Empress Dowager (a widow who has control of the wealth) is battling for the throne in palace intrigue over control of the country in some Chinese dynasty era. Seems as if most of the production costs were spent on costuming and, well, more costuming. The minor rest of the budget spent on a single stage palace interior (and a few adjoining spaces) where perhaps 80% of the series' scenes were shot. Basically you get lots of talking heads especially amongst the maidens/concubines, family members & guards. Oh, predictably a couple of deaths/assassinations.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews