“The Great” is a satirical series that takes inspiration from the real historical figure, Catherine the Great, while weaving a unique and occasionally true narrative. The show follows a young and naive Catherine as she arrives in Russia and embarks on a quest for power. With its blend of court drama, political intrigue, and dark humor, “The Great” has captivated audiences for two seasons, and the newly released Season 3 continues to deliver twists and surprises. In this article, we will delve into the ending of “The Great” Season 3 and explore the fate of Catherine and Peter.
Related: ‘The Great’ Season 3: Release Date, Cast, and What to Expect
Introduction to “The Great” and its satirical approach
“The Great” is a Hulu original series that offers a satirical take on the story of Catherine the Great. The show presents a fictionalized version of the historical events, infusing them with humor, wit, and anachronisms. At the heart of the narrative is a young Catherine, portrayed by Elle Fanning, who arrives in Russia with grand aspirations and quickly becomes entangled in the intricate web of court politics. The series combines historical elements with fictionalized characters and events, creating a compelling and entertaining storyline.

Overview of Season 3 and its dark twists
Season 3 of “The Great” takes the already dark and twisted narrative to new heights. The characters find themselves entangled in a web of manipulation and deception as they vie for power and survival. The season is marked by unexpected deaths, complex power dynamics, and the continuous evolution of Catherine as a formidable leader. It builds upon the foundation laid by the previous seasons and pushes the story into even darker territory.
Deaths of major characters and their impact on the story
Season 3 of “The Great” is notable for the deaths of several central characters, which have a profound impact on the narrative. The first major death occurs in the season premiere when Orlo, portrayed by Sacha Dhawan, meets his demise. However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain shrouded in mystery, leaving the characters and viewers questioning what truly happened to him. Another significant death is that of Peter, portrayed by Nicholas Hoult. While his demise occurs in the middle of the season, it sets the stage for the events that follow. The relationship between Catherine and Peter, fraught with tension and the constant threat of assassination, finally reaches a turning point. Peter’s death leaves Catherine in a state of grief and uncertainty, as she navigates the consequences and charts a new path for herself.
The ambiguous fate of Archie
Archie, a pivotal character in “The Great,” meets an ambiguous fate in Season 3. As a priest with unpredictable loyalties, Archie’s actions often influence the course of events. Throughout the season, Archie’s internal struggles and his involvement in orchestrating a threat against Catherine come to light. In a moment of anger and ruthlessness, Catherine orders Archie to be buried alive. However, Marial, a close associate of Archie, manages to save him at the last moment. Although Archie survives, his future at court remains uncertain, and his relationship with Marial is likely to be strained.
Outstanding threats faced by Catherine in Season 3
Season 3 leaves Catherine facing several outstanding threats to her reign. The most significant threat comes in the form of Pugachev’s uprising, which exploits the dissatisfaction of the lower class and challenges Catherine’s rule. Despite the capture and demise of Pugachev, the uprising leaves a lingering sense of unrest and the possibility of ongoing conflict. Additionally, the Swedish monarchy’s plan to regain power poses a significant challenge to Catherine. King Hugo and Queen Agnes of Sweden seek alliances and manipulate events to their advantage. Georgina, a skilled manipulator, becomes a key player in their plan, potentially jeopardizing Catherine’s rule.

Catherine’s struggles and newfound confidence
Following Peter’s death, Catherine grapples with her loss and experiences a crisis of faith in her abilities. The show portrays her testing her own destiny through dangerous games of Russian roulette, reflecting her uncertainty and vulnerability. However, a pivotal moment brings about a transformative realization for Catherine, reigniting her self-confidence and determination. Elizabeth, who had doubted Catherine’s capabilities, witnesses this change and retreats from her own pursuit of power. Catherine’s resilience and ability to manipulate the situation establish her as a strong ruler, far removed from the naive girl she once was.
Catherine’s manipulation to cement her rule
In a display of calculated manipulation, Catherine takes decisive actions to secure her rule. She recognizes the significance of an upcoming comet and instructs Archie to spread rumors, ensuring that the people perceive it as a sign of her legitimacy. Catherine also orchestrates the spread of false information surrounding Peter’s death, safeguarding her reputation and minimizing blame. These actions reveal her ruthless yet effective leadership style, solidifying her position as a formidable ruler.
Catherine’s transformation and character growth
The culmination of Season 3 showcases Catherine’s remarkable transformation and character growth. The loss of Peter, coupled with her struggles and doubts, has shaped her into a more self-assured and competent leader. As the season concludes, Catherine watches a comet, embracing her newfound strength and celebrating her journey. The final scene, featuring Catherine’s ecstatic dance set to AC/DC’s “You Shook Me All Night Long,” symbolizes her evolution and hints at the potential for future endeavors.

Potential future storylines and Catherine’s reign
While the future of “The Great” beyond Season 3 remains uncertain, the finale sets the stage for potential future storylines. Catherine’s character development and leadership style offer a satisfying conclusion to her arc, but there is still more to explore. The historical context suggests a wealth of possibilities, should the show continue. With Catherine firmly established as a powerful ruler, the narrative could delve into her reign and the challenges she faced over the course of her rule. The open-ended elements of Season 3 leave room for further exploration, should the opportunity arise.
Sum It Up!
‘The Great’ Season 3 Ending marks a significant milestone for Catherine’s journey. The season delivers a dark and captivating narrative, punctuated by unexpected deaths and intricate plotlines. Catherine’s character growth and newfound confidence provide a satisfying conclusion to her arc in this season. While the show’s future remains uncertain, the finale sets the groundwork for potential future developments, should “The Great” be renewed for another season. Whether it continues or not, Catherine’s transformation into a strong and competent ruler leaves an indelible impression on the series.