Peter III, played with manic brilliance by Nicholas Hoult, finally meets his end in Season 2, Episode 10, titled “Wedding.” This marks a significant turning point in the narrative, solidifying Catherine’s power and setting the stage for the complexities of her reign.
The Death of Peter III: A Detailed Breakdown
The death of Peter is not a straightforward assassination. It is a culmination of numerous factors, including his inherent flaws, his manipulative tendencies, and Catherine’s growing resolve to create a better Russia. The scene is fraught with tension, occurring during (or perhaps just before) Catherine’s planned wedding to Leo Voronsky.
The episode meticulously builds tension. Peter, as always, is unpredictable, oscillating between moments of genuine affection for Catherine and flashes of volatile anger and control. His presence looms large, casting a shadow over Catherine’s attempts to establish her vision for Russia. The central catalyst for his death involves Peter mistaking Pugachev for his son, Paul. In a moment of reckless playfulness and disturbing cruelty, Peter nearly drowns Pugachev. Catherine, witnessing this, is ultimately spurred to action.
While earlier plans to kill Peter had stalled or been abandoned, Catherine’s resolve solidifies. In a desperate move, Marial, in an attempt to protect Catherine and ensure the safety of the nation, stabs Peter, mistakenly believing him to be an impostor. Catherine’s reaction is one of profound shock and grief, further complicated by her complex feelings for Peter. She doesn’t order his death, making it, in a sense, an accident born of misinterpretation and heightened emotions.
Peter’s death has a ripple effect, forcing Catherine to confront the consequences of her ambition and the moral compromises she makes in pursuit of power. The wedding itself becomes a funeral of sorts, marking the end of one era and the bloody beginning of another.
Analyzing the Significance of Peter’s Death
Peter’s death isn’t simply about eliminating an obstacle. It’s a symbolic act that allows Catherine to fully embrace her role as Empress and commit to her radical reforms. Here are some key considerations:
- The End of Innocence: Peter, despite his cruelty, possessed a certain childlike innocence. His death forces Catherine to abandon any illusions about achieving her goals without bloodshed.
- Consolidation of Power: With Peter gone, Catherine no longer has to constantly contend with his scheming and unpredictable behavior. She is free to rule without looking over her shoulder.
- Moral Ambiguity: The circumstances surrounding Peter’s death highlight the moral ambiguity at the heart of Catherine’s reign. She didn’t directly order his assassination, but her actions and decisions ultimately led to it.
- Character Development: The aftermath of Peter’s death shapes Catherine’s character. She grapples with guilt, grief, and the weight of her responsibilities. This transformation is crucial to her evolution as a leader.
- Historical Accuracy (or Lack Thereof): While “The Great” is a fictionalized and often comedic take on history, it is worth noting that the real Peter III died shortly after being overthrown by Catherine. The show plays with this historical event, adding its own dramatic twists.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Peter’s Fate
These FAQs explore some of the common questions surrounding Peter’s death and its implications.
H3: Why did Catherine hesitate to kill Peter earlier in the season?
Catherine vacillated due to a complex combination of factors. Despite his flaws, she experienced moments of genuine affection for him, particularly after the birth of Paul. She also struggled with the moral implications of regicide and the potential consequences for her own legitimacy. The early plans to assassinate him also hinged on support from nobles, which was often unreliable and contingent on various political factors.
H3: Was Peter actually dead, or was it a trick?
While the show employs a degree of historical reimagining, Peter is definitively dead in the “Wedding” episode. However, in Season 3, we see him return… sort of.
H3: How does the show portray Peter’s death differently from historical accounts?
“The Great” takes significant liberties with historical accuracy. The circumstances surrounding Peter’s death are highly dramatized and fictionalized for comedic and dramatic effect. The historical Peter III was likely assassinated as part of a plot by Grigory Orlov and other members of Catherine’s inner circle, with Catherine’s knowledge.
H3: What are the immediate consequences of Peter’s death for Catherine?
The immediate consequences are immense. Catherine is forced to deal with the fallout from Peter’s death, including managing the emotional reactions of those loyal to him, stabilizing the political landscape, and solidifying her own position as Empress. She also grapples with the guilt and moral compromises associated with his demise.
H3: Does Peter’s death impact Catherine’s relationship with Marial?
Yes, Peter’s death strains Catherine’s relationship with Marial, although not irreparably. Catherine is furious and heartbroken when she realizes Marial killed Peter thinking he was the double. The event creates a wedge between them, but their deep bond eventually helps them to reconcile.
H3: What role does grief play in Catherine’s character development after Peter’s death?
Grief plays a significant role in Catherine’s development. She is forced to confront the fact that her ambition came at a considerable cost. This experience tempers her idealism and forces her to become a more pragmatic and ruthless ruler. The ghost of Peter is a constant reminder of the sacrifices she has made.
H3: How does Peter’s death affect the show’s overall tone?
While “The Great” retains its dark humor, Peter’s death introduces a new level of seriousness and complexity. The show explores the darker aspects of power and the moral compromises that leaders must make.
H3: Why did the show choose to kill Peter off in Season 2?
Killing Peter off in Season 2 allowed the show to explore Catherine’s reign in a more focused and comprehensive way. Without Peter’s constant presence, the writers could delve deeper into the challenges and triumphs of her leadership. It also opened up new narrative possibilities and allowed for the introduction of new characters and storylines.
H3: Will Nicholas Hoult still appear in future seasons of “The Great”?
Yes! Despite Peter’s death, Nicholas Hoult continues to appear in the series. He portrays Peter’s look-alike, Pugachev, who leads a peasant revolt, and also returns in the form of Catherine’s memories and conscience. This allows the show to retain Hoult’s comedic talent and explore Catherine’s internal struggles.
H3: What are the thematic implications of Peter’s death in the context of the entire series?
Peter’s death underscores the central themes of the series: the corrupting influence of power, the sacrifices required for progress, and the complexities of human relationships. It highlights the constant struggle between idealism and pragmatism in the pursuit of a better world.
H3: How does Peter’s death compare to other deaths in the show?
Peter’s death is arguably the most impactful death in the series. While other characters meet their demise, Peter’s death has the most far-reaching consequences for Catherine and the future of Russia.
H3: What is the overall message that “The Great” conveys about power and leadership through Peter’s death?
“The Great,” through Peter’s death, offers a nuanced perspective on power and leadership. It suggests that even with the best intentions, achieving meaningful change often requires difficult choices and moral compromises. The show also highlights the importance of self-awareness, empathy, and the ability to learn from mistakes. Peter’s chaotic and often irrational rule stands in stark contrast to Catherine’s attempts to establish a more enlightened and just society, even if those attempts are sometimes stained with blood.