Ep 1. The Labyrinthe

The Labyrinthe takes us back to 1667, where King Louis XIV is starting his third decade of ruling France from inside the Palace of Versailles. He's a powerful ruler, controlling both his kingdom and his personal life with iron-fisted resolve, and he's determined to see France thrive on the international stage. However, he's not without his enemies, and as new threats emerge, he'll find himself once again testing the limits of his power.

The episode opens to a bustling bright and vivid court of Versailles where the opening ceremony for the King's new garden that stretches across several kilometers and took over two years to prepare is inaugurated. Louis unrolls a much bigger and grander vision for the palace to the sights of his adoring subjects, which he saw as a reflection of grandeur, power, and innovation. Amid the jubilant celebrations, the episode introduces us to the many power players in the king's court, from his brother Philippe, to his mistress Madame de Montespan, and his chief advisor, Colbert. We see the royal family moving through the lavish grounds of the palace, with heavily choreographed dances being performed to entertain their royalty and their guests.

However, things start to take a darker turn as outside of Versailles, signs of dissent start to rise. People are protesting the high taxes, which Louis imposed, and aristocrats conspire against each other for power, making alliances and attempting to undermine each other. The episode then introduces us to an intriguing new character, the Marquise de Montespan, who is introduced into the royal court as one of the most beautiful and alluring women in the kingdom. She quickly catches the king's eye and captures his heart. However, as her ambitions become clear, it's clear she's got more in store than just becoming the King's newest mistress.

The Labyrinthe sees Louis also grappling with a potential scandal at court. An important member is accused of corrupt practices, causing Louis to seek out the truth and clear the air around this incident. This scandal exposes Louis's underlying concern for the trustworthiness of those who govern him or influence his decisions, as well as his deep-seated fear of hidden motives and secrets.

Meanwhile, Philippe, the king's brother, is shown as taking on the role of mediator between the warring factions in court. He's balanced and restrained in his actions and often provides counsel to his brother, even when it may go against his own interests. This helps him gain much-needed leverage in the powers that be in court. Additionally, we see Louis' brother-in-law, the Duke of Orleans, face his own struggle when his wife undergoes a complicated and dangerous pregnancy.

As the season 2 opener of Versailles, The Labyrinthe serves as a good grounding for the emergence of various political factions within the Palace. It introduces new characters and deepens the relationships of existing ones. The political landscape becomes more complex as the episode progresses as more and more intrigue unfolds around the Palace. The show doesn't shy away from the luxury of the court and revels in its costume design and cinematography, making the show just as much a feast for the eye as it is for the brain. We're left wondering just how far Louis XIV will go to keep his kingdom united and the palace at Versailles functioning with order and power.