The Great

Catherine travels to Russia and becomes the Empress by marrying the Emperor of Russia, Peter; Catherine soon realises Peter is a selfish brat and feels hopeless until her servant, Marial, presents her with an alternative path -- to overthrow Peter.

Catherine attempts to seduce and recruit palace intellectual Count Orlo; the count decides to join Catherine's coup.

Catherine, Orlo and Marial try to recruit an unhappy military general, Velementov; Peter gifts Catherine with a sterile lover, Leo.

Catherine tries to manage her reputation and her relationship with Leo; a new influential Patriarch of the church must be chosen.

Catherine and Aunt Elizabeth visit the Russian front; Peter's life hangs in the balance; Velementov, Orlo and Marial attempt to influence Catherine.

After his near-death experience, Peter discovers a new view on life; Orlo tries the find the person responsible for poisoning Peter.