Ep 4. The Fourth Step

In the fourth episode of Marco Polo's first season, entitled "The Fourth Step," the story continues to unfold following Marco Polo's arrival in Kublai Khan's court. The episode opens with a flashback to the day that Marco's father, Niccolo Polo, first met Kublai Khan. Niccolo arrived in the Mongol court with gifts from the Pope, hoping to open up a trade relationship with the empire. The Khan was impressed with Niccolo's intelligence and quickly began asking him about the geography and culture of Europe.

Back in the present day, Marco is struggling to find his place in Kublai Khan's court. He's been given the task of training the Khan's prized falcon, but the bird is proving to be stubborn and uncooperative. When Marco fails to train the falcon to the Khan's satisfaction, he fears for his life, but the Khan is surprisingly forgiving. In fact, Kublai Khan seems to take a liking to Marco and invites him to join him on a hunting trip.

On the hunting trip, Marco is paired up with Ahmad, one of the Khan's trusted advisors. Ahmad seems friendly at first, but it soon becomes clear that he has ulterior motives. He tells Marco that he's been tasked with finding out what the young Venetian knows about the Khan's empire and warns him that he needs to be careful who he trusts.

Meanwhile, Kublai Khan's sons are plotting against their father. The eldest son, Jingim, is unhappy with the Khan's decision to name Marco Polo as his personal tutor. He feels that Marco isn't qualified for the job and worries that the foreigner is trying to win the Khan's favor. Jingim's brother, Kaidu, is also unhappy with the Khan's rule and is secretly plotting a rebellion.

As the episode progresses, tensions in the court continue to rise. Marco learns more about the Khan's empire and his place within it, while Ahmad's true motives are revealed. Finally, the episode ends with a tense scene in which Kublai Khan confronts his sons about their treachery.

Overall, "The Fourth Step" is a thrilling episode that sets up several major plotlines for the rest of the season. It's a testament to the show's excellent writing and strong performances that the viewer is completely hooked by the end of the episode. With its blend of political intrigue, action, and drama, Marco Polo is a must-see show for fans of historical epics.