[MrProphet]

Well, I finally watched episodes 11 through 13 today. Several thoughts on this matter:

Episode 11:

Spoiler:

- Pretty dull. Also, the pace was too fast for my enjoyment and the time from Peter's deposition to Ekaterina's crowning too short. Definitely rushed.

- Several historical gaffes. First of all, the church with a long colonnade in which Elizabeth is buried is the Kazan Cathedral. Unfortunately, it wasn't built until 1811.

- Second of all, the rulers of Russia were not buried there. All emperors and empresses were buried in the Peter and Paul Cathedral, which is a building with a tall spire that can be seen in the scene in the rain between D'Eon and Robin.

- Third of all, Peter III did not die like that. There's actually a mystery about his death, but most historians agree that he either died from illness or was secretly murdered by his guards while under arrest. But he certainly was not publicly executed.

Episode 12:

Spoiler:

- A huge improvement from the previous episode both in terms of artistic quality and the plot. It was actually the prettiest episode after episode 1. This was my favourite moment.



The funny thing is that they've actually got the details pretty darn right. The cathedral , the crown (which was made specifically for Ekaterina), and even the fact that she crowned herself were correct. It's still an anime, so plenty mistakes here and there, but for a series with so many cute faux-pas, this time they were pretty right on target. 8)

- But the fact that Madame Pompadour did not bow to the Queen was a spectacular misstep. She is, of course, the King's mistress and everything, but when you happen to meet the Queen and Duke Broglie in the corridor, you don't just walk by and say "Good afternoon".

Episode 13:

Spoiler:

- Another great episode, but several things amused me.

- For one thing, a Satanic church in the open view?

- Count de Guercy and, especially, Robin's pouting reaction to him were damn hilarious.

- And speaking of de Guercy. Did you know that he would later sue Charles D'Eon for libel after D'Eon published several incriminating papers about him in retaliation for Louis XV appointing De Guercy the French ambassador to England instead of D'Eon himself. De Guercy even allegedly tried to kill D'Eon, for which D'Eon sued him back. 8)

- Madame de Pompadour reading a map that says "English Channel", instead of "Le Manche", is funny, but the fact that a French map is actually in English makes it even funnier. You know, it's small details like this that make something authentic.