Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great

It is the sixth year since Ekaterina ascended the throne. Conditions are harsh, with all of Russia in danger of famine. The Orlov brothers make a reconnaissance to the border, where Turkish forces have raided and pillaged. Ekaterina gathers her counsel, looking for ways to respond against the Turks. The Empress prepares to marry her beloved Grigory upon his return, but some do not approve.

Ivan Ivanovich arrives, taking up a position in Ekaterina's court. The Empress assigns a difficult task: to paint a portrait of her younger son, Alexey. Pavel Petrovich and Semyon Andreevich visit the summer palace, where Pavel learns more about his father. Lieutenant Potemkin continues his new post, as Ekaterina continues to keep her eyes on him.

Grigory denies the significance of his illness. The Turkish ambassador arrives, bearing many gifts for the Empress. She denies them, sending a message to Sultan Mustafa. Alexey Orlov pleads with the Empress to accept a rare breed of horse from the Turks but later attains it by his own means. Count Panin deals with the Turkish ambassador in the shadows.

A brilliant party ensues the palace and the nobles dance merrily amongst themselves. Anna Petrovna storms in, bringing along with her a deadly black small pox disease. Luckily, no one else is infected, but the fate of Anna is uncertain. Count Panin falls deeper into his gambling vice. Ekaterina's younger son arrives at the palace, but disappoints her. Pavel and Alexey become friends.

Alexey becomes more acquainted with Pavel and his friends. The Holy Synod attempts to put pressure on Ekaterina's decision to marry Grigory Orlov. Count Panin continues to reason for Pavel's sole right as the heir of the throne. The Russian ambassador arrives in Constantinople, but is clearly unwelcome. Ekaterina gives a difficult task to Sofya.

Ekaterina visits Anton Ulrich, who she has imprisoned for many years with his children. Pavel is furious with the Empress, but Sofya turns his focus. On the way back to St. Petersburg, the company stops by Saltykov's farming lands to check in on the production of vegetables. Little do they know, the serfs there are mistreated. A grand decision is made on the behalf of Nikita Ivanovich.

Information about Count Orlov's sickness is revealed. Ekaterina becomes uneasy with the news and begins to second guess a marriage to Grigory. Although Sofya attempts to curb the passion of Pavel, she successfully became pregnant. Ekaterina is pleased and prepares to find a bride for Pavel, as well as begins plans to build a monument in honor of Peter the Great.

Alexey Orlov is appointed the commander of Russian forces in the growing war against the Ottoman Empire. The Orlov brothers ambush Lieutenant Potemkin. Ekaterina's love for Girgory withers along with his health. Sofya is dismissed, Pavel becomes furious. Ekaterina is recognized as "Ekaterina the Great" for the first time.

Rumors of false heirs to the throne stir chaos. A reburial of Pavel's father is planned, but later cancelled. Pavel is once again furious with the Empress, but takes it farther. The Russian Navy faces impossible odds in a large battle at sea. Who will be victorious?

Ekaterina makes arrangements for Grigory's leaving of the palace. She confesses her love for Lieutenant Potemkin, urging him to come back form the battlefront. Three princesses from Denmark make their way to St. Petersburg. Pavel makes acquaintance with them, but Ekaterina has the final say.

A few years have passed. Pavel's new wife turns out to be unfaithful. Girgory Orlov goes mad. Ekaterina finds a German bride for Pavel. Discouraged by his late lover, Pavel does not expect to fall for the new princess. However, they fall for one another, get married, and have a child. Ekaterina takes the child, but later realizes her wrongdoing. Peter the Great's monument is finally complete.