'Marie Antoinette' Takes a Disappointing Step Backward In "Rebel Queen"

Antoinette and Louis may be officially on the throne of France when Marie Antoinette's fifth episode opens, but somehow their move up the line of succession has caused the relationship (and the show itself) to take a big step backward. One of the most appealing parts of this series has been the refreshingly charming royal relationship at its center, a slow-burn romance that has seen our central couple inch from an overt fear of one another to genuine care and maybe even something like love throughout the first half of the season.

But despite pledging to protect one another in the face of the French court's constant drama and backstabbing, the two turn on one another almost immediately in "Rebel Queen," ending the hour in a state that seems mere inches from divorce. For the second time. How did this happen? Who can say? I mean, it's possible to argue that becoming King and Queen of one of the most powerful nations in the world is stressful and potentially even upsetting, the sort of significant life change that could lead to problems in even the strongest and healthiest marriages. It's certainly not a shock that neither of them is prepared for the role they're asked to take on.

But how did their previous partnership, which seemed genuinely solid after King Louis's death, crumble so quickly? They were flirting and making googly eyes at each other like five minutes ago; what happened? And more importantly, whatever it was, why doesn't the show think it's something we deserve to see?