“Enemies Assemble,” But 'Marie Antoinette's' World is Still Ending
In a title that nods (knowingly?) to Marvel’s Avengers, Marie Antoinette’s fifth episode, “Enemies Assemble,” brings the scandal of the stolen diamond necklace to the forefront. In a shocking move, Cardinal Rohan is arrested on suspicion of theft and dragged away for questioning in the middle of leading mass. Among the witnesses are Provence and Josephine, who are thrilled to see Louis ruining his reputation without them lifting a finger – something Orléans (formerly Chartres) also noted about the queen in the previous episode. The public apprehension of a clergy member, and one from such a powerful family, causes quite a stir.
Rohan swears to the king he didn’t steal the necklace, explaining he’d arranged its purchase on orders from the queen. She denies it, and Antoinette is further shocked to learn he believes they had a close friendship and secret correspondence. When pressed, Rohan insists the queen’s “special guard” has the necklace: the same one who delivered their letters after Rohan donated to her pet charity, the Poor Fallen Women’s Fund. Boehmer, the jeweler, confirms there was a guard who took the necklace, but that he was “clearly” working on Rohan’s orders. The cardinal is crushed when Antoinette reveals she has no special guard, that he still disgusts her, and that she’s unaware of the charity. Rohan begs for mercy but is taken away to the Bastille.
Antoinette calls for a full investigation, headed by Inspector Fleury (Tom Neal). Just before Rohan’s apartment is searched, Jeanne sneaks in and steals the forged letters. She later burns the evidence without ever learning the secret of the pages. Although the necklace is not found, Fleury quickly concludes Rohan “definitely” stole it. He suggests that Boehmer be appropriately compensated, and Rohan punished discreetly. Antoinette is angry at the suggestion of discretion. Her reputation has taken a hit after Saint-Cloud; there are already rumors she bought the “monstrously expensive” necklace behind the king’s back. She insists it’s dangerous to appear so frivolous and pushes to put Rohan on trial in public.
