Last of the Romanovs

I love the story of Anastasia so I was sat and ready for this story

A decent story with a very interesting subject. Last of the Romanovs takes place moments before the execution of the famous tsar family.

This concept works for this doctor. All of the cast knows how time can’t be what you want it to be. Barbara learned this is Mexico, Ian learned this in Cadiz, Susan and the doctor have always known. So the idea to put them all together to face this in a gruesome piece of history is a stroke of genius.

The execution is not perfect, however. Although the characters do at various points describe how dreadful this piece of history is, the actual victims seem almost unfazed. There’s also not much room for the character to discuss what this all means to them. There are good snippets. Barbara and Susan talk it out a little, and the doctor has a nice moment with both the tsar in the middle, and Ian at the end. The piece at the end may even lead to things long term.

But it misses true reactions from the characters. Susan gets the most emotional about it. She even gets a bit defiant at the end. But the rest of the party just sighs and carries on. It’s that they care at least a little, but they don’t do enough to make me as a listener care, which is a shame.

The actual plotting of the murder isn’t all that solid either. There’s several parties involved, but their roles and distinctions can be a bit muddled at times.

That leaves us with a decent tale about a tragic event, but nothing truly outstanding. Had it focused more on the feelings this brought about, instead of just putting that in small places, this story could have been better. But it is what it is, and that is still quite okay.