The second episode of Amadeus, set in 1782, finds the Mozarts united in marriage and celebrating the arrival of their baby. Constanze playfully inquires of Salieri why he hasn't shared his story with a priest, a subtle nod to the 1984 film that the series deftly weaves into its narrative. However, the episode moves swiftly on, not lingering on this moment but rather propelling the story forward.
In our parallel timeline, the Mozarts' wedding is a lively and joyous affair, a stark contrast to Salieri's stoic demeanor and sensibilities at court. Emperor Joseph, struggling with his own dilemmas, decides to enlist Amadeus as a tutor for Princess Elizabeth. This decision marks a change of heart for the Emperor, who now desires bold compositions from Mozart and seeks to nurture his talents.
Amadeus' tutoring sessions are a peculiar choice, as we witness him belittle a child right in front of the child's mother. This is not the first time Mozart has been dismissed from a position due to this behavior, indicating a pattern of misbehavior that has plagued him throughout his career.
Constanze pays a visit to Salieri at the theater, where he brings up Mozart's new gig as a tutor for Princess Elizabeth. However, before accepting the position, Salieri asks Constanze to bring him Mozart's manuscripts, as he plans to use them to make a case with the Emperor. He even invites her over to his place for the exchange, but it becomes clear that this is a ruse for Salieri to try and seduce Constanze. As she undresses, Salieri has a change of heart and refuses her advance, realizing she is pregnant. He is also disgusted with himself for his lapse in judgment and weak demeanor.
Back at home, Amadeus arrives to witness the birth of his son but finds himself struggling with his compositions. The constant crying of the baby disrupts his creative flow, and he is not in "the zone" as he was before. There is also the subtext of Amadeus' daddy issues, as his father has been writing to him and is unhappy with Mozart's behavior, believing he is tarnishing their family name.
At the grand royal palace, Princess Elizabeth presents a figure far from Mozart's expectations. Bold, unrefined, and undeniably flirtatious, her presence irks Mozart. Compounded by the drama surrounding his son, Amadeus decides to depart with Constanze, their path leading them to Salzburg to confront their father and put an end to the discord once and for all.
Upon reaching Salzburg, Amadeus finds himself annoyed to learn that his father, Leopold, has left for a few days, leaving him alone in the vast house filled with memories and the belongings of his past. Leopold eventually arrives, disdainfully dismissing Mozart's accomplishments as he "dances around like an insolent fool." He also takes issue with Constanze, though she stands her ground, even delivering a sharp retort upon entering the room.
As the conversation turns to Mozart's mother and her ultimate sacrifice for Amadeus, tensions escalate. It is clear that Leopold resents Mozart for "squandering his gifts," and in a huff, he storms out. Constanze understands the underlying tension but agrees with Leopold on one point: people twist and humiliate themselves to serve Amadeus's whims. She urges him to act like a man and take responsibility, warning that he is not only wasting his talents but also alienating his family.
Enraged, Mozart sets fire to the piano that night and plays amid the dancing flames. The hired help eventually arrives to extinguish the flames, leaving Mozart's hands raw and red from playing in the fire.
However, worse news follows. Constanze and Amadeus have lost their infant son to a fever, having fallen ill shortly after their departure and never recovering. The unenviable task of delivering this news falls to Amadeus.
In the Mozarts' absence, Salieri tightens his grip on Vienna, releasing his latest opera, La scuola de’ gelosi (The School of Jealousy), to great acclaim. But this fame is short-lived as Mozart and Constanze eventually return to Vienna. Constanze is overcome by grief and has locked herself in her room. As for Mozart, he finally completes his Mass composition for his son, immersed in a sea of sadness.
During the ceremony where Mozart delivers his composition, tears stream down Salieri's eyes as he listens to the music. In the aftermath of this profound experience, Salieri declares war on God, lashing out at his Almighty for using Mozart as