The Empress Season 1 Review : Romance, passion, betrayal and power-tussles make for a potent concoction in this royal, period-drama

Story: A young Elisabeth finds herself as the unexpected bride of Emperor Franz Joseph. And while she takes on the role without a second thought, her heart flush with love for the emperor, will the royal palace of Austria be as open and welcoming? Set in the 19th century, “The Empress” is the true story of Elisabeth von Wittelsbach of Bavaria, with a few creative liberties taken by its makers.

Review: Emperor Franz Joseph (Philip Froissant) is informed by his mother, the Archduchess Sophie (Melika Foroutan), that he must wed and that she has already picked the girl most suited to be the new Empress. But while meeting his intended future wife, Helene (Elisa Schlott), Franz falls head over heels for her younger sister, Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau). In a moment of defiance Franz makes it clear to his mother that he will marry Elisabeth or no one else. And while Helene, devout and disciplined, has been readying herself for the role of the Empress for years, Elisabeth is raw, rebellious and restless by nature and totally unprepared for what's to come. Though she reciprocates the Emperor’s feelings, will she able to shoulder the responsibilities and duties that come with being the Empress of Austria?

With betrayal and rebellion lurking in almost every corner of the palace corridors, “The Empress” makes for an intriguing six-episode watch in its first season. Even as the grand wedding and royal celebration takes over the palace, there is a revolution brewing outside among the common people. There is poverty, people live in hunger and deplorable conditions and the wedding serves up the perfect opportunity to the revolutionaries to plant one of their own inside the royal gates. Disguised as Countess Leontine von Apafi (Almelia Bagriachik), a key revolutionary joins as one of Elisabeth’s ladies-in-waiting.

Meanwhile, Franz’s brother Maximilian (Johannes Nussbaum) has his scheming designs set not only on the throne but also on Elisabeth. And Franz’s mother, Sophie, reluctant to give up the power she still yields, keeps a tight control over what goes on inside the palace. Including inside Franz and Elisabeth’s bedroom. Elisabeth, resistant to the regimental rules and expectations of the palace wants to be closer to the people who she believes deserve more, finds strong opposition from Sophie. Aware of their plight, Franz habours intentions for the upliftment of his people but his borders are under threat from the Tzar of Russia on one side and Napoleon on the other. And he must confront the decision of taking a side or going to war, which the empire can ill-afford.

Romance, secret lovers, passion, deceit and power tussles make for a potent concoction and "The Empress” hooks instantly. The top-notch production values lend every bit to the feeling of opulence and royalty and the brilliant cinematography draws attention to the alienation felt by Elisabeth as the days go by. The costumes, simply put, are sumptuous - whether it’s the Empress’s royal gowns or Princess Sophie’s regal silhouettes, be prepared to be mesmerised. Especially the ethereal white wedding gown. But ultimately it’s the powerful performances that steal the show, Devrim Langnou is outstanding in the title role of Empress Elisabeth, Phillip Froissant exudes a boyish charm as Emperor Franz Joseph, Melika Foroutan as the Archduchess Sophie is brilliantly intimidating and cold and Johannes Nussbaum leaves an impression as Maximilian.

It would be safe to say the creators manage to serve up a strong contender to The Crown and if you dig period dramas “The Empress” is sure to rule your heart.