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Episode 1: War and Peace

The Scottish generals Macbeth and Banquo have won a victory over their enemy Norway. On their return journey, they encounter several mysterious figures, witches making prophesies about their future: they claim that Macbeth, who is already the ruler (thane) over the town of Glamis, shall soon rule over Cawdor too, and ultimately become king of all of Scotland; Banquo, on the other hand, they call a “father of kings”. Astonished, the two commanders remain behind alone, when messengers arrive, telling them that King Duncan has transferred the rule over Cawdor to Macbeth, since the thane of Cawdor has been executed on account of treason. The first prophecy has come true.

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Episode 2: Long Live the King!

Lady Macbeth learns of these events through a letter from her husband, announcing the imminent arrival of the King. When Macbeth arrives shortly thereafter, his wife spurs him to murder King Duncan in order to seize power, as it was foretold. During the night, Macbeth sneaks into Duncan’s bedroom and stabs him. He places the murder weapon in a sleeping servant’s hand and destroys the evidence. Amidst the general shock at the King’s death, Duncan’s son Malcolm is suspected of of having ordered his father’s murder. Only Macduff is on Malcolm’s side, who finds himself forced to flee to England.

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Episode 3: The Empty Chair

Macbeth is now King of Scotland. Worried that the prophecy calling Banquo the “father of kings” might come true, Macbeth gives orders to have Banquo and his son murdered as well. His wife encourages this plan. While Banquo, however, falls victim to the killers, his son Fleance manages to escape.

Macbeth receives the news of Banquo’s death when he is about to host a sumptuous banquet. To his guests, he pretends ignorance as to Banquo’s absence. However, at the moment he approaches Banquo’s empty seat, disturbing visions appear to him. Lady Macbeth tries to assuage the guests, but her husband’s hallucinations get out of hand. The disturbed crowd withdraws and the banquet ends early.

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Episode 4: Blood Seeds

Macbeth seeks answers from the witches. They offer him new prophecies about his reign. Now believing himself untouchable and all-powerful, Macbeth, along with his wife, decides to target his rival Macduff and kill his entire family.

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Episode 5: Checkmate

Suffering under the reign of terror, the people lament their oppression while Macduff weeps for his murdered family. Malcolm joins him, having returned from his exile and there convinced the English to be his allies. They all join forces in order to end Macbeth’s rule of terror. Lady Macbeth is tormented by her conscience because of the bloody deeds she and her husband have committed. She succumbs to madness and dies. Macbeth is prostrated by the news of his wife’s death. Suddenly, the alarm sounds, and word comes that the palace is under attack. Macbeth throws himself into battle, where he encounters Macduff. The latter proceeds to kill Macbeth. The alliance against the despot has prevailed, and Malcolm is crowned King.