Traces the remarkable history of Catherine the Great's influential art collection and creation of the Hermitage, discussing how her cultural goals were part of a long-term plan to modernize and westernize Russia.

The Final Season revolves around more court machinations, complicated relationships, and coup attempts. Catherine is still in charge, meeting with peasants and nobles to get input on her quest to modernize Russia. She's working on bonding with Peter and their young son Paul. Meanwhile, the sidelined Peter tries his hand at "First Husband" duties like hunting and inventing new cuisines but soon finds himself bored with his lack of power.