The Shoes

 is the fifth episode of the first season of the Netflix series The Empress.

Synopsis
Maximilian gathers support for an evil plan while Elisabeth's well-intended gesture backfires, leading her to befriend the dubious maid, Leontine.

Main Cast

 * Devrim Lingnau as Empress Elisabeth of Austria / Princess Elisabeth of Bavaria
 * Philip Froissant as Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria-Hungary
 * Melika Foroutan as Archduchess Sophie
 * Johannes Nussbaum as Archduke Maximilian
 * Almila Bagriacik as Leontine von Apafi
 * Wiebke Puls as Countess Esterházy
 * Elisa Schlott as Duchess Helene
 * Jördis Triebel as Princess Ludovika

Additional Cast

 * Alexander Finkenwirth as Baron Alexander von Bach
 * Hanna Hilsdorf as Countess Amalia von Salm-Reifferscheidt
 * Rauand Taleb as Theo
 * Runa Greiner as Countess Charlotte von Stubenberg
 * Felix Nölle as Archduke Ludwig-Viktor
 * Erol Nowak as Baron von Kempen
 * Svenja Jung as Countess Louise Gundemann
 * Anna Böttcher as Elsa
 * Lola du Bled as Hedi
 * Leopold Hornung as Buol
 * August Schmölzer as Rauscher
 * Merlin Rose as Egon
 * Georg Schmiechen as Foremen Foundry
 * Oliver Moritz as Officer Barrack Yard
 * Benjamin Jorns as Palace Guard Castle Park
 * Marc Rose as Angry Citizen #1 Foundry
 * Volker Ringe as Commander Moring
 * Felix Auer as Sophie's Servant
 * Florian Graf as Valentin
 * Anne Weise as Angry Citizen #2
 * Stefanie Schimanski as Countess von Apafi
 * Jörg Wildung as Coachman von Apafi
 * Silva Bieler as Elisabeth's Chambermaid #1
 * Frédéric Stromenger as Wilhelm von Österriech
 * Enzo Mandara as Accomplice Assault
 * Jakob Nienhaus as Sophie's servant #2

Quotes
"Today's visit is of utmost importance. The Empress is concerned for her people, and they must see that. Do not forget that as far as the people are concerned, you are a divine being. Always follow these three rules. Do not touch anyone. Never. Avoid eye contact. And do not speak casually with anyone. The Empress must stay untouchable and unassailable. Always."

- Esterházy speaks to Elisabeth on the way to the foundry

"Stability, security, and order are what we need now. When chaos reigns, we impose our control. We don't pacify! Tell me that you are with me, Franz."

- Sophie speaks to Franz

"You cannot get so close to the people. It's reckless."

- Franz argues with Elisabeth

"That's the very reason they hate us all. Since we treat them with contempt. Don't speak to them, don't look at them, don't touch them."

- Elisabeth argues with Franz

"You have no idea what I'm trying to do to get things to change around here! And your bleeding heart is of no help at all."

- Franz argues with Elisabeth

"I have never met a strong person with a simple past."

- Elisabeth speaks to Leontine