Marie Antoinette – Season 1 Episode 3 Recap & Review

Pick a Princess

Episode 3 of Marie Antoinette begins with Antoinette falling into a river as a consequence of Louis and Provence’s fight. She does, however, make it into the boat. The royals go on holiday to Fontainebleau to unwind and enjoy themselves. The King informs them that this year’s holiday theme is Merry England.

The diplomat visits Antoinette once she has settled into her room. The diplomat informs her that the room next to hers, Louis’ room, has not yet been ready, posing a problem for her. He informs her that the royals have been looking for a wife for Province, and Antoinette needs to give birth to a son before he does, so she can be the one to give birth to the future heir to the throne. The diplomat informs her of this new development and encourages her to have her husband move to her room. The dauphine informs the diplomat that she will discuss the matter with the King.

Provence is considering marrying the Spanish princess and has discussed it with the King’s daughters. They persuade him, however, to marry the princess of the House of Savoy. He is initially hesitant, but when the princess persuades him that Josephine was originally chosen to be Louis’ wife, he immediately jumps on board.

During dinner, the countess announces that they have chosen the Spanish princess to be Provences’ future wife. Provence then interrupts to announce that he has chosen Josephine as his wife. The King orders him to take a seat. When Provence continues to insist, the King tells him to seek permission from Louis. Antoinette appears to be hurt because she only recently discovered that another girl was supposed to be her husband’s wife.

In Vienna, the new French ambassador pays a visit to Antoinette’s mother. Through the ambassador, Antoinette’s mother appears to be pressuring the King of France to assist Austria in its invasion of Poland.

When the King is about to visit Antoinette, Lady Du Barry advises him to ask Antoinette to respect her. The King brings up the subject with Antoinette, who dismisses his request because the King was being improper with her while asking. Antoinette informs the King of the situation in Louis’ room, and the King promises to look into it. The King then takes Antoinette horseback riding.

Provence meets with Louis and requests permission to marry Josephine. Louis permits him to marry Josephine. Following that, Provence mocks Louis for not consummating his marriage with Antoinette, and Louis tells him that Antoinette terrifies him.

The diplomat speaks with Antoinette about Josephine and how she will be arriving soon. Following that, the diplomat inquires about Louis’ room and whether she has discussed it with the King. Antoinette informs him that the King makes her uneasy. Following that, the diplomat offers to look into it.

The King pays a visit to Antoinette’s chamber at night. Antoinette is terrified, and she sleeps with Lamballe. Louis also visits Antoinette’s chamber but does not find her there. Louis writes about it in his diary and declares that he will never visit her again.

The following morning, the dauphine and the countess argue, and the King appears to be sick with their feud. Following that, the King comes into contact with Louis. The King lashes out at Louis for his inability to enjoy himself with his wife. To make matters worse, the countess informs the King that he will spend his nights alone until the dauphine publicly acknowledges her.

The diplomat informs the King that Austria has asked him to withdraw his troops in preparation for Poland’s partition. The King threatens and blackmails the diplomat to persuade the dauphine to publicly reconcile with the countess at the fete. The diplomat agrees to complete the task.

The diplomat informs the dauphine that she must reconcile with the countess at the fete. After initially refusing, Antoinette reluctantly agrees to think about it. The King then pays a visit to the countess in her chambers, but she refuses to let him in.

Josephine arrives at the mansion, but she is not what Provence expected, and he flees without meeting her. Furthermore, he informs the princess that she has a ghastly appearance. Josephine meets the entire royal family, but when she meets Louis, he seems more at ease with her than with anyone else, which upsets the dauphine.

Provence asks the King to send Josephine back because he does not want to marry her. The King informs him that they are already legally married, so the dauphine tries to reconcile publicly with the countess, but she is unable to. She then leaves without reconciling.

The King has an intimidating conversation with the dauphine the next day, and he threatens her. He orders her to publicly reconcile with the countess, which she does while feeling embarrassed. Louis notices her being out of place and comforts her. When the dauphine publicly acknowledges the countess, the King of France assists Austria in its invasion of Poland.  Meanwhile, Antoinette informs Louis that she wishes to leave because his family frightens her. Louis begs her not to leave and promises to protect her.

The Episode Review

This period drama appears to have a fresh perspective on Marie Antoinette and her early years. Although the pacing is a little slow, the show is becoming quite interesting at this point. Additionally, the show’s cinematography is breathtaking, and it has an elegant French royal feel to it. Moreover, the classy costumes too are a lovely touch.

The episode concludes with Antoinette being vulnerable with Louis, and the latter comforting her. According to several historical accounts, Antoinette was outgoing and Louis was reserved, which disrupted their relationship; this aspect is meticulously portrayed in the show.