New Year’s Eve at the Royal Court
Episode 8 of Marie Antoinette begins with the King and Queen celebrating New Year’s Eve with the rest of the Royal Court. Chartres appears to be flirting with the Queen, and this time the Queen isn’t interested in his flirtatious remarks.
Count Axel con Ferson and the King’s Jealousy.
The Queen then runs into Count Axel con Ferson, whom she had previously met and danced with in Paris, and the King becomes jealous. They exchange a few pleasantries, some of which have flirty implications. The King notices the Queen blushing while speaking with the Count and appears hurt.
Preparing for War
Stormont, a member of the English government, speaks with Provence. He informs Provence that American insurgents are mutilating and murdering English soldiers with French weapons. Following that, he urges Provence to discuss it with King Louis, suggesting it be stopped. Following their support for the Americans, King, and Count Maurepas prepare for war with England. Following that, the King tells the Count about his strategy, and the Count is impressed.
S*xual Tension between the King and Queen
The King and Queen have s*x, but it’s all robotic and doesn’t appear romantic. The Queen is thinking about Petit Trianon while having s*x. Their sole goal seems to be to produce an heir to the throne. The King suggests the Queen take their daughter to Petit Trianon when the war begins. When the King asks the Queen if they should have s*x the next day, she says she can’t wait.
Provence’s Dispute with the King
Provence informs the royal household of the King’s intention to go to war with England. Provence’s wife, Josephine, advises him to warn the King by screaming it aloud; if the King fails, he will see him as someone reliable. After that, Provence asks the King why he is going to war with England. The King refuses to acknowledge it because he does not want to disclose private matters with Provence. Following that, the King dismisses him by making him feel inferior.
Visiting the Queen
The diplomat informs the Queen that her mother, the Empress, wishes to visit her because she misses her. Not wanting to see her mother without a son, the Queen requests that he send her a portrait instead.
American Ambassador Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin, the American ambassador to France, meets with royal court members. The King appears to favor him, while Provence and Stormont mock the King by opposing his decision to support America by opposing England.
Lamballe and the Queen’s Dispute
Lamballe visits the Queen and asks if she can help them prepare for their move to the Petit Trianon. The Queen tells her she doesn’t need to do anything because Yolande controls everything. Lamballe is visibly upset and asserts that it is her job. Lamballe then requests that the Queen choose between her and Yolande. The Queen refuses, and Lamballe walks away, deeply hurt.
The King and Count Maurepas
Count Maurepas visits the King in his office. Following that, the King consults him on whether he should allow his wife to take 250,000 livres from the Privy purse to cover. Just before that, she is confronted by the diplomat, who delivers the Empress’ messages warning about her recent companionship. However, the Queen refuses to listen to her mother’s warnings, and as the King and Chartres are at war, the Queen grows closer to Count Ferson.
Chartres’ violent outburst
Chartres visits Antoinette late at night to inform her that they have won the war against England, but as he grows increasingly aggressive, he forces himself upon her, even slapping her at one point. Antoinette quickly puts an end to it and asks him to leave.
Ending of Marie Antoinette Season 1 Episode 8
The King and Queen enter the royal court hand in hand the following morning, with the crowd applauding the King for his victory over England. Chartres is removed from the Royal Navy and ordered to leave Versailles due to his insubordination, while Ferson is sent to America to ensure the Queen’s return to the King. Later, the Queen is informed that her mother, the Empress, has passed away, and she sobs in Lamballe’s arms. As the season ends, the King and Queen have another child, a boy, and the royal household bows to the King and Queen.
Episode Review
While the show had been brilliant up to this point, this episode feels rushed and focuses on the Queen’s infidelity. Though understandable that her marriage to Louis was not her choice, she had grown to love him. The show romanticizes her flirting and straying, which is disappointing. Another episode could have been devoted to the storyline of the Queen giving birth to a son. The show is enjoyable; those who love period pieces should watch it.
FAQ:
What is Marie Antoinette about?
Marie Antoinette is a historical drama television series that follows the life of the Queen of France during the 18th century.
Who created Marie Antoinette?
Marie Antoinette was created by David Wolstencroft and Simon Mirren and was produced by Company Pictures and BBC Worldwide.
How many seasons of Marie Antoinette are there?
Marie Antoinette has only one season consisting of eight episodes.
Where can I watch Marie Antoinette?
Marie Antoinette can stream on Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Hulu.
Who plays Marie Antoinette in the show?
Actress Kirsten Dunst plays Marie Antoinette in the series.
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