The Great

After Catherine travels to Russia to marry the emperor, she becomes terribly upset when she learns her husband, Peter, is a self-obsessed wretch.

Catherine makes a disastrous attempt to win over a member of the court to her cause, but Peter's appalling behavior may just push him over the edge.

Peter offers his wife a lover, hoping to cheer her up. Meanwhile, Catherine, Orlo and Marial charm a military man into joining the coup.

Salacious rumors about Catherine run rampant around the court. When the head of the church dies, the scramble to fill his seat begins.

Catherine visits the Russian front amid the war with Sweden, while Peter eats poisoned soup, plunging the fate of the throne into chaos.

Now with a renewed love for life, Peter becomes more interested in Catherine's ideas for a better Russia and starts obsessing over siring an heir.

Catherine thinks her relationship with Peter is improving, but an outbreak of smallpox proves his affections and changing ideals were all just a ruse.

Peter and Catherine travel to Sweden to negotiate peace, and the empress demonstrates her political dexterity. Meanwhile, Marial finds another recruit.

When his friend turns up dead, the emperor tears through the court, rooting out traitors. Catherine has a revelation that changes all her plans.

On her 21st birthday, Catherine realizes that some violence is necessary if she ever wants to take the throne from Peter.