Ep 3. The Duel

Catherine the Great season 1 episode 3 titled "The Duel" explores the strained relationship between Catherine and her husband, Emperor Peter III. The episode begins with Catherine facing criticism and ridicule from the Russian court for being a foreigner. As she tries to win over the nobles, she receives a challenge to a duel from one of Peter's supporters.

Catherine, who has always been peaceful, is caught off guard by the challenge and turns to Count Orlov for help. Orlov, who is also her lover, advises her to accept the duel but choose a champion to fight on her behalf. Catherine chooses Orlov himself as her champion, leading to tensions between them.

Meanwhile, Peter's behavior becomes increasingly erratic as he struggles to deal with his insecurities and his sense of being overshadowed by Catherine's popularity. He becomes increasingly paranoid that Catherine is conspiring against him and orders his guards to keep a close eye on her.

As the duel approaches, tension builds between Peter and Catherine, and it becomes clear that one of them will be forced to make a difficult decision. The outcome of the duel will have significant consequences for their marriage and for Catherine's future as a leader.

The episode also delves into the complex political landscape of 18th century Russia, highlighting the challenges faced by women in positions of power and the deep-seated prejudices against foreigners. Through the character of Catherine, the show offers a nuanced portrayal of a woman who must navigate a highly patriarchal society to achieve her goals.

Overall, "The Duel" is a captivating episode that combines political intrigue, personal drama, and themes of gender and power in a compelling way. The tensions between Catherine and Peter create a sense of unease that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, while the historical context adds depth and complexity to the story.