Catherine and Peter attempt to make their marriage work after some seemingly insurmountable problems. Peter witnessed his own attempted murder at Catherine’s hands and she also imprisoned all of his friends. On top of this, Peter is at a loose end playing First Husband to Catherine’s reign, so he busies himself with fathering, hunting and salty culinary ventures. But they’re not enough to keep him contented as visions of his late father, get in his head about his failures as Peter the Great’s son.
Episode 1
Catherine and Peter seek some marriage guidance after the chaotic events of the previous day left them in an awkward place in their relationship.
Episode 2
Catherine is visited by the UK and US Ambassadors both wanting her to intervene in the War of Independence. Maxim takes issue with the public displays of affection between Grigor and Marial.
Episode 3
Catherine involves the peasants, nobles and merchants in a conference designed to bring change to Russia. Peter’s hunt for revenge on an historic enemy threatens to destabilise Catherine’s attempt to outlaw murder.
Episode 4
Arkady and Tatyana help Peter and Catherine through a rough patch as they clash over their son Paul. Catherine fears Paul will grow up to be a ruthless and careless leader and Archie and Elizabeth are alarmed when Catherine refuses to ordain him.
Episode 5
Peter is once again tormented by his father, Peter the Great’s expectations and his failure to continue the legacy of his empire. Catherine must decide what to do about the unrest being stirred up in the regions, but Velementov is in no state to help her.
Episode 6
Catherine tries to persuade Peter to come home whilst Hugo re-doubles his attempts to regain his kingdom. Georgina continues to play her complicated court games.
Episode 7
Catherine wants to bring more fun to the court. With Georgina’s help she stages a festival of truth, jokes and stunningly clever ideas. Katya puts on a play that challenges Catherine’s reign, and Catherine samples Peter’s invention of salty desserts.
Episode 8
Catherine introduces divorce to the court with unforeseen consequences. Grigor befriends Maxim and goes stag hunting, and Elizabeth and Petrov go on a trip to the regions.
Episode 9
Under orders from Catherine, Grigor hides out in the forest with Paul. Catherine plays a dangerous game with herself to prove that her destiny lies in Russia, and grapples with the impact Peter’s decisions have on her rule.
Episode 10
Catherine meets court scientist Nikolai, who announces a comet is about to pass through Russia. She uses this phenomenon to her advantage and in the face of some huge challenges, unearths a new side of her leadership.