Ep 32. Prelude to the Storm

The Rose of Versailles season 1 episode 32, "Prelude to the Storm," takes place during the tumultuous lead-up to the French Revolution. As tensions mount between the aristocracy and the common people, the episode follows the perspectives of several key players in the drama.

The episode opens with a visit from King Louis XVI to the Duke of Orleans, a wealthy nobleman and one of the most vocal critics of the monarchy. Louis is hoping to quell tensions with the Duke, who has been calling for reforms and advocating for the rights of the common people. However, the Duke is not swayed by the King's words, and tensions between the aristocracy and the crown continue to mount.

Meanwhile, we see the perspective of Oscar, a noblewoman who has risen to become one of the highest-ranking officers in the French army. Oscar is conflicted about her loyalty to the crown, as she sees the suffering of the common people and their growing discontent with the monarchy. She struggles to balance her duty to the King with her desire to help those who are suffering.

The episode also follows the story of Andre, a commoner who has been in love with Oscar for years. As tensions between the common people and the aristocracy escalate, Andre and his fellow revolutionaries begin to plan for a revolt. Andre is torn between his loyalty to Oscar and his desire to fight for the rights of the common people.

As the episode progresses, the tension between the different factions grows, and it becomes clear that a storm is brewing. The camera pans out to show the streets of Paris swarming with people, and we hear the sounds of angry crowds and shouting voices. The stage is set for a showdown between the aristocracy and the people, and it is clear that the world of Versailles will never be the same again.

Overall, "Prelude to the Storm" is a tense and dramatic episode that sets up the conflict that will play out over the rest of the season. Viewers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next as the world of Versailles careens towards chaos and revolution.