S1, E2: Now in her forties, Elizabeth makes one final fling for marriage – this time to the French Duke of Anjou, who is less than half her age. Meanwhile, Mary Queen of Scots – currently held captive in England – appears to be building allies across Catholic Europe. But Elizabeth’s spymaster Francis Walsingham needs proof. After years of surveillance, he ensnares Mary in an elaborate sting to ensure she can be charged with plotting to assassinate the Queen. The trial sparks an international crisis. Elizabeth’s advisors urge her to sign the death warrant, but she is all too aware of the terrible consequences. If Mary is executed, the Spanish are ready to exact bloody revenge by unleashing a massive Armada against England. As her reign continues, the Earl of Essex, the step-son of the late Robert Dudley becomes the ageing Elizabeth’s favourite. Charismatic and volatile, Essex is a national legend. Elizabeth, meanwhile, is largely ignored by the public, her finest days forgotten. As a new generation of power-hungry politicians fight for influence at court, she is haunted by memories – and turns increasingly to Essex for friendship. When her oldest ally Lord Burghley falls ill, Elizabeth’s judgement starts to desert her. She allows Essex to pursue an unnecessary war overseas. It is the first step on a trail that can only lead to tragedy.