Welcome to Legacy for the fourth and final part of our series on Mikhail Gorbachev.

A man still fondly regarded in the West, rather less so back in the old Soviet Union.

When we left you at the end of episode three, the Berlin Wall has collapsed,

and Gorbachev is under increasing fire from his critics on both sides.

Those who think his reforms are going too far,

and those who think they're not going far enough.

Only six years into his reign, it's the hardline communists who try and strike the decisive blow.

August the 18th, 1991, Villa Zarya, Foros, Crimea.

With the phone craveled to his ear, Mikhail Gorbachev looks out onto the gently lapping waters

of the Black Sea. On the other end, his vice president, Genade Yanayev, confirms the plan for

Gorbachev's return from vacation. Tomorrow, I'll greet you off the plane myself, Mikhail. For two

weeks, Gorbachev and his family have been holidaying in the sun. Each day he swims in the sea,

reads and spends time with his grandchildren. But today he has work to do. Later, Gorbachev

hears a knock at the door. His bodyguard appears, eyes darting about the room anxiously.

Sir, a group of men has arrived. He moves towards the phone on his desk. General Khrushkov and

Defence Minister Yazov are with them.

Gorbachev feels a prickle of alarm. He's not expecting anyone, especially not a general.

He watches the blood drained from his bodyguard's face as he holds up the receiver.

The phone lines have been cut. Gorbachev bolts from his study and gathers his family.

Something is happening, perhaps something terrible, he says.

And then he adds gravely.

It may end badly for all of us.

...