Ep 1. Episode 1

Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great is a historical drama series that chronicles the journey of Catherine the Great, who went on to become one of the most powerful and well-known empresses in the history of Russia. Episode 1 of season 1 begins with a young German princess, Sophie, who is set to marry Prince Peter of Russia at the age of 15.

Sophie is a smart and ambitious girl who dreams of a life of power, wealth, and respect. She is excited about moving to Russia and starting a new chapter in her life, but she soon realizes that her husband-to-be, Prince Peter, is not the ideal partner she had hoped for. He is rude, unkind, and uncaring towards her, and she soon realizes that her life is going to be a lot more challenging than she had anticipated.

However, Sophie refuses to give up her dreams of power and respect. She realizes that the key to her success in Russia lies in winning the heart of the Empress Elizabeth, Peter's aunt, who rules Russia with an iron fist. Sophie decides to take on the challenge and starts learning the Russian language and customs to impress the Empress.

As Sophie navigates the dangerous waters of the Russian court, she gets a chance to witness the cruelty and corruption that exists at the highest levels of power. She realizes that she cannot trust anyone and starts plotting her own rise to power. With the help of her loyal lady-in-waiting, Marial, Sophie starts carving a path to the throne.

Episode 1 of Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great sets the tone for the series, introducing us to the complex world of Russian politics and power. The show's attention to historical detail and its elegant cinematography bring the world of 18th-century Russia to life, with costumes and sets that transport us to a different era.

Overall, episode 1 is a promising start to a captivating series that tells the story of one of the most fascinating women in history. Sophie's journey from a naive princess to a powerful empress is an inspiring tale of strength, ambition, and perseverance. Whether you are a history buff or a fan of drama, Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great is a show that should not be missed.