2. A Fake: Beard

Following her discovery of the Empress's portrait and the realization of Peter's incompetence, Catherine begins her quest for power by attempting to organize a coup. Her primary focus is recruiting , a neurotic intellectual, to her cause. Key Plot Points

: Marial, a former noblewoman turned servant, continues to mentor Catherine in the brutal and eccentric politics of the Russian court. 2. A Fake Beard

: The episode further establishes Peter's volatile nature, including his obsession with "beard taxes" and his bizarre methods of maintaining control over his nobles. Production Details Director : Colin Bucksey Writer : Tony McNamara Runtime : 53 minutes Following her discovery of the Empress's portrait and

: Peter forces his religious advisor, Archie, to find a "divine sign" to justify a war, highlighting the tension between the church and Peter's whims. : The episode further establishes Peter's volatile nature,

: Catherine attempts to seduce and then persuade Orlo to help her overthrow Peter. After initial resistance and a failed attempt to flee, Orlo joins her when he realizes she offers a path to an enlightened Russia.