hard to stomach, alongside a bevy of historical references that are easy to miss. If the dark nature of the show can be stomached, and there is even the slightest inclination of interest in history, this is a once-in-a-lifetime show that must not be skipped.

SPOILER WARNING FOR THE GREAT SEASON 1

Since there is no point critiquing the storytelling decisions of a near-perfect tale, I would like to instead break down the major theme that served as the backbone for the show. This is most evident through Catherine (The protagonist) and Leo's (Her lover) conversations. It forms itself best as a question. Should one find peace in the world as it is, or try to change it? To Adapt or Revolutionize. Furthermore, it asks if attempting to change your environment is even worth it since if one chooses not to adapt, they will have to live in a world unsuited to them until they can change it. The writers do not shy away from delving into the warts and complications of the topic, as even though the show takes a revolutionizing stance over the adapting one, it details all the benefits of adapting and making the best of your situation.

Most characters in the show are discontent. Yet they choose to adapt over revolutionize. The show doesn't paint them as cowards for this decision, but instead, it depicts the revolution option as unrealistic under a tyrannical ruler. Velementov drinks away the pain of war, Leo turns to apoliticallity, George to a sexual relationship with the Emperor. All three of these characters believe that this is their response to discontent. Yet, they have all adapted for so long, their reactions are now a part of them. Velementov admits that even though he hates the bloodshed of war, he feels as though only more bloodshed can bring honour to those who passed. Leo does not know whether he despises or admires himself for his philosophy. George who shows reluctance to be the Emperor's mistress, admits she enjoys her time with him towards the end. These characters show the flaw in choosing to adapt, that eventually, the very thing that causes discontent, becomes a part of you.

The Great does a fantastic job of choosing Revolution but showing the consequences of it. Leo constantly serves as the representative of positive adapting. Leo's philosophy is understandable; no ability to change the environmental factors surrounding you leads to the best human solution being to find joy in everything you can and not be bogged down by factors out of your control. Catherine attempted to change the environment instead of adapting. This was not a simple decision and the writers do a fantastic job of showing adapting as a viable option for her. She was not simply forced to revolutionize and upon falling in love with Leo, her life in Russia was satisfying for her. She could have lived a happy life adapting to her role, incrementally changing Russia. If she had no option between adapting or revolutionizing, it would have made her decision at the end of the show much less meaningful.

Her dichotomy throughout the show is always, Leo or Russia. That represented the much deeper theme, adapt or revolutionize. She seems to be able to live contently with Leo as her lover and she could adapt just as the other characters did. In every episode, she seems to swing from leaning one way or the other. Until its conclusion, Catherine was forced to no longer walk the line between the two anymore. And when it came down to it, the show makes it clear which side of the line it prefers: the revolution. Stopping people from having to adapt as the other characters did which in the long run creates people who would spread the same discontent that they experienced. Her decision sends Leo to his death but Russia forwards.

Personally, I was always torn between the two decisions for Catherine throughout the show. I understood her desire to spend her time with her love, and 'adapt' to Russia. I also understood the feeling that everything around you is wrong and having the need to change it. That is what makes The Great such a masterpiece. The writers use the setting of 1700s Russia to make it clear to the audience that this is a toxic environment, and it needs changing. It sets the right backdrop for a conversation of Adapt vs. Revolutionize. It drips every possible nuance out of that conversation, but it still makes a decision. A decision most of us will feel is the right one, but none of us will feel at ease about.