Ep 1. Oscar! The Destiny of the Rose

Oscar! The Destiny of the Rose is the first episode of the popular anime series, The Rose of Versailles season 1. The episode introduces us to the main protagonist, Oscar François de Jarjayes, a unique character whose life story and decisions leave an indelible mark in the French Revolution.

Oscar is the daughter of the General of the army. From a young age, she has been raised as a boy because her father desired a son to continue his family legacy. As a result, Oscar has grown up to be a tough, confident woman, capable of handling a sword and leading men into battle.

The episode starts with a brief introduction to the palace of Versailles, where King Louis XVI and his Queen, Marie Antoinette, reside. We also see various high-ranking officials and nobles in the palace who assist with the governing of the nation. As a member of the royal guard, Oscar is tasked with protecting Queen Marie Antoinette along with her ladies-in-waiting.

Oscar's first interaction with the Queen is not cordial; Marie Antoinette is portrayed as an arrogant, self-centred woman who belittles Oscar's efforts to provide her with security. Despite her attitude, Oscar is determined to fulfill her duty and protect the Queen, no matter the cost. We soon learn that Queen Marie Antoinette's frivolous spending has left France financially crippled, causing people to protest across the country.

Meanwhile, we are also introduced to a young girl named Lady Oscar who is in love with Oscar. She becomes Oscar's personal servant, and the bond between them is charmingly sweet and innocent.

The episode also shows the audience how Oscar's mother, the Marquise de Jarjayes, disapproves of raising her daughter like a son. She aspires for Oscar to embrace her femininity and settle down and this can be seen in her various attempts to get Oscar involved with men.

Although Oscar is aware of her mother's wishes, she has a strong sense of duty and honour and chooses to embrace the role of a soldier. Despite the gender expectations set for her, she is determined to excel in her position and make a difference.

The episode culminates in a dramatic scene where the citizens of France, angry with the monarchy's mismanagement of the country, attack the palace of Versailles. Oscar, the Queen, and her ladies-in-waiting are trapped and surrounded by the furious people. Oscar bravely steps forward and manages to quell the angry mob, inspiring admiration from those around her.

The first episode is an engaging introduction to a show that deals with themes such as love, duty, gender expectations, and politics. The narrative is compelling, and the animation is superb, painting a vivid picture of the palace of Versailles during the French Revolution. Oscar's character development and the way she defies gender and social norms makes this episode and the series as a whole, unique and captivating.