The Empress – Season 2 Episode 1 “An Heir to the Throne” Recap & Review

An Heir to the Throne

The Empress season 2 episode 1 starts with a time jump to 1856. At the gates of Vienna, we meet Adolfo, who sneaks from his Lombardy Venetia entourage to get a gift for the empress. Speaking of the empress, she is currently heavily expectant with her second child. Her firstborn, Sophie Fienchen, has grown to be a cute little girl. Thankfully, all is good between her and Franz. Everyone is excited that she might be carrying the future heir to the throne, and the midwife is sure of it. Sophie needs the baby to be a boy because she is worried after Napoleon had a son. She wants the Habsburgs to secure their future, too.

On this day, the palace is lively with activity as the empress plans to host foreign delegates to restore relationships with her subjects. Charlotte is busy training the new ladies-in-waiting, but also trying to put Leontine in her place. On the other hand, Leontine is in a passionate relationship with Alexander but refuses to make it official. As expected, Sophie is not happy with Elisabeth’s plans, but it is one of the things she stomachs. The two ladies also don’t see eye to eye when it comes to parenting Fienchen.

The hosting ceremony goes well as Elisabeth wows the delegations by greeting them in their respective language and gladly receiving their gifts. However, things turn south when it is Lombardy Venetia. Adolfo presents a cow’s tongue, shocking Elisabeth. He begs for her help to free his people before trying to escape. He doesn’t get far before he is gunned down, and Elisabeth rushes to his side against Franz’s orders. Following the incident, an impromptu meeting is called, and the Count from Lombardy Venetia tries to prove their innocence and distance themselves from Adolfo’s political views. In the meantime, Elisabeth asks Leontine to find out more about Adolfo.

Back to the meeting, the general announces he will increase military presence in Lombardy Venetia. Boul informs Franz that increasing military presence in Lombardy Venetia won’t suffice. The kingdom of Piedmont has been trying to unite all Italian-speaking regions together and end their allegiance to Austria. He adds that Piedmont’s Prime Minister has been speaking out against the Habsburgs. Franz is displeased that his team has neglected to tell him this. Sadly, Franz’s reputation has been tanking since the last war. Franz suggests they get Napoleon on their side, but Sophie claims it is not a good idea given Napoleon is not an emperor by birth. Still, Franz insists.

Elsewhere, we reunite with Maximilian, who is in exile. He is wallowing in depression, and his pleas for forgiveness have been ignored on multiple occasions. He even contemplates suicide, but claims to be too much of a coward to go through with it.

At the capital, Leontine approaches Alexander to get information on Adolfo, as per the empress’s request. Alexander proposes to her, but she turns him down because of her fake identity. Simultaneously, Elisabeth and Franz argue about whether it was right to kill Adolfo. As they talk, Elisabeth starts having contractions, and the midwives are summoned. Unfortunately, the baby is early, and Elisabeth senses there is something wrong.

Franz summons a doctor, but Elisabeth suffers some complications while in labour. She starts bleeding heavily and passes out after the baby is born. Franz and Sophie are disappointed when they learn the baby is a girl. The episode ends with Maximilian receiving a letter from Franz while in exile.

The Episode Review

A lot has changed since we last saw Elisabeth. In season 1, she was struggling to find her place in the palace. It seems that she has blended in now and understands her role better. Still, she wants to do more to help her kingdom reunite and quell the revolution. She has also found her footing as a mother and wife. She knows when to challenge Franz and when to back down. She is also more aware of Sophie’s antics and handles her mother-in-law better. However, they don’t like each other. Unfortunately, she has yet to give the royal family a boy and heir to the throne.  

This season, we will also see more of Napoleon and the role he played in Austria’s history. Although The Empress slightly takes detours from the historical accuracy, it is still interesting to watch. Based on this episode, we can assume we will see more amazing outfits, cinematography, and great acting. There is much to look forward to, so let’s sink our teeth right in! Shall we?