2. A Fake Beard -

: 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.

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 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 : Catherine attempts to seduce and then persuade