Ep 5. War and Vomit

The Great season 1 episode 5, "War and Vomit," takes viewers on a journey through the ups and downs of Catherine's reign as Empress of Russia. As tensions continue to rise between Russia and Sweden, Catherine struggles to keep her composure and make strategic decisions that will benefit her and her country.

One of the major plot points of this episode is the arrival of the Swedish delegation, led by Count Johan Oxenstierna. Catherine is forced to put on a façade of friendliness while secretly plotting against the Swedish, unsure of whether or not they can be trusted. As the Swedish delegation spends time at court, tensions continue to simmer, leading to a dramatic confrontation between Catherine and Oxenstierna.

Meanwhile, Catherine's relationship with Peter continues to be rocky, as he shows little interest in ruling and instead spends his time indulging in his vices. Catherine begins to realize that she may have to take drastic action if she wants to truly be in control of Russia.

As Catherine navigates the challenges of her reign, she is also plagued by personal demons. She deals with intense morning sickness and begins to question whether or not she is truly happy in her position as Empress. These struggles bring a human element to the show, making it clear that even powerful rulers have their own personal battles to fight.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning visual representations of court life in 18th century Russia. The costumes and set design are breathtaking, transporting viewers back in time and making them feel fully immersed in the world of the show. The music, too, adds to the atmosphere, with sweeping orchestral themes and dramatic choral arrangements heightening the tension and drama.

Overall, "War and Vomit" is a captivating episode of The Great that perfectly balances political intrigue with personal drama. Catherine's struggles as a ruler and a human being are front and center, making her a relatable and sympathetic character. The episode leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see what will happen next in Catherine's journey to becoming one of the most powerful women in history.