Sisi (2021–…): Season 1, Episode 1 - Episode #1.1 - full transcript
Duke Max in Bavaria and his wife Ludovika enjoy a quiet life with numerous offspring on their rural estate Possenhofen. Then her sister, empress-mother Sophia, invites mother and both adult daughters to Ischl, where the young emperor Franz Joseph I will officially get engaged to eldest daughter Helene 'Nene', to prevent diplomatic rifts with other candidates, while he needs to fight internal autonomy/independence activists and face a Russian threat. Her tomcat sister Elisabeth 'Sisi' must come along as cover, as even Mac isn't informed, but her headstrong temperament appeals far more to the emperor. He follows her on horseback with his confident general and saves her from rebels who laid a trap to murder him. By the time of the gala ball with half the European aristocracy, the sister-mothers have agreed to abide by the will of the emperor, who chooses an initially unwilling headstrong bride.
Sisi! Count Richard has come with the horses...
Little sister!
Oh. Please forgive us.
Mum. Does the Hollandaise sauce really come from Holland?
- From France, my dear.
And what's in it?
French aristocrat shit.
Don't look at me like this!
Who were you thinking of?
Well you know...
Count Richard?
And what about you?
- What?
Well...I mean...did you try it out too?
Sisi! Try out what?
Uhm...well the trout.
It's really delicious, dad. Good catch.
Mine is an old creature.
- Max!
Come on, tell me.
Yes, I have also tried out...some trouts.
And whom were you thinking of?
- Be quiet now.
Leave them be.
My grandfather was the first who...
- Who is it?
[Arad, Hungary]
Come on, move!
Move! More! Make way for The Emperor!
Down with The Emperor!
Freedom for Hungary!
The Hungarians fought like the berserkers.
All of this for a parliament.
What if you were to concede one to them?
They have an emperor.
[Possenhofen, Bavaria - 1853]
Both horses have wither height of 170.
Father is a Thoroughbred.
Mother a Trakehner.
Then let's see if they are good.
Heinrich!
I'll do it!
Uhm, Your Highness,
I don't know if that's a good idea.
She always does what she wants.
What is she planing?
Duchess!
Are you hurt?
- No.
Do you want to sit down?
- Nonsense.
Sisi!
- Let me do it.
If she breaks her neck,
tell my wife I was against it.
Your Trakehner are good.
- Thank you.
I would be very happy if you were staying until dinner.
I asked The Count if he could stay until tomorrow.
Please, dad.
- I have not much say in that matter.
My answer is no.
But you don't know what I wanted to ask you.
In four weeks, you will have
forgotten him again. Believe me.
But I love him!
- He is not befitting your rank.
There is nothing more to say about that.
Just like dad. Right?
Better use your energies for your
travel preparations. We are going to Ischl.
Next week in fact.
- What am I supposed to do in Ischl?
Your sister will become engaged to The Emperor there.
What?
Néné will become The Empress of Austria.
And that is why I will not tolerate
a simple count by your side.
[In Hungarian]
No, no, no, no! Please no! Mercy!
Not him! He has a son! He has a son!
His child is here...
He has a son...
This is injustice.
Please...for the boy...
Please!
Majesty!
[in accented German]
Freedom for Hungary! Death to the monarchy!
Your Majesty, the Hungarians' last garrison
surrendered to the Russian army.
The Czar's support is also a message to Napoleon.
What did this woman say?
Something about heaven and hell
shall destroy your happiness.
Your life shall be doomed for destruction.
And those who you love shall die miserably.
The Hungarian uprising is over. That is my message to Napoleon. And we finally get to go home.
[in French]
Emperor Franz Joseph quelled
the last uprisings in Hungary, Majesty.
It is rumored that he lost 2000 soldiers.
The little boy is taking his first steps.
Good work.
Please see if my other daughter got dressed.
I'll be done in a second.
I wore this one at my own engagement.
May it bring you more luck than me.
- Mum! Dad is a good man.
What is the point of this?
I'm mourning my great love.
- You will get out of this immediately.
Why?
Black? At The Emperor's birthday?
I'm very happy.
- The dress will stay here.
Then I won't come along.
- Sisi, please.
The engagement is not official yet. It would be
way too suspicious if mum and I would go alone.
And what about dad?
You haven't told him yet.
So you need me.
If I'm supposed to come along,
then only in black.
