A royal woman living in rural Russia during the 18th century is forced to choose between her own personal happiness and the future of Russia, when she marries an Emperor.
Transferred from juvenile to adult prison, Mel is taken under the wing of both Shepard, Australia's most despised criminal, and Warren, a soon-to-be-a-paroled inmate. The paternal triangle that forms between them becomes their undoing.
A 19 year old finds himself in debt to a local gangster when some gang loot disappears and sets him on the run from thugs. Meanwhile two street kids start a shopping spree when they find the missing money.
After his near-death experience, Peter is now open to Catherine's progressive ideas and wants to focus on an heir. Orlo tries to figure out who poisoned Peter and faces demons of his own.
Catherine is feeling optimistic, until a smallpox breakout causes Peter to revert back to his old ways. Meanwhile, Leo and Catherine's relationship suffers and Georgina misses Peter.
Catherine's political abilities are tested when she's given an opportunity to travel abroad. Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.
A body is discovered. Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial confides in Archie about Catherine's plans. Catherine has a life changing revelation.
Catherine moves forward with the coup. Marial betrays her by revealing a secret. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, no matter the sacrifices.
Four months after launching a coup against her husband, a pregnant Catherine gains the upper hand in her war against Peter. Being deeply in love with Catherine and their unborn child does little to dissuade her from taking his throne.
Catherine, Orlo, and Velementov begin their rule of Russia and unexpected obstacles soon appear. Peter is on a journey of self-improvement under house arrest but convinces Catherine to let him attend her coronation and hand over his crown.
Catherine's grief over the loss of Leo during the coup finally catches up with her. Peter's part in Leo's death, and the discovery that he just murdered a noble, causes Catherine to lock Peter in his apartment with his mummified mother.
Catherine is frustrated by the lack of meaningful change in her rule of Russia. Seeking to shake the court out of its complacency, she plays a joke on them involving a serf to prove a point.
