: While the court experiments with science, Orlo faces a much darker reality in the woods on his way to the front lines. After a carriage accident and a violent encounter with a Swedish soldier, he is forced to commit his first act of violence, a traumatic experience that marks a permanent change in his character.
The title refers to the sixth episode of the first season of the Hulu original series The Great . This satirical historical drama, which first aired on May 15, 2020, uses the eponymous parachute as a central symbol for Enlightenment-era progress and the shifting power dynamics between Catherine the Great and her husband, Emperor Peter III. Plot Summary: A New Lease on Life [S1E6] Parachute
: His sudden interest in his subjects' well-being leads to erratic behavior, such as walking around the palace naked to ask staff for suggestions on how to improve things. : While the court experiments with science, Orlo
: Feeling his influence threatened by the rise of secular "science," the Archbishop attempts to dissuade Peter from these new ideas, ultimately causing the Emperor to reconsider his progressive stance. Analysis of Themes This satirical historical drama, which first aired on
The "parachute" of the title is a literal science experiment conducted by a servant named Vlad. Peter is so enthralled by the concept that he tests it by attaching a dog to a prototype and dropping it from the palace roof—much to Catherine's horror. Fortunately, the parachute deploys correctly and the dog survives. Key Character Developments
The episode explores the tension between . While the parachute represents the literal and metaphorical "fall" into modernity, the Archbishop represents the religious and traditional forces pulling Russia back. The dark humor regarding the dog's test flight serves to highlight Peter's shallow understanding of Catherine's ideals; to him, "science" is a fascinating toy rather than a means of societal improvement. The Great Episode 6 Recap: 'Parachute' - Vulture
: She finds a rare window of influence over Peter, attempting to mold him into a leader "for the people". However, she remains cautious, aware of how quickly his temperament can change.