You shouldn't have chased Count Richard off the yard.
Please also pack this yellow one.
Stop it. This is a once in a lifetime chance.
Our daughter.
Out of all people, this...this sick monarch.
Max! He is The Emperor of Austria.
He's a little boy who is afraid of getting run over
by Napoleon and the other monarchs. That's how it is.
And believe me.
That's exactly what's gonna happen.
He has been prepared for this task all his life.
What do you know of politics?
You see what's happening all around.
The people want their freedom, not an emperor.
He cannot preserve something that is doomed,
not even with force.
And I don't want our daughter helping him.
I already decided it.
What?
I did not even dare to dream of such a match.
Really? That's why you also only got me, a simple duke.
It is an extraordinary pleasure to meet you.
I hope Your Majesty had a wonderful journey...
How wonderful to see you, Your Majesty.
Oh Majesty, the journey was very wonderful.
[Ischl - Imperial summer residence]
Attention!
Sisi, wait!
Can you not wait until they open us?
My butt is totally rattled up.
There are much more
important things today than your butt.
Sisi!
You are even prettier than they say in Vienna.
Why are you wearing black?
Did something happen?
I am mourning my great love, Your Majesty.
I am sorry.
Aunt Ludovika. How wonderful that
you have come to my birthday party.
Duchess Elisabeth.
- That is Duchess Helene.
Then you are?
- Sisi.
Duchess Elisabeth.
You have not seen each other in a long time.
That is true.
Did you have a good journey?
- I was a bit unwell.
Welcome sister.
You should have corrected him immediately.
Néné, I didn't know what to say.
- You did it on purpose.
What? No!
- I saw that you liked him.
You did not even make such eyes at that Richard.
- Who do you think you...
- At least admit it!
I am in mourning.
- Stop it!
You can go.
But...
You will be the most beautiful empress
Austria has ever seen.
Oh my. I am so sorry.
Pardon, Your Majesty.
My little sister is sometimes a little clumsy.
Are you having fun?
Yes, Your Majesty.
As you know, it was extremely important to me
to have this thé en famille before the
official festivities for The Emperor's birthday begin.
It is also no secret among the invited guests
that Franz Joseph intends to get married.
Austria needs a strong empress and
the monarchy an heir to the throne.
What languages do you speak, dearest?
- English and French.
Have you mastered the Cotillion?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Nice.
And you, Elisabeth?
Forgive me.
I speak English and French
and a bit of Hungarian.
And of course. I love to dance.
Anything that has to do with exercise.
Riding, hiking, gymnastics.
- Exercise is important. But do you also have other interests?
My sister loves poetry.
Sometimes she even writes her own poems.
Would you not like to present one of them to us?
- Yes!
I...no...unfortunately I do not know them by heart.
You can also read it to us.
No, I do not want to.
But I would like to hear one.
Please.
You fresh young love. Blossoming like the spring.
Now fall has come and everything is over...
Only once I could truly love.
It was the first time.
Nothing could tarnish my bliss
until God stole my happiness.
What a delightful contribution.
Thank you.
Your Majesty.
A toast to the young emperor, to family and to love.
So much for now.
Franz will finish the Cotillion with his future empress.
The presentation of the flowers confirms the engagment.
To the future imperial couple!
I didn't do anything.
- You did!
How is it my fault
if The Emperor wants to hear your poems?
I should have never...
- Quiet now!
You will behave appropriately until the ball.
Néné will dance the cotillion with Franz.
And you, Sisi, you will no longer
make your sister's life harder.
Where do you intend to go now?
- Home!
That's way too dangerous.
You will stay here!
You should both be happy that I'm leaving.
- I am!
Sisi!
Sisi, stay here!
You can't just...
You like her, don't you?
Where is the problem?
Your mother?
In the mood for a hunt?
Stop!
Come on. We will catch up to them.
Why did you ride away?
Why did you follow me?
Because of the poem.
With all due respect,
that is none of your business.
It is because I laughed, is it not?
Farewell, Your Majesty.
Where are you going?
- Home! Once I find my horse again.
[in Hungarian]
Where is The Emperor?
Where is The Emperor?
Hold still!
- Let her go!
I am the one you want.
Duchess! Disappear!
Get to safety!
Come here! Come here!
Don't worry. He won't get far.
Let us look after the duchess.
No, no, no, no.
Duchess!
That mustn't be.
Forgive me.
