The Empress Season 2 had a dramatic and emotional ending, Emperor Franz Joseph I went off to war, leaving everyone shocked and worried. This season focused on the life of Empress Elisabeth of Austria a few years after the events of Season 1. While the first season was all about her marriage to Franz and dealing with the tough Viennese Court, Season 2 dived deep into her journey as a mother and the growing tensions between Austria and the Italian-speaking territories.
Netflix’s German historical drama, The Empress, Season 2 made everyone cry. There is a lot of tension in Elisabeth’s life and her reign. On one hand, managing the empire, and on the other, the pressure of an heiress. On top of that, the marriage problems with Franz also become more intense.
In the six episodes of this season, the two go through a lot of ups and downs. After a heartbreaking tragedy, the question of the end of their relationship also arises. But by the end, they both come back to each other. But by then things have become so bad that they have to prepare for new tragedies.
Let’s break it down step by step and answer your burning questions!
Table of Contents
Will Franz Win the War?
Running an empire with diverse cultures and people is a huge challenge in itself. Franz felt this pressure when he became Emperor. The Rebels scene has been going on since Season 1, but it got even more dangerous in Season 2. At the beginning of Season 2, many years have passed after the failed coup and Elisabeth’s first pregnancy. But, by the end of the season their first child (daughter) dies, and this tragedy breaks their relationship.
Now in the final episode, there is another time jump. They have a third child, who is a boy. At the same time, Napoleon’s plan to stir up trouble in the Lombardy region is successful. Franz has no option but to fight the rebels, and France also supports him.
Franz’s ministers do nothing due to their selfishness, and Napoleon’s plan works. Franz’s army does not stand against Napoleon, and the Emperor himself decides to go to the battlefield. His decision seems risky because he is a novice. Napoleon, who is an experienced war hero, has a huge advantage over Franz.
According to historical records, Franz does not die in the war. But his empire moves towards fragmentation. The rebels take independence, and the end of the Austrian empire begins. The good thing is that Franz lives to the age of 86 and dies due to an illness, not in the battlefield.
Did Franz Die on the Battlefield in The Empress Season 2?
The show didn’t tell us if Franz died on the battlefield, leaving everyone in suspense. He was last seen heading to fight against the Kingdom of Piedmont. Historically though, Franz survived and returned to Austria, later passing away peacefully in his palace, Schonbrunn, at 86 years old.
Before Franz left, his mother Sophie lost her cool and blamed Elisabeth for his decision to go to war. But instead of fighting, Elisabeth chose to comfort her. Franz also made a big move before leaving. He handed over the empire’s reins to Elisabeth and Sophie until his son Rudolf became old enough to rule. This decision didn’t sit well with Franz’s brother, Maximilian, who left the palace with his wife, Charlotte. Drama, drama, drama!
Why Did Franz Join His Army on the Battlefield?
Franz had no other option, yaar. Austrian rule faced rebellion for months, and he declared war on the Kingdom of Piedmont to stop the violence and protect his people. This move surprised everyone since Franz always preferred peace. But when he found out Napoleon III secretly supported Piedmont, things escalated quickly.
The Austrian army faced heavy losses, and Franz couldn’t bear the guilt of so many dying while he stayed behind. He decided to lead his soldiers on the battlefield himself. Despite dreaming of a simpler life as a husband and father, his empathy for his people drove him to the front lines. This is why Franz’s character is so relatable; he’s always torn between duty and personal desires.
Why Did Napoleon III Wage War on Austria?
Napoleon III wanted to weaken Austria, the dominant power in the region, and elevate France’s status, bro. He played a sneaky game. Instead of directly attacking Austria, he promised to help the Kingdom of Piedmont only if Austria made the first move. Clever, right?
Napoleon’s plan worked. Austria attacked Piedmont, and the French army jumped in to back Piedmont. With more weapons and soldiers, the French crushed Austria in the Second Italian War of Independence. Napoleon’s strategy helped France emerge as a top player in Europe, leaving Austria licking its wounds.
What Happens to Leontine?
Leontine’s original name is Ava, and she was a rebel who became Countess Leontine. After befriending Elisabeth, her mindset changed, but she was still an imposter. Amalia found out her truth, and at the end of Season 1, Leontine killed Amalia. Charlotte saw this and distanced herself from Elisabeth.
Leontine and Alexander von Bach’s romantic affair became quite intense. But when Alexander found out the truth from the real Leontine’s father, he asked Leontine to leave the palace. Leontine was pregnant and was planning to leave her baby with nuns. But thanks to Alexander her secret got out of the palace. She left the palace and left a goodbye letter behind. Elisabeth finds the letter but there is no return address.
Elizabeth learns about Leontine’s pregnancy from Charlotte. She tells Alexander about it and Alexander makes plans to find her for his baby and Leontine. Leontine’s future is unclear for now but it seems she has started her life secretly somewhere inside the empire.
What Happened to Maximilian at the End of The Empress Season 2?
Maximilian’s story is a rollercoaster, After trying to overthrow Franz in Season 1, he got exiled. By Season 2, Franz summoned him back to the Viennese Court, hoping he’d help mend ties with Napoleon. During his time in France, Max met Princess Marie of Belgium and fell head over heels.
Franz approved their marriage and made Max the Austrian Viceroy of Lombardy-Venetia. Max worked hard to win over the locals but got blindsided when Franz gave General Gyulai all the power. Max’s efforts went to waste, and Franz eventually stripped him of his position. Feeling betrayed, Max realized he’d never earn Franz’s trust again. So, he packed his bags and left the palace with Marie. Sad ending for Max, no?
What Happened to Countess Apafi in The Empress Season 2?
Countess Leontine Apafi’s story took some wild turns this season. She fell in love with Alexander von Bach, who wanted to marry her. But she said no because she was hiding a big secret: she wasn’t the real Countess Apafi. Things got messier when she got pregnant with Alexander’s child. Not ready to keep the baby, she left it with the nuns and vanished.
Alexander, clueless about why she refused to marry him, brought the real Countess Apafi’s father to meet her. That’s when he discovered she was an impostor. Heartbroken, Alexander sent her away. Leontine left the castle in the middle of the night without telling anyone where she was headed. Mystery queen vibes, right?
What Happens to Maximillian and Charlotte?
After Franz goes to war, Maximillian has to give up his viceroyship. His power struggle with his brother is quite obvious. Franz has always kept him at a distance, and never made Maximillian a part of the inner circle. When Franz prepares himself for the battlefield, Maximillian is disappointed that he is not given any role.
On Napoleon’s suggestion, Maximillian plans to escape to South America. According to history, he goes to Mexico, but his end is tragic there too. Maximillian’s departure suggests that he is ready to live his life out of the shadow of his family and brother.
How The Empress Season 2 Sets Up Season 3?
The finale left a lot of loose ends, hinting at an exciting Season 3. Alexander quit his job as foreign minister and decided to chase after Leontine, hinting at a possible reunion. Meanwhile, Archduchess Sophie’s youngest son, Ludwig, struggled with his feelings for a young baron. His mother’s intervention left us wondering if Ludwig will follow his heart or bow to her wishes.
With Franz off at war, Elisabeth and Sophie are running the empire. But Franz’s absence could mess with Elisabeth’s emotions, affecting her leadership. Will she rise to the occasion, or will her volatile nature cause chaos? These unanswered questions set the stage for a gripping Season 3, if and when it happens.
So that’s the full scoop on The Empress Season 2 ending, folks! If you’re eagerly waiting for Season 3, you’re not alone. The drama, politics, and personal struggles in this series keep us hooked. Let’s see what twists and turns come next!
