I consider this episode titled "The Indian Summer of an Emperor" to be one of the best episodes of the series. Why? For several reasons.
Firstly, we get a very insightful picture of the elderly Franz Josef, the emperor of Austro-Hungary. Played by Laurence Naismith (the actor played the emperor in one of the previous episodes dealing with Rudolf and Mayerling events of 1889), the very first moments of the episode that might occur to be quite long and tedious (we hear the clock chiming in the imperial room at the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl) hit the right tone of who the emperor is now. With Katarina Schratt at this side (played by a famous actress Nora Swinburne), he is reflective, not ready to act in difficult times that somehow shock him, not very open to novelties, such as a car, a telephone or a moving picture. In his famous line that he utters to Katarina - no longer Sisi, his wife who was assassinated in 1898 "it is easy to change but harder to improve," the emperor embodies certain values that seemed to be at odds at the very moment of history when people no longer act moderately. What is the moment? It is 1914, in the midst of one of the hottest summers, at the dawn of the breakdown of WWI. Yet, above all, the emperor is the man of peace. So, the portrayal of Franz Josef is truly memorable here.
Secondly, the episode relies on quite helpful, yet not too boring picture of the historical moment. The heir to the throne is assassinated in Sarajevo (June 1914), the events turn violent, there is a cry for more severe steps and yet, there are doubts as for more hasty actions. Here, as a counterpart to this all, again comes Kaiser Wilhelm played magnificently by Barry Foster. He is a friend and ally to Austria and, seemingly strives for peace but, in a very concise manner. Consider the scene when he visits the still alive Franz Ferdinand and they discuss the prepared speech upon 'coming' Franz Josef's death. How memorably he expresses the essence of power, strength cherished in Germany reconciled with energy of patience cherished by the old emperor of Austria. Above all, however, he is the one who wants to maintain the bulwark of security and righteousness reconciled by the three eagles, the Hohenzollerns, the Habsburgs and the Romanovs.
Thirdly, this is the only episode that has, at least something, a part of another heir to the throne, blessed Archduke Karl of Habsburg. With Zita and the children, they celebrate a Sunday when the terrible news comes from Sarajevo. The scene depicts his peaceful attitude really well. As we know from history, the monarchy was abolished and the archduke was sent to Madeira where he died in 1922.
Finally, what we find here is a purely outstanding embodiment of rulers' motives. It is a psychological study of a person in power surrounded by different counselors, different ideas and yet, when it comes to decisions, he is left alone. That is nicely expressed at the final scene when Franz Josef reflects upon the situation and resembles the fears of the future when a war is inevitable.
Highly recommended for a history buff. You don't have to see the whole series, just this episode will surely make you keen on the rest.
Firstly, we get a very insightful picture of the elderly Franz Josef, the emperor of Austro-Hungary. Played by Laurence Naismith (the actor played the emperor in one of the previous episodes dealing with Rudolf and Mayerling events of 1889), the very first moments of the episode that might occur to be quite long and tedious (we hear the clock chiming in the imperial room at the Kaiservilla in Bad Ischl) hit the right tone of who the emperor is now. With Katarina Schratt at this side (played by a famous actress Nora Swinburne), he is reflective, not ready to act in difficult times that somehow shock him, not very open to novelties, such as a car, a telephone or a moving picture. In his famous line that he utters to Katarina - no longer Sisi, his wife who was assassinated in 1898 "it is easy to change but harder to improve," the emperor embodies certain values that seemed to be at odds at the very moment of history when people no longer act moderately. What is the moment? It is 1914, in the midst of one of the hottest summers, at the dawn of the breakdown of WWI. Yet, above all, the emperor is the man of peace. So, the portrayal of Franz Josef is truly memorable here.
Secondly, the episode relies on quite helpful, yet not too boring picture of the historical moment. The heir to the throne is assassinated in Sarajevo (June 1914), the events turn violent, there is a cry for more severe steps and yet, there are doubts as for more hasty actions. Here, as a counterpart to this all, again comes Kaiser Wilhelm played magnificently by Barry Foster. He is a friend and ally to Austria and, seemingly strives for peace but, in a very concise manner. Consider the scene when he visits the still alive Franz Ferdinand and they discuss the prepared speech upon 'coming' Franz Josef's death. How memorably he expresses the essence of power, strength cherished in Germany reconciled with energy of patience cherished by the old emperor of Austria. Above all, however, he is the one who wants to maintain the bulwark of security and righteousness reconciled by the three eagles, the Hohenzollerns, the Habsburgs and the Romanovs.
Thirdly, this is the only episode that has, at least something, a part of another heir to the throne, blessed Archduke Karl of Habsburg. With Zita and the children, they celebrate a Sunday when the terrible news comes from Sarajevo. The scene depicts his peaceful attitude really well. As we know from history, the monarchy was abolished and the archduke was sent to Madeira where he died in 1922.
Finally, what we find here is a purely outstanding embodiment of rulers' motives. It is a psychological study of a person in power surrounded by different counselors, different ideas and yet, when it comes to decisions, he is left alone. That is nicely expressed at the final scene when Franz Josef reflects upon the situation and resembles the fears of the future when a war is inevitable.
Highly recommended for a history buff. You don't have to see the whole series, just this episode will surely make you keen on the rest.