Are you hurt?
The horse...it was hit.
- Duchess.
Come. Please.
I will put you out of your misery.
Why did Count Grünne not accompany us?
Why did you send him away?
No one must know what just happened here.
- Why not?
It would spark a fire I am currently trying to extinguish.
You should not come to court looking like that.
Neither should you.
You are safe.
It will get dark soon.
We should get going.
Do not turn around!
I told you you are safe.
You know how important an heir to the throne is.
That is why you must be honest now, sister.
Are there any medical concerns?
Néné's breasts are not big but firm.
I do not expect her to breastfeed
Habsburg's descendants herself.
Néné bleeds regularly.
She is ready for motherhood.
Stable boy, The Emperor has returned!
What about her?
How do you mean that?
You understood correctly.
Didn't you want to go home?
My plans have changed.
If you're looking for your yellow dress,
you won't find it here.
Why?
- That doesn't matter now.
I will go to the ball.
You wanted to go in black,
so you will go in black.
But my black dress is ripped.
- Then you will call a tailor.
And you will have this cleaned up.
Hello?
What can I do for you?
Who are you?
I am Countess Esterházy. Mistress of the Robes and
lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty Archduchess Sophie.
Please bring me to her.
Do you have an audience with Her Majesty?
She is my aunt.
Your Majesty.
Duchess Elisabeth.
What gives me the pleasure?
I want to go to the ball.
And?
I need a new dress.
And you come to me for that?
With all due respect, Your Highness is
the only one I would turn to with this request.
So this is not just about the dress for you.
And why do you think
you are the right one...for the dress?
My hearts tells me so.
I will give everything for it.
I would also demand everything from you.
But you should know one thing beforehand.
The decision will be made by my son.
Follow me.
Can I help you?
I...
I got lost.
- I will lead you outside.
Was that His Majesty?
The Count and The Countess of Königs!
Do not worry, my dear. This will be your night.
- The Duke and The Duchess of Wittgenstein!
Forgive me! Forgi...
Sorry. Forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me.
Elisabeth!
Duchess Elisabeth in Bavaria!
Duchess, The Emperor wishes to speak to you.
Now?
- Before the official ceremony begins.
But of course.
You want to speak to me?
I want you to understand why I...
I will choose your sister
because I do not care about her.
I do not understand.
I would be afraid to only make you unhappy.
With all due respect, I believe that
this is not the only thing you are afraid of.
Mesdames et Messieurs, the waltz.
Mesdames et Messieurs, the cotillion.
Elisabeth!
You look gorgeous again today, Duchess.
The bouquet confirms the engagement.
Duchess.
Little sister!
Oh. Please forgive us.
Mum. Does the Hollandaise sauce really come from Holland?
- From France, my dear.
And what's in it?
French aristocrat shit.
Don't look at me like this!
Who were you thinking of?
Well you know...
Count Richard?
And what about you?
- What?
Well...I mean...did you try it out too?
Sisi! Try out what?
Uhm...well the trout.
It's really delicious, dad. Good catch.
Mine is an old creature.
- Max!
Come on, tell me.
Yes, I have also tried out...some trouts.
And whom were you thinking of?
- Be quiet now.
Leave them be.
My grandfather was the first who...
- Who is it?
[Arad, Hungary]
Come on, move!
Move! More! Make way for The Emperor!
Down with The Emperor!
Freedom for Hungary!
The Hungarians fought like the berserkers.
All of this for a parliament.
What if you were to concede one to them?
They have an emperor.
[Possenhofen, Bavaria - 1853]
Both horses have wither height of 170.
Father is a Thoroughbred.
Mother a Trakehner.
Then let's see if they are good.
Heinrich!
I'll do it!
Uhm, Your Highness,
I don't know if that's a good idea.
She always does what she wants.
What is she planing?
Duchess!
Are you hurt?
- No.
Do you want to sit down?
- Nonsense.
Sisi!
- Let me do it.
If she breaks her neck,
tell my wife I was against it.
Your Trakehner are good.
- Thank you.
I would be very happy if you were staying until dinner.
I asked The Count if he could stay until tomorrow.
Please, dad.
- I have not much say in that matter.
My answer is no.
But you don't know what I wanted to ask you.
In four weeks, you will have
forgotten him again. Believe me.
But I love him!
- He is not befitting your rank.
There is nothing more to say about that.
Just like dad. Right?
