The Empress Season 2 Review : A more politically charged royal drama overpowers this season

Story: Set in the 19th century, “The Empress” is the true story of Elisabeth von Wittelsbach of Bavaria and the Habsburg Empire of Austria, with a few creative liberties taken by its makers.

Review: After a racy and rebellious season 1, the second installment of 'The Empress' assumes a more serious note, with political upheaval and a personal tragedy dominating the narrative. Taking a leap forward from last season, season 2 opens with Elisabeth (Devrim Lingnau) as already the mother of a little girl, Sophie and expecting her second child. The pressure is high on Elisabeth to produce a male heir to the throne. And in the backdrop, political turmoil and a revolutionary uprising is seen brewing in the Lombardy-Venetia region. As tensions mount, Emperor Franz Joseph (Philip Froissant) is torn between his royal duties and his family.

With Napoleon also expanding his influence in the region, Franz recalls his brother Maximillan (Johannes Nussbaum) from exile in hope of rallying more support on his side. But at the same time, he is still haunted by Maximillan's motives in the past of usurping the empire and the empress away from him. Franz is not sure if he can fully trust Maximillan yet. Their mother, Archduchess Sophie (Melika Foroutan) continues to ensure her hold over the royal corridors and offices through her meticulous manipulations. More so, when a terrible tragedy strikes and Elisabeth leaves the palace to grieve at her mother's.
Will Franz and Elisabeth unite again, will Maximillan be able to contain the anger and uprising in Lombardy and will the Empire survive the political and revolutionary onslaught from all sides?

Season 2 delves into an intriguing royal and political drama, with both Elisabeth and Franz at a more mature juncture of their relationship. Elisabeth's character graph shows considerable growth as she transforms from the rebellious and impulsive young girl to a more restrained and sensitive woman, while retaining the same spunk. Her trusted lady-in-waiting, Apafi (Almelia Bagriachik) also has her own transitions as she gets entangled in her own web of lies, and her secret affair with the royal doctor gets more complicated. Maximillian finds love, or so he wants to believe but his wife is miles ahead of him when it comes to harboring political ambitions. But while there are betrayals and conspiracies brewing, the tension is less palpable here than in season 1.

The performances by all the principal actors remain impressive in this season too, especially Devrim Lingnau and Melika Foroutan towering over the rest. The spectacular cinematography and costumes retain their imperial, majestic feel blending into the narrative seamlessly. However in its second season 'The Empress' leaves the romance and passion behind to give way to a more politically charged royal drama.