Ep 2. Louis XV, The Palace of Pleasure

The Rise and Fall of Versailles is a historical drama show that presents the story of the French palace and its famous residents. Season 1 of the show is comprised of ten episodes that depict the reigns of Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI. Each episode focuses on a particular moment or event that marked the glory or downfall of the Palace of Versailles.

In episode 2 of Season 1, Louis XV, The Palace of Pleasure, the show explores the early years of Louis XV's reign and the lavish lifestyle he adopted. After the death of Louis XIV, his great-grandson, Louis XV (played by actor Amine Goucem), became the reigning king of France, but at the tender age of five years old. The episode begins with the young king's coronation ceremony and his mother, the Duchess of Orleans (played by actress Évelyne Dandry), taking over as the regent of France until Louis XV comes of age.

As Louis XV grows up, the show portrays him as a young man who loves to indulge in luxury, entertainment, and pleasure. The palace of Versailles becomes the center of his world, and he spends his days organizing extravagant balls, gambling, hunting, and having affairs with his mistresses. The episode shows how the king's delectable lifestyle impacts the palace and France's politics. The queen, Marie Leszczyńska (played by actress Alice Vial), is portrayed as a woman who is unhappy in her marriage, but tries to maintain her dignity and position in the court.

The audience also sees how the king's lustful ways affect his relationship with the courtiers and nobility. His favoritism towards his mistresses creates tensions and jealousies among the people who surround him, leading to resentment. The episode depicts the story of the infamous Marie Anne de Mailly (played by actress Pauline Cheviller), one of Louis XV's mistresses, who had a significant influence over the king, but ultimately met a tragic end.

The episode delves into the impact of Louis XV's pleasure-seeking ways on France's economy and foreign affairs. The audience sees how the king's obsession with luxury goods led to France's financial struggles, and his inclination towards making grand alliances with foreign rulers fueled wars that the country could not afford. The show highlights how the king's playboy image began to tarnish his reputation and contributed to public unrest.

Overall, episode 2 of Season 1 of The Rise and Fall of Versailles, Louis XV, The Palace of Pleasure, is an enthralling watch that presents the lavish lifestyle of the young king and how it affected the country's politics, economy, and foreign affairs. It offers a glimpse into the opulence and excess of the Palace of Versailles during this period and how it fueled the downfall of the monarchy.