Better use your energies for your
travel preparations. We are going to Ischl.
Next week in fact.
- What am I supposed to do in Ischl?
Your sister will become engaged to The Emperor there.
What?
Néné will become The Empress of Austria.
And that is why I will not tolerate
a simple count by your side.
[In Hungarian]
No, no, no, no! Please no! Mercy!
Not him! He has a son! He has a son!
His child is here...
He has a son...
This is injustice.
Please...for the boy...
Please!
Majesty!
[in accented German]
Freedom for Hungary! Death to the monarchy!
Your Majesty, the Hungarians' last garrison
surrendered to the Russian army.
The Czar's support is also a message to Napoleon.
What did this woman say?
Something about heaven and hell
shall destroy your happiness.
Your life shall be doomed for destruction.
And those who you love shall die miserably.
The Hungarian uprising is over. That is my message to Napoleon. And we finally get to go home.
[in French]
Emperor Franz Joseph quelled
the last uprisings in Hungary, Majesty.
It is rumored that he lost 2000 soldiers.
The little boy is taking his first steps.
Good work.
Please see if my other daughter got dressed.
I'll be done in a second.
I wore this one at my own engagement.
May it bring you more luck than me.
- Mum! Dad is a good man.
What is the point of this?
I'm mourning my great love.
- You will get out of this immediately.
Why?
Black? At The Emperor's birthday?
I'm very happy.
- The dress will stay here.
Then I won't come along.
- Sisi, please.
The engagement is not official yet. It would be
way too suspicious if mum and I would go alone.
And what about dad?
You haven't told him yet.
So you need me.
If I'm supposed to come along,
then only in black.
You shouldn't have chased Count Richard off the yard.
Please also pack this yellow one.
Stop it. This is a once in a lifetime chance.
Our daughter.
Out of all people, this...this sick monarch.
Max! He is The Emperor of Austria.
He's a little boy who is afraid of getting run over
by Napoleon and the other monarchs. That's how it is.
And believe me.
That's exactly what's gonna happen.
He has been prepared for this task all his life.
What do you know of politics?
You see what's happening all around.
The people want their freedom, not an emperor.
He cannot preserve something that is doomed,
not even with force.
And I don't want our daughter helping him.
I already decided it.
What?
I did not even dare to dream of such a match.
Really? That's why you also only got me, a simple duke.
It is an extraordinary pleasure to meet you.
I hope Your Majesty had a wonderful journey...
How wonderful to see you, Your Majesty.
Oh Majesty, the journey was very wonderful.
[Ischl - Imperial summer residence]
Attention!
Sisi, wait!
Can you not wait until they open us?
My butt is totally rattled up.
There are much more
important things today than your butt.
Sisi!
You are even prettier than they say in Vienna.
Why are you wearing black?
Did something happen?
I am mourning my great love, Your Majesty.
I am sorry.
Aunt Ludovika. How wonderful that
you have come to my birthday party.
Duchess Elisabeth.
- That is Duchess Helene.
Then you are?
- Sisi.
Duchess Elisabeth.
You have not seen each other in a long time.
That is true.
Did you have a good journey?
- I was a bit unwell.
Welcome sister.
You should have corrected him immediately.
Néné, I didn't know what to say.
- You did it on purpose.
What? No!
- I saw that you liked him.
You did not even make such eyes at that Richard.
- Who do you think you...
- At least admit it!
I am in mourning.
- Stop it!
You can go.
But...
You will be the most beautiful empress
Austria has ever seen.
Oh my. I am so sorry.
Pardon, Your Majesty.
My little sister is sometimes a little clumsy.
Are you having fun?
Yes, Your Majesty.
As you know, it was extremely important to me
to have this thé en famille before the
official festivities for The Emperor's birthday begin.
It is also no secret among the invited guests
that Franz Joseph intends to get married.
Austria needs a strong empress and
the monarchy an heir to the throne.
What languages do you speak, dearest?
- English and French.
Have you mastered the Cotillion?
- Yes, Your Majesty.
Nice.
And you, Elisabeth?
Forgive me.
I speak English and French
and a bit of Hungarian.
And of course. I love to dance.
Anything that has to do with exercise.
Riding, hiking, gymnastics.
- Exercise is important. But do you also have other interests?
My sister loves poetry.
Sometimes she even writes her own poems.
Would you not like to present one of them to us?
