A tsar who wanted democracy, a son who killed his father, and Napoleon knocking at the door.
Season 1 • Episode 12
LatestRaised by his grandmother, Empress Catherine II, who saw in her eldest grandson the direct heir to the throne, and the European teacher Lagarp, Alexander adheres to liberal views and admires the first years of Napoleon's rule: he dreams that Russia will one day have a republic. After Catherine's death, during the reign of Paul, Alexander continues to hope for reforms. However, he soon becomes disillusioned with Pavel both as a father and as a statesman. As a result of the conspiracy, Emperor Paul the First is killed, and Alexander, haunted by guilt over his father's death, is forced to ascend the throne in order to resist the new intrigues of the aristocrats and his domineering mother. At the same time, Alexander understands that Russia is under threat: war with the invincible Napoleon is inevitable, it's only a matter of time.
Acting
Romantsov carries Alexander's guilt like a physical weight.
Production
Palaces so oppressive you can smell the beeswax and fear.
Writing
Sharp dialogue where every compliment is a threat.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Russian TV has been obsessed with imperial biopics since 2014; this one notably frames Alexander's liberalism as youthful naiveté rather than heroic virtue.
RU
