Summary
“Choose Your Weapon” is more of the same from The Great. The series is consistently funny and well-written, weaving convoluted plots that feel Blackadder-esque in their delivery.
“Choose Your Weapon” finds Catherine the Great (Elle Fanning) at a political advantage, as both the British and the Americans fight for Russia’s support in the War of Independence.
While Catherine plays both sides of this war, Peter (Nicholas Hoult) struggles to deal with his wife’s new assertive and cutthroat attitude. The couple’s main argument is over the legitimacy of a duel between Maxim (Henry Meredith) and Grigor (Gwilym Lee).
The Great Season 3 Episode 2 Recap
What do the Brits want from Catherine?
British Ambassador Johnny Quirkton meets with Catherine at her palace. The British asked for 10 thousand soldiers to help end the American Revolutionary War once and for all. In return, they offer Catherine the island of Menorca. A deal she is happy to consider.
Next, Catherine is visited by the American Ambassador, Mr. Glover, who wants to forge a new alliance with the nation. Glover asks for loans and weapons yet offers nothing much in return.
Marial barges into this meeting angered that she is being punished when Peter is not. She is dragged out of the building by Catherine’s guards, though.
Catherine discusses the political standoff with Archie and Velementov. They both agree that Russia should side with Britain. However, Catherine is inspired by Glover’s confidence and beliefs. She finds the idea of building a country from the ground up to be very exciting.
Why does Maxim challenge Grigor to a duel?
Marial’s eleven-year-old husband, Maxim, is growing tired of Grigor, who is sleeping with his wife. Feeling dishonored, Maxim challenges Grigor to a duel. Grigor accepts, but Marial pleads with them both not to go through with this battle to the death.
Meanwhile, Catherine worries that Orlo has left for good. She is, of course, unaware that she was the one who actually killed him and then left the bears to eat his corpse. Catherine speaks with Katya, who is also concerned by Orlo’s disappearance.
Both Maxim and Grigor prepare for their duel. Peter is extremely excited about the occasion, but Catherine informs him that she has banned the event. Peter argues with his wife, believing this to be a huge mistake. She asks him if he killed Orlo. Peter responds by saying that if he had killed Orlo, he would not shut up about it.
Catherine invites both ambassadors to a meal that night. Glover flirts with Catherine, while Peter is demoted to sitting with the other wives. The two ambassadors vie for Catherine’s attention, but Glover clearly has the upper hand.
Peter grows jealous of Glover’s flirtatious ways and provokes Catherine, bringing up the duel again. Catherine insists that the duel has been banned, but Peter won’t let it go. Outside, Catherine orders Peter to stop undermining her; she has a strategy she’s working on. Peter worries she’ll mess it up, though.
During the meal, Agnes flirts with Velementov, and Glover riles Johnny up with talk of changing the spelling of certain English words. Afterward, Catherine asks Glover if the Americans can win the war. Glover thinks the Brits will surrender in 8 weeks.
How does Grigor get out of the duel?
Grigor tries to talk Maxim out of the duel. He tells the boy that affairs are awful, but he must find peace with them. Maxim refuses to change his mind, though. Arkady suggests Grigor uses a stand-in to take his place.
The following day, crowds gather for the duel. Grigor uses a stand-in, and Maxim ends victoriously. Although, this victory achieves very little other than bragging rights.
The Great Season 3 Episode 2 Ending Explained
Catherine puts the final pieces of her plan into place. She lies to Johnny, stating that her troops will be in America in 9 weeks’ time. She then alters the deal in her favor.
Johnny eagerly signs the paperwork regardless. Then, Catherine meets with Glover. She agrees to send them the money and the supplies, adding that the Brits’ troops will arrive a little too late.
How does Catherine get revenge on Peter?
In retaliation for Peter going through with the duel and for the incidents involving her mother, Catherine sleeps with Glover. She tells Peter the truth only moments later. Peter is enraged by Catherine’s actions. He chases after Glover, and the two men fight outside the palace.
What did you think of The Great Season 3 Episode 2? Comment below.
I liked it very much, as I have the whole show so far. I very much like the character, Mr. Glover, the American Ambassador. The fight between Glover and Peter is pretty funny, Catherine is witty and getting a bit testy about her husband not listening to her ideas. In other words, he is acting like a typical man towards a woman. I am a bit frustrated with the listing of the cast members in this episode. I have been unable to find the name of the actor who plays Mr. Glover. He reminds me of Tom Pelphrey. I have been unable to find a listing of even just the character. Does anyone know the answer to this ?
The American Ambassador is played by Ed Stoppard.
American Ambassador Glover was played by Ed Stoppard.