The Empress S01E01 - One's Place in the World

Franz has recently taken over as a young emperor following the Revolutions of 1848 in the Austrian Empire. In 1853, there is an assassination attempt on the life of Franz. In 1853, Elisabeth (Sisi) and Helene travel with their mother, Ludovika, to meet 23-year-old Emperor Franz, who is expected to ask for Helene's hand. Franz's mother, Archduchess Sophie, is of the opinion that her son's union with Bayern Helene will validate Austria's claim to the German states. At the party, he stuns everyone by deciding to marry Sisi.