Ekaterina II: The Rise of Catherine The Great

Ekaterina II receives word about two imposters: one a princess from Paris, who claims to be the granddaughter of Peter the Great, and the other, an experienced Cossack warrior who claims to be a descendant of the Romanov's. Pavel Petrovich secretly begins to write a new constitution for Russia, hidden as a play script. In light of recent events, the grand council convenes to discuss a response.

Ekaterina II meets with the grand council to discuss their next move. Princess Tarakanova is on the move with the help of her new Polish friends and the French crown. Pavel Petrovich and Natalia Alexeievna visit the old mansion of Peter III. Potemkin prepares for his expedition in the south. Alexey Orlov asks to return to his duties.

Ekaterina digs deeper into Princess Tarakanova's history with the help of some old friends. Princess Tarakanova raises the morale of her new friends and protectors. PAvel Pterovich finda an unexpected confidante in Ekaterina Nelidova. Natalia Alexeievna sets a plan into motion, one that would allow Sofia Stepanovna to see her son.

Ekaterina Nelidova graduates, and Ekaterina II makes her Natalia Alexeievna's maid of honor. Nikita Panin recalls fond memories of Lyosha when a letter arrives. When Pavel Petrovich receives word of Natalia Alexeievna's plan, he struggles to join the cause.

After learning of Pavel Petrovich's secret constitution, Nikita Panin shares his secret manifesto. While planning her next move, Princess Tarakanova plays a dangerous game to score some cash. Andrey Razumovsky finds trouble with his friend's fiancé.

Ekaterina II and Girgory Potemkin arrive in the south and meet two unruly, but interesting officers. Andrey Razumovsky readies for a duel that will mean life or death. Shuvalov, the old lover of Elizaveta Petrovna, arrives to help Princess Tarakanova. Nikita Panin makes a case for his brother's return to the corps.

Monsieur Lefebvre confronts Princess Tarakanova about her meeting with Shuvalov. When Ekaterina II receives a portrait of Princess Tarakanova, she finds it hard to see a resemblance with Elizaveta Petrovna. Later, Ekaterina II visits an old acquaintance.

Nikita Panin receives a letter from Princess Tarakanova, increasing Ekaterina II's suspicions. Pavel Petrovich searches for a portrait of Peter III's imposter by going incognito. The rebellion is on the move to Kazan.

Natalia Alexeievna's next plan moves into motion, as Andrey Razumovsky hands off a correspondence meant for King Louis of France. Alexey Orlov and Ekaterina II become closer. Princess Tarakanova and her allies are ambushed by Stepan Ivanovich's assassins. Pavel Petrovich shares his vision for the country with Natalia Alexeievna.

Ekaterina II confronts Nikita Panin about his secret dealings, but keeps him close in the nation's moment of need. Generals Potemkin and Vasilievich devise a strategy to defeat the Ottoman Empire and make peace. Andrey Razumovsky is arrested for his affair, but is spared under dangerous conditions.

Andrey Razumovsky and Alexey Orlov set out for their trip to Naples. Grigory Potemkin returns from the front, but is met with Ekaterina II's cold shoulder. Princess Tarakanova and her allies arrive in Naples.

Ekaterina II separates the Panin brothers in an attempt to test their loyalty in the coming days. The rebellion begins to have trouble within. In Naples, Andrey Razumonsky attempts to seduce Princess Tarakanova.

Nikita Panin arrives on the front to settle negotiations with the Ottoman Empire. The rebellion is taken under new leadership, but how long can they last without "Peter III's" influence? A night of dancing in Naples unfolds many secrets.

Alexey Orlov is in critical condition, but is saved by an unlikely ally. The rebellion turns against Peter III's imposter when he returns to reclaim power. Princess Tarakanova parts ways with her polish friends, deciding to stay with Alexey Orlov.

When Peter III's imposter arrives in shackles to Moscow, Ekaterina II and Pavel Petrovich pay him a visit. Alexey Orlov and Princess Tarakanova are married on the ship on their way to St. Petersburg.

Princess Tarakanova is throw into prison as Alexey Orlov pleads for her freedom. Nikita Panin prepared for retirement, but ends up disappointed when some plans fall through. As she emerges victorious, Ekaterina II looks toward the future of the empire.