The rivalry between Marie and Madame du Barry reaches a boiling point at Fontainebleau. Du Barry, who is in charge of the furnishings, deliberately stalls the renovations on Louis's adjoining rooms, making them unlivable and keeping the young couple physically separated.
"Pick a Princess" masterfully shifts the focus from just "producing an heir" to the cutthroat competition between siblings. For more deep dives, you can check out the Episode 3 Recap on WTTW or the Review at The Review Geek . Maria Antonietta - Primi passi a corte s01e03
Provence sides with the King’s daughters to choose Josephine of Savoy, primarily to spite Louis and Marie. The rivalry between Marie and Madame du Barry
Provence tries to assert dominance at a royal luncheon, only to be reminded by the King that he still needs his older brother’s permission for the match. The Du Barry Hostility Peaks For more deep dives, you can check out
Versailles on Vacation: Power Plays at Fontainebleau Marie Antoinette Season 1, Episode 3: "Pick a Princess"
In one of the show’s most touching scenes yet, the tension between the Dauphin and Dauphine finally breaks. After a traumatic confrontation where the King forces Marie to obey him, Louis-Auguste finally steps up. He leaps from his horse to help her. He thanks her for her patience.
The episode kicks off with the royal family attempting to unwind under the theme of "Merry England". However, any hope for peace is literally tossed overboard when a fight between the brothers, Louis-Auguste and Provence, ends with Marie falling into a river. It’s a messy start to a trip defined by cold shoulders and calculated snubs. A New Rival Enters the Fray