- Yes!
I...no...unfortunately I do not know them by heart.
You can also read it to us.
No, I do not want to.
But I would like to hear one.
Please.
You fresh young love. Blossoming like the spring.
Now fall has come and everything is over...
Only once I could truly love.
It was the first time.
Nothing could tarnish my bliss
until God stole my happiness.
What a delightful contribution.
Thank you.
Your Majesty.
A toast to the young emperor, to family and to love.
So much for now.
Franz will finish the Cotillion with his future empress.
The presentation of the flowers confirms the engagment.
To the future imperial couple!
I didn't do anything.
- You did!
How is it my fault
if The Emperor wants to hear your poems?
I should have never...
- Quiet now!
You will behave appropriately until the ball.
Néné will dance the cotillion with Franz.
And you, Sisi, you will no longer
make your sister's life harder.
Where do you intend to go now?
- Home!
That's way too dangerous.
You will stay here!
You should both be happy that I'm leaving.
- I am!
Sisi!
Sisi, stay here!
You can't just...
You like her, don't you?
Where is the problem?
Your mother?
In the mood for a hunt?
Stop!
Come on. We will catch up to them.
Why did you ride away?
Why did you follow me?
Because of the poem.
With all due respect,
that is none of your business.
It is because I laughed, is it not?
Farewell, Your Majesty.
Where are you going?
- Home! Once I find my horse again.
[in Hungarian]
Where is The Emperor?
Where is The Emperor?
Hold still!
- Let her go!
I am the one you want.
Duchess! Disappear!
Get to safety!
Come here! Come here!
Don't worry. He won't get far.
Let us look after the duchess.
No, no, no, no.
Duchess!
That mustn't be.
Forgive me.
Are you hurt?
The horse...it was hit.
- Duchess.
Come. Please.
I will put you out of your misery.
Why did Count Grünne not accompany us?
Why did you send him away?
No one must know what just happened here.
- Why not?
It would spark a fire I am currently trying to extinguish.
You should not come to court looking like that.
Neither should you.
You are safe.
It will get dark soon.
We should get going.
Do not turn around!
I told you you are safe.
You know how important an heir to the throne is.
That is why you must be honest now, sister.
Are there any medical concerns?
Néné's breasts are not big but firm.
I do not expect her to breastfeed
Habsburg's descendants herself.
Néné bleeds regularly.
She is ready for motherhood.
Stable boy, The Emperor has returned!
What about her?
How do you mean that?
You understood correctly.
Didn't you want to go home?
My plans have changed.
If you're looking for your yellow dress,
you won't find it here.
Why?
- That doesn't matter now.
I will go to the ball.
You wanted to go in black,
so you will go in black.
But my black dress is ripped.
- Then you will call a tailor.
And you will have this cleaned up.
Hello?
What can I do for you?
Who are you?
I am Countess Esterházy. Mistress of the Robes and
lady-in-waiting to Her Majesty Archduchess Sophie.
Please bring me to her.
Do you have an audience with Her Majesty?
She is my aunt.
Your Majesty.
Duchess Elisabeth.
What gives me the pleasure?
I want to go to the ball.
And?
I need a new dress.
And you come to me for that?
With all due respect, Your Highness is
the only one I would turn to with this request.
So this is not just about the dress for you.
And why do you think
you are the right one...for the dress?
My hearts tells me so.
I will give everything for it.
I would also demand everything from you.
But you should know one thing beforehand.
The decision will be made by my son.
Follow me.
Can I help you?
I...
I got lost.
- I will lead you outside.
Was that His Majesty?
The Count and The Countess of Königs!
Do not worry, my dear. This will be your night.
- The Duke and The Duchess of Wittgenstein!
Forgive me! Forgi...
Sorry. Forgive me. Forgive me. Forgive me.
Elisabeth!
Duchess Elisabeth in Bavaria!
Duchess, The Emperor wishes to speak to you.
Now?
- Before the official ceremony begins.
But of course.
You want to speak to me?
I want you to understand why I...
I will choose your sister
because I do not care about her.
I do not understand.
I would be afraid to only make you unhappy.
With all due respect, I believe that
this is not the only thing you are afraid of.
Mesdames et Messieurs, the waltz.
Mesdames et Messieurs, the cotillion.
Elisabeth!
You look gorgeous again today, Duchess.
The bouquet confirms the engagement.
Duchess.