The Great, a Hulu original series, is one of the many historical dramas featuring powerful women that are now on the air. But The Great is less concerned with accuracy than The Crown or Victoria is. This straightforward distinction gives the show a lot of leeway, which Tony McNamara, the show’s creator, takes use of. ‘The Great’ Season 3: [SPOILER] has a sarcastic tone when discussing history, which sets it apart from other programmes of the genre. It expressly states that it is only “rarely true.” As a result, the timeline is altered, and some characters’ survival rates are even altered. Though some things are too significant to be altered.
Peter III (Nicholas Hoult), the wife of Catherine (Elle Fanning), is a significant character in the drama since their union places the lead actress in Russia and gives her a claim to the throne. Although a lot has changed, Peter’s personality should remain the same. Many people claim that the actual man is just as violent and personality disorder as he appears in the show. But unlike the programme, Catherine and Peter weren’t in a relationship. The Great sticks to the broad strokes despite the many variations in Catherine and Peter’s story. They were married, had a child, and Catherine overthrew her husband. There was just one thing left for Season 3 after all of these story components appeared in Seasons 1 and 2. People who are familiar with history shouldn’t be surprised when Peter gets killed off in the show soon after the coup because that much is accurate. But the circumstances around it are very different.
Related: ‘The Great’ Season 3 Trailer: Catherine & Peter’s Marriage Work
Death of Peter in ‘The Great’ Season 3
Although the show kept Peter around longer, his demise was inevitable given that the coup took place pretty early in Season 2. In actuality, the couple had settled into a good location, and Peter gave up his urge to govern, though he still yearned to assist. Hugo (Freddie Fox), the recently deposed king of Sweden, exploits this ambition to further his own goals by persuading Peter to seize the army and join Velementov in retaking Sweden in order to give Catherine a military victory. The ever-present reputation of Peter’s father and the worry that he won’t live up to the family legacy, which frequently leads Peter to behave hastily, particularly when a battle is involved, aid Hugo’s plot. Recognising that his friend is making a poor decision. Grigor (Gwilym Lee), a devoted man, goes to Catherine and tells her the truth. To stop their mission, Grigor and Catherine pursued them.

Despite Hugo and Velementov’s advise, Peter is glad to see Catherine and goes across a frozen lake to talk to her, mistakenly believing that his supportive wife won’t try to stop him. Peter makes the case that they should travel to Sweden together in order to make their marriage stronger. However, neither Peter nor Catherine will be persuaded. Despite Catherine’s threats of exile, he sticks with his scheme. As Peter recrosses the frozen lake to his fellow conspirators, ice fractures; he is determined to leave a legacy that his son will be proud of. Peter’s horse and he tumble through. Though Grigor attempts to help, it’s too late. Peter drowns, sending Catherine and Grigor into a tailspin of grief and guilt.
Peter Real-Life Demise: How Did He Die?
There is no historical proof that Peter stole the army on a whim to reclaim Sweden, where he later perished on the ice. Peter III’s demise was, in contrast, a mystery. The historical figure passed dying while incarcerated away from the court just eight days after his wife seized control of Russia. While The Great depicted the character as being imprisoned for a long time while helping to raise his son and hoping to regain control, the reality was different. Giving him the option to plot to seize the throne adds drama, but it’s probably not a wise move in a real-world situation.

Even though Peter III didn’t live for very long after being overthrown, the circumstances of his passing are unclear. Hemorrhoidal colic was the cause of death, according to an autopsy, however this is an odd diagnosis. According to some historians, this was frequently used as a cause of death to hide an assassination. That was not the only justification, though. According to numerous reports, he was murdered by members of the Orlovs, the brothers of the man who served as the model for Sascha Dhawan’s Orlo. These brothers, who were Catherine’s ardent allies, orchestrated his capture. However, it isn’t clear from the rumours if they carried out Catherine’s commands. She did, however, gain from her husband’s passing. Another rumour refers to a fight that occurred after drinking. On occasion, individuals claim that he killed himself after losing the kingdom. Despite the fact that no one can seem to agree on how he passes away, he did pass away in some way.
‘The Great’: A Nod to Historical Events
Despite ignoring the fact that Catherine outlived her husband. The episode makes a passing reference to the murky circumstances surrounding Peter’s passing. Catherine devises a strategy as she works to maintain her throne. In order to keep everyone guessing about what happened,. Catherine promotes rumours around Peter’s murder out of fear that people may revolt if they think she killed him. Velementov is dispatched around the nation by Catherine to spread the news of Peter’s actual demise. While battling the revolt, she instructs Marial (Phoebe Fox) to spread rumours about various events. Such as his death from haemorrhoids and smallpox. Undoubtedly, a murder committed by Catherine would join those already in circulation. But the uncertainty makes indictment more challenging, preventing a widespread rebellion in Peter’s honour. The rumours are a delightfully self-conscious hint of fact. Suggesting the show’s makers were aware of what really happened even though they took a different course for their plot, even though the show definitely didn’t follow history on this incident. And that’s more than plenty considering that the show makes no claims to truth.

It’s unfortunate to lose the oddly endearing figure, but Peter’s demise was unavoidable. The Great Season 3 made the historical figure’s death quite evident, despite the fact that it is still a mystery. However, they created an easily preventable, almost pitiful death that matches the tone of the show and the character they created rather than choosing one of the many rumoured fatalities. Even while Hoult’s Peter will be missed, it gives Catherine herself new opportunities as she continues to rule.
Sum It Up!
‘The Great’ Season 3: [SPOILER] boldly deviates from historical accuracy, allowing the show to explore its own narrative path. Peter III’s demise in Season 3 was an inevitable departure from history. Portraying a tragic and preventable death on a frozen lake. While the real circumstances of Peter’s passing remain uncertain. The show playfully alludes to the mystery by spreading rumors of his murder. This nod to historical events adds depth to the storyline, highlighting the show’s self-awareness and creative liberties. Though Peter’s loss is lamentable, his demise aligns with the tone of the series . Opens new possibilities for Catherine as she continues her rule. ‘The Great’ successfully captures the essence of historical drama while embracing its own unique storytelling.