S02.E06: Hated, Humbled, Mortified

[AnimeMania]

The royal couple hope that Rohan's indictment will help contain the aristocracy's desire for rebellion; at the end of a turbulent trial, Rohan is exonerated, but a false testimony tarnishes Marie Antoinette's reputation.

As the public trial begins, events quickly spiral out of Marie Antoinette and Louis's control.

Premiere Date: April 27, 2025    PBS     10pm

[Wizardpatch]

I am no 18th century French legal expert, but why didn't Louis and Marie dismiss the charges against Rohan once they were sure that he was tricked by the fake Countess? They could have just charged him with a lesser offense like the other defendants because he was so easily fooled. Yes it would have looked bad, but not as bad as losing the main charge.

[chaifan]

On 5/17/2025 at 1:51 PM, Wizardpatch said:

but why didn't Louis and Marie dismiss the charges against Rohan once they were sure that he was tricked by the fake Countess?

The King is infallible.  He is the King because God said so.  The King does not make mistakes.  If they dismissed the charges, that would be admitting it was a mistake to have Rohan arrested in the first place.  If Rohan is found not guilty, they can claim the court is corrupt, or full of fools or whatever.  But the King never admits to a mistake.

Edited to add:  The above is the historical reasoning.  I don't personally believe any of that crap.  

Edited May 20 by chaifan

[Wizardpatch]

Those reasons might suffice for the actual Louis XVI, but the one on this show is constantly insulted and doubts himself. His closest nobles practically call him a cuck to his face. You would think the Louis as shown here would be delighted to have no real power and just be allowed to hunt all day.

[chaifan]

@Wizardpatch Yes, you're right the show's Louis is full of self doubt.  But that is in private, with his advisors, at most.  Publicly, he has to portray nothing less than 100% self confidence.  He can doubt himself all he wants, but dismissing charges before a judge/jury can rule would mean he made a mistake by having those charges drawn in the first place.  And Kings don't make mistakes (or at least they do not publicly admit to doing so).