If you think that the fact that the series is titled the way Elisabeth's nickname was actually spelled - in difference to the 's invention "Sissi" for the film trilogy with Romy Schneider - is an indication that it is any closer to the historical truth, you are, however, dead wrong.
It's a lot darker, way less romantic - but any closer to the actual story? Sadly, no. Truth be told, I would love to see a good and honest depiction of Elisabeth's life, the woman behind the icon and the kitsch. She was complex, she was complicated. But unfortunately, the series doesn't capture any of it. Ridiculous storylines, annoying characters with zero depths, sort of cheesy but not in the good way , cringe and boring were some of my thoughts while watching the first episode.
Unfortunately, I didn't get any better from there. I actually meant to quit the show about halfway through episode three but it was like an accident I couldn't look away from on so many levels.
Let's start with the easy one and a pet peeve of mine: If I had gotten out my imaginary period drama bullshit bingo, I think I would have ticked off all the boxes within the first 20 minutes of the first episode. Wrong titles, check. Wrong styles, check.
Wrong forms of address, check. Wrong depictions of the workings of a royal court, check. Yeah, maids wouldn't have been seen dead cleaning a room while the Empress is in it, you know.
