Ep 1. Louis XIV, The Dream of a King

The Rise and Fall of Versailles is a historical documentary series that follows the story of the iconic Palace of Versailles, from its creation to its demise. Season 1, episode 1, entitled "Louis XIV, The Dream of a King," sets the stage for the series by introducing the Sun King himself - Louis XIV - and his vision for creating the most magnificent palace in the world.

The episode begins with a stunning aerial view of the Palace of Versailles, complete with soaring classical music, which sets the tone for the opulence and grandeur to come. We then dive into Louis XIV's childhood, where we learn about his fear of rebellion and his obsession with power and control.

Fast forward to Louis becoming king at the age of just 23, and we see him laying the groundwork for his dream palace. We see the young king's desire for a place that would be a testament to his power and grandeur, and that would help him establish his dominance over the nobility and cement his place as the greatest king in French history.

With the help of his loyal minister, Jean-Baptiste Colbert, Louis XIV set about transforming a modest hunting lodge into the most luxurious palace in the world. We see artists, architects, and craftsmen being brought in from all over Europe to work on the palace, with no expense spared.

The creator of the show does not shy away from the darker aspects of Louis XIV's reign, including the brutal treatment of his subjects and his selfish use of France's resources to fund his dream palace. The narrator highlights the fact that while Louis XIV lived in luxury, his people were struggling to make ends meet.

But while the episode doesn't shy away from the negative aspects of Louis's reign, it's clear that the focus is on the palace itself and the man whose vision brought it to life. The show's creators do an excellent job of showcasing the sheer scale and beauty of Versailles, from its grand hallways to its ornate gardens and fountains.

As the episode draws to a close, we see Louis XIV's dream becoming a reality. The palace is almost complete, and the Sun King is now in a position to rule over France with even greater authority. The final shot of the episode shows Louis looking out over his new kingdom from his balcony, a fitting end to an episode that has explored the life and legacy of one of the most powerful and enigmatic kings in history.

Overall, "Louis XIV, The Dream of a King" is a fascinating introduction to The Rise and Fall of Versailles, offering an insight into the man behind the palace and the grandiose vision he had for himself and his reign. With stunning cinematography and a compelling narrative, this is an episode that leaves viewers eager to learn more about the palace and the people who brought it to life.