As the minister beseeched God to drill sense into the new Empress, Elisabeth walks down the aisle. She is seen as a huge beacon of hope for the people in Austria’s difficult circumstances. She is received with boisterous applause and overwhelming love. Only time will tell if this affection can sustain. Her popularity almost causes a stampede, with people gushing to catch a glimpse of her.
Franz and Elisabeth are in love and have just married. Countess Louise is Elisabeth’s ex-boyfriend and she is called by Max to his chambers to celebrate the wedding. Amalia is still on Leontine’s case. She is desperate for answers about her mysterious background and unsettling demeanor. The Foreign Minister brings bad news to Sophie. He reports that the Russians have amassed large numbers at Austria’s Eastern fronts. A clear sign of insult to the Empire.
The newlyweds finally emerge to light up the court. And the festivities begin. First up is a court dance in their honor. Sophie and Max discuss Elisabeth’s reception by the people, which was quite unexpected. They clamored in joy for her, something that Sophie didn’t want; Austria didn’t want, in fact. She wanted the bride to bring a certain sense of calmness and quell fears of war. As the intense and marvelously put-together dance takes place, we see Louise and Elisabeth sharing a stare.
Franz is called away by Sophie for the border incursions. Elisabeth, even in his absence, boldly requests Esterhazy to allow Helene to head her court. This is acerbically out of tradition and isn’t looked upon with sympathy. The Chief Court Mistress is “distressed” but will take the request to Sophie. Both French and Russian ambassadors are in attendance and Franz must decide whose side to take. Sophie advises that they mustn’t give in to the Russians’ pressure.
The Minister reminds Franz of his duty to the border people – Romanians – and Sophie joins in by saying they should reinforce the Eastern borders. The Emperor defers the decision to later that night. He confronts Max about Louise but allows her to stay. He asks Theo to keep a close watch. Franz realizes it might have been a mistake to invite Max back to Vienna. Louise tries to fish for information about Franz’s plan but Theo isn’t forthcoming.
Sophie has been growing restless in the city. Liberal propaganda is gaining strength and being circulated virulently. She spots Prince Vasa nearby and almost fails to respond to Esterhazy, who reports the Empress’ request. Sophie says she will handle it and also asks Kempen to make as many arrests as he wants.
Elisabeth and her mother’s cold war seems to be going on steadily. Ludovika and Karl too have engaged in one. The Empress asks to be left alone to meet the Countess but Amalia intervenes.
Louise cleverly causes a distraction by saying “Liszt is here now,” which Leontine approves of. Not playing by the rules is a quality she likes to see in the royal crown. Louise and Elisabeth have a showdown. The Countess calls herself “the entertainment” . The Empress warns her of any more impeachments in her marriage. Louise warns Elisabeth of spies everywhere in the palace and takes her leave. Franz meets with businessmen for loans. He follows up on Stephenson’s request for funds but the businessmen are more interested in investing in troops. Elisabeth intervenes but Franz asks her to wait. ..
The businessmen decide not to comply with Franz’s request and his plan is now in dire straits. Max meets with the French ambassador but does not propose as Franz had asked him to. He instead winds him up, saying staying neutral is Franz’s way of ensuring Austria holds sway over Europe as France and Russia tear each other apart. Prince Vasa and Sophie have a secret meeting. They profess their love for each other. The Prince asks Sophie to come with him, as the palace now has a new Empress. But Sophie instantly rejects the idea. Although she isn’t able to say it, Vasa puts it aptly; her true love is with the palace. But he warns her that there can only be one Empress.
Elisabeth walks outside to catch some air and finds her father in the pool. He’s drunk and she reprimands him. Among other things, she asks him to be happy for her. But the truth saddens her. She asks both of them - mother and father - to leave the palace in the morning. Vasa and Fran have a chance meeting in the hallway. The former reveals intimate details about the latter’s childhood, befuddling him. The Interior Minister apprises Franz of a waiting Baron Sina for him. Sina Jr. greets Franz and says he makes the decisions where their bank invests money. He agrees with Franz that the industrial revolution must come to Habsburg now. ..
Sina is concerned that the Crown spends carelessly. Franz offers his word but he says that someone else has made sure that is not necessary. Countess Louise, who is Sina’s partner, has already made those assurances. Sophie stumbles upon the news that they have got the loan. Franz asks the FM to say he allies with no one and that he will build the railways first. Sophie is incredulous but the Emperor has made his decision. With Elisabeth nowhere to be found, Franz chats up Helene. Sophie advises Elisabeth to trust carefully and pose her faith only in those whom her instincts tell her to.
She also says she will arrange for Helene to stay with a cousin in Bohemia. Elisabeth agrees and proceeds to the first dance with Franz. Helene is heartbroken when the news is broken to her. There is some semblance of tension between Franz and Elisabeth. As the classic operas blare inside and the newlyweds dance gracefully, outside, the riots grow more severe. Esterhazy strictly asks Elisabeth to wear a gown for the “consummation” on the wedding night. Another tradition she dreads but has to go ahead with it. Franz comes clean about Louise. Elisabeth is insecure about people perceiving her as being silly.
Sophie and Elisabeth are married in a small ceremony at the palace. Franz is present and comforted Sophie. They express their love for each other and commit themselves to each other. It is implied that they may have had previous sexual relationships. Lastly, Elisabeth rids herself of the stupid dress and consummates her marriage with Franz by making love.
It is a small but bold and significant act of defiance that shows her true rebellious and stubborn character. Max mulls what the French ambassador says to him; maybe Hadsburg needs a new Head of State, as he sits on the Emperor’s throne while the court is empty.
The Episode Review
Netflix has released a new show dubbed in Hindi, called “The Wedding.” This show is strikingly similar to “The Crown” and is well worth watching. I can’t wait to see what the rest of India thinks of it.
In episode 3 of “The Empress,” the Empress resists any over-the-top drama that has become synonymous with modern-day period pieces. It goes about its business with a unique mix of grace and simplicity that is difficult to find.
The show’s ability to evoke a sense of warmth and comfort is what makes it so endearing. The makers’ confidence to avoid any kind of haste in representing Franz and Elisabeth’s blossoming love is evident. This is perhaps the first historical show where the depiction does not feel hollow or merely representative. The comfort level is instantly enchanting. As a result, we see and feel a tangible set of emotions as it ebbs and flows.
The Empress is a television series that is produced by a small, budget-restricted production company. Despite this, the series features excellent values and an immersive experience. Every episode must be enjoyed for its quality alone.
The first season of “The Empress” has been largely focused on exploring the show’s characters and setting up the story. However, there are still many secrets and mysteries left to be revealed. ..
