Summary
The Great episode 4, “Moscow Mule” shows Catherine’s influence growing in a bonkers episode that reveals Peter’s incompetence.
This recap of Hulu series The Great Season 1 Episode 4, “Moscow Mule” contains significant spoilers.
How does The Great episode 4, “Moscow Mule” start?
There is bad news! The Archbishop tells Peter that the Patriarch of the Church is dead; once again Peter gets all emotional, discussing his relationship with the Patriarch and memories with his mother. Meanwhile, Catherine is enjoying her time with Leo with plenty of sex — after, she meets up with Orlo and Marial for her daily coup meeting. Marial states that they need to influence the choice of the new Patriarch so they have control of the church. Catherine is also told that a rumour has started about her that she arrived not a virgin and has f***ed a horse — she needs to get rid of the rumour and get her popularity back. More challenges for Catherine in The Great episode 4, “Moscow Mule”.
Peter has no idea what he is doing.
Catherine does suggest picking the Patriarch herself but predictably, Peter says no — we have to assume at this point his disrespect will remain static. Catherine’s attempt to talk to Lady Svenska is cut short as she clearly despises her.
As usual, Peter is unsure of his responsibilities and does not want to pick a new Patriarch. He interviews the bishops anyway, leading to a funny scene where one of them claims Peter is the devil and he sets himself on fire. Orlo keeps on persistently recommending one of the bishops.
Feelings are afoot.
Peter reveals to Leo that he was released but Catherine wanted to keep him — there’s clearly feelings between them. Leo drinks the night away with Peter and Catherine sees and looks concerned. The next day, Catherine asks Leo how can she believe that he is true to her if the’s good at pretending; she doesn’t want to be heartbroken. We have a breakthrough in The Great episode 4, “Moscow Mule” — Leo admits to falling for her.
In terms of progress of bringing the women on her side, Svenska invites Catherine to a tea party — they ask her about Leo her love but she decides to keep it quiet. During a dance, the women keep “accidentally” hitting Catherine until her nose is bloody. Svenska tells Catherine that she should not try to take her ladies from her again, “horse f***er”. Catherine is clearly upset and Leo comforts her as she sobs. Catherine tells Leo that she cannot let him go.
Peter delegates responsibility.
The Great episode 4, “Moscow Mule” shows Peter’s incompetence again. Orlo tries to convince the Archbishop to pick the bishop that he recommends. Peter instead asks the Archbishop to look for a vision to choose the next Patriarch, The Archbishop heads out into the woods and tries to seek a vision — Catherine approaches him and tells him he should be the Patriarch; he mistakes Catherine for an angel so takes it seriously. The Archbishop is ecstatic and tells Peter he should be the Patriarch of the Church and Peter agrees.
How does The Great episode 5, “Moscow Mule” start?
Catherine throws one more roll of the dice to gain the respect of the women — she’s realized she cannot be friends with them so she tries a new approach. While speaking to the women and asking what help they need, Marial calls Svenska a whore, and Catherine stands up and slaps her — the respect is gained instantly, though it was obviously planned. Orlo tells Catherine that picking the Archbishop is a bad idea.
The Great episode 4, “Moscow Mule” shows Catherine’s influence growing in a bonkers episode that reveals Peter’s incompetence.
