In the epic conclusion of The Empress Season 2, "All We Can Do," the fate of the Habsburg Empire hangs in the balance as war looms and personal sacrifices are made. The episode opens with a poignant flashback, young Franz questioning the Cardinal about the cruelties of war, a scene that sets the tone for the moral dilemmas that will plague the royal family throughout the finale.
The present day unfolds with the royal family celebrating the birth of the heir to the throne, a moment of joy tinged with the bittersweet memory of Fienchen, whose loss still weighs heavily on Elisabeth and Franz's hearts. The baptism of the young prince is a solemn occasion, and Elisabeth's protectiveness over him towards Sophie speaks volumes of the mistrust that lingers.
Elisabeth's world is further rocked by a letter from Leontine, who is revealed to have been pregnant when she left, news that Elisabeth promptly shares with Alexander. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the already tense atmosphere at the palace. The future of Austria is uncertain as Buol reports on the growing strength of the rebels in Lombardy-Venetia, led by Garibaldi, who is amassing followers. Sophie and Franz devise a plan to secure more Italian regions to their side, hoping to strengthen their position.
Their strategy involves a political marriage, proposing that Elisabeth's sister, Mimi, marry the Prince of Sicily. Initially resistant, Elisabeth tries to sway Mimi against the idea, but Sophie's persuasive efforts eventually win Mimi over, highlighting the intricate dance of political maneuvering within the royal family. In Lombardy-Venetia, the situation escalates as Garibaldi and the rebels riot nightly. Buol's report of Piedmont gathering troops at the border prompts Gyulai to insist on declaring war. Despite Alexander's protests, Franz sends an ultimatum to Cavour, giving him three days to surrender and cease support for the Lombardian rebels.
The plot thickens as Franz learns of Napoleon's covert support for the rebels, realizing that he has inadvertently declared war on France as well. Enraged by this betrayal and his own advisors' manipulations, Franz fires Gyulai and Buol, the latter's true war-hungry intentions now exposed. With Cavour's refusal to surrender, Franz is left with no choice but to go to war. Napoleon, delighted by the turn of events, prepares for what he believes will be the downfall of Austria.
The war takes a devastating toll on the Austrian army, with Napoleon outmaneuvering them, resulting in the loss of thousands of soldiers. Elisabeth, visiting the wounded, is disheartened by their plight and convinces Mimi to agree to the political marriage, hoping to give the people a reason to hope. Franz's decision to demote Maximilian as viceroy further strains relationships. Marie accuses Franz of trying to make Maximilian look like a failure, leading to an argument and an ultimatum from her to Maximilian. The couple travels to the palace to confront Franz, adding to the mounting tensions.
Alexander, upon learning of Leontine's pregnancy, decides to quit, telling Franz that he must atone for his sins. Franz, reluctantly, lets him go, but Alexander's courage to face his past resonates with him. Weeks of defeat lead Franz to make a drastic decision—to join the soldiers on the front line. Elisabeth is shaken by this news, but Franz seeks her support. When he breaks the news to his family, they present a united front, though Sophie blames Elisabeth for his decision.
Franz is tormented by the notion that he is a fraud, commanding his men to fight while he remains in the palace. He wants to prove his courage, to show that like Napoleon, he can lead from the front lines. Maximilian offers to stay behind and take over if anything happens to Franz, but Franz makes it clear that Elisabeth and his mother will take over until his son comes of age. Maximilian, outraged, leaves with his wife.
The season concludes with Franz bidding farewell to his family and heading to the front lines. Sophie, who has put up a strong front, breaks down after he leaves, fearing that all her efforts were in vain. She blames Elisabeth, but Elisabeth comforts her, and the two women embrace, acknowledging their sacrifices for the kingdom and hoping for the best.
"All We Can Do" is a powerful finale that encapsulates the essence of leadership, sacrifice, and the heavy burden of responsibility that comes with power. The episode is a masterful blend of political intrigue, personal drama, and historical context, leaving viewers with a profound sense of the complexities of the human condition and the cost of empire. As the credits roll, the fates of Franz, Elisabeth, and the Habsburg Empire remain uncertain, setting the stage for a potential third season that promises to be just as gripping and emotionally charged.