Ep 17. Now, the Moment of Encounter

The Rose of Versailles season 1 episode 17, "Now, the Moment of Encounter," takes place in the year 1775, during the reign of King Louis XVI in France. The episode begins with the arrival of Count Axel von Fersen, a Swedish nobleman and one of Marie Antoinette's closest friends. His charm and charisma immediately attract the attention of the ladies at the court, including the Queen herself.

However, the main focus of the episode is on Oscar François de Jarjayes, the commander of the royal guard and the show's protagonist. In previous episodes, Oscar has struggled with her gender identity and her feelings for both men and women. In this episode, those conflicts come to a head as she finds herself attracted to Fersen, despite her loyalty to the Queen and her duty to protect the monarchy.

As Oscar interacts with Fersen and observes his close relationship with Marie Antoinette, she begins to question her own loyalties. She sees how much the Queen relies on Fersen for emotional support and how much he cares for her in return. Oscar also witnesses the lavish lifestyle of the court and the growing unrest among the common people, who are suffering from inequality and poverty.

Meanwhile, a group of rebels is plotting to overthrow the monarchy, and Oscar is torn between her duty to protect the royal family and her sympathy for the rebels' cause. When the rebels attack a group of aristocrats, Oscar is forced to intervene and protect them, even as she struggles with her own conflicted feelings.

Throughout the episode, the themes of duty, loyalty, and love are explored through the eyes of various characters. Oscar's struggle with her gender identity and her feelings for Fersen are particularly poignant, as she tries to navigate a complicated emotional landscape while also fulfilling her obligations as a member of the royal guard.

The episode ends on a climactic note, as Oscar and Fersen share a heartfelt conversation that reveals much about their respective characters and sets the scene for future conflicts. As the rebellion grows stronger and the tensions at court become more fraught, Oscar and her comrades will face even greater challenges. "Now, the Moment of Encounter" is a powerful and moving episode that showcases the complex relationships and political intrigue that make The Rose of Versailles such a compelling historical drama.