War and Peace

Russia declares war on the French army and three young people's lives are about to change.

Andrei and Nikolai have survived their first encounter with the French, but a terrible new battle looms as the Russian commanders risk stepping into Napoleon's trap. At home in St Petersburg, Pierre wants to put his vast inheritance to good use, but Vassily and Helene are laying a trap of their own for him. Meanwhile, Natasha and Sonya are desperate for news from the front line.

Pierre fights a duel that sends his life in a surprising new direction. Still reeling from news of Andrei's reported death, another challenge faces Marya when her sister-in-law Lise goes into labour. Meanwhile, at the Rostov house in Moscow, Natasha and Sonya receive unexpected marriage proposals and Nikolai makes a mistake with disastrous consequences for his family.

After the shock of recent events, Andrei shuts himself away in the countryside until a visit from Pierre and a chance encounter with a stranger make him wonder if his life could still change for the better. Natasha is excited at the prospect of her first grand ball, but worries that no-one will invite her to dance. Still unable to find happiness, Pierre tries to build bridges with Helene.

After months of waiting, Natasha is frustrated to learn that her wedding to Andrei may be delayed still further. She tries to make a good impression on her new father and sister-in-law, but instead finds herself facing a new temptation in Moscow.

Napoleon invades Russia and preparations begin for another great battle against him. As the French army marches east, Marya is terrified to find her family in danger. Andrei cannot forgive Natasha, and vows to take revenge on his rival. Meanwhile Natasha falls ill and Pierre tries to take care of her, before making a decision that will change his life forever.

At the Battle of Borodino, Pierre and Andrei fight on the front line of Russia's greatest struggle against Napoleon. As even Moscow comes under threat from the French army, Natasha and the Rostovs realise they must hurry to pack up the family home and flee the city.

Pierre is held prisoner by the French and faces a new ordeal as the relentless Russian winter sets in. In the shadow of tragedy, Natasha struggles to see a way forward, while Helene grapples with an awkward dilemma of her own. As the war rages on between the Russians and the French, will our Russian heroes ever find peace again?