So says second wife and future tsarina Catherine I, officially wed to the mature tsar Peter (Maximilian Schell) after sending first wife Jan Malmsjö, sent to a comvent so Peter can remarry. Hey, at least he didn't pull a Henry VIII and lop off her head the way he did supposed traitors at the end of part 3. Son Alexi (Jan Niklas) has started to pick up some of his father's ways, indicating that the values of youth disappear when one sees the type of power he'll inherit.
This episode, the conclusion of four, shows Russia in conflict with Sweden, and elements of Peter as a warrior is demonstrated by his proclamation of "attack or be attacked", showing changes in the great man that wanted to modernize Russia. Prince Alexi is definitely a troubled individual afraid of following in his father's legacy, and his appearance is definitely a weaker one in comparison to his father, with certain physical elements insinuating a potentially villainous nature.
The loyalty and love of Catherine (Hanna Schygulla) definitely humanizes him, and it's obvious that he's tiring out. The life may not be perfect and the ramifications long-lasting with dire effects for future generations, but the story in spite of a slow pacing on occasion and too much history to cover is presented beautifully and the conclusion bittersweet.
This episode, the conclusion of four, shows Russia in conflict with Sweden, and elements of Peter as a warrior is demonstrated by his proclamation of "attack or be attacked", showing changes in the great man that wanted to modernize Russia. Prince Alexi is definitely a troubled individual afraid of following in his father's legacy, and his appearance is definitely a weaker one in comparison to his father, with certain physical elements insinuating a potentially villainous nature.
The loyalty and love of Catherine (Hanna Schygulla) definitely humanizes him, and it's obvious that he's tiring out. The life may not be perfect and the ramifications long-lasting with dire effects for future generations, but the story in spite of a slow pacing on occasion and too much history to cover is presented beautifully and the conclusion bittersweet.