Ep 1. Episode 1

In The Last Czars season 1 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," viewers are introduced to the Romanov family and the political climate of Russia in the early 20th century. The episode begins with the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II in 1896 and quickly jumps ahead to 1905, a pivotal year for Russia.

The Tsar and his family are shown to be out of touch with the plight of their citizens, as unrest grows and strikes erupt across the country. The Tsarina Alexandra, a German princess, is portrayed as particularly unpopular, and viewers are given a glimpse into her strange fascination with the mystic Grigori Rasputin.

Meanwhile, a young revolutionary named Lenin has returned to Russia, determined to overthrow the Tsar and establish a socialist state. His efforts are hampered by the Tsar's secret police, who routinely brutalize and torture suspected revolutionaries.

As tensions rise, the Tsar decides to hold off on constitutional reforms and instead orders troops to fire on a peaceful protest in St. Petersburg, leading to the infamous Bloody Sunday massacre. The resulting outrage only serves to fuel the revolutionary fervor sweeping the country.

The episode also touches on the Romanov family's personal lives, including the birth of their son and heir, Alexis, who suffers from hemophilia. Alexandra becomes increasingly desperate to find a cure for her son's condition, leading her to put her faith in Rasputin's supposed healing powers.

Overall, "Episode 1" sets the stage for the tumultuous years to come, as the Romanovs struggle to maintain their grip on power in the face of mounting opposition and social upheaval.