Ep 3. Episode 3

Catherine the Great season 1 episode 3 follows the story of Catherine's growing power as she navigates the political landscape of Russia. The episode begins with Catherine dealing with the aftermath of the assassination attempt on her life. She is confronted by the Chief of Security, who urges her to consider harsh measures to protect herself. Catherine disagrees, not wanting to become a paranoid ruler who mistrusts her own people.

Meanwhile, Grigory Orlov, the man who led the coup that brought Catherine to power, is growing increasingly arrogant and difficult to control. He antagonizes Catherine's advisors and creates tension within her court. Catherine realizes that she needs to take action to rein in Orlov's power, but she is hesitant to act against someone who has been so loyal to her.

The episode also features a subplot involving Catherine's lover, Count Potemkin. Potemkin has been tasked with overseeing the construction of a new palace for Catherine, but he is struggling to balance the needs of the project with his own personal ambitions. His relationship with Catherine is also strained, as she begins to suspect that he is keeping secrets from her.

Throughout the episode, Catherine struggles to balance her desire for power and success with her own sense of morality and compassion. She makes difficult decisions and faces tough challenges, all while trying to hold onto her vision for a better, more enlightened Russia.

Overall, Catherine the Great season 1 episode 3 is a tense and thought-provoking installment that offers insight into the complex world of politics and power. The show's strong writing and engaging performances continue to impress, making it a must-watch for fans of historical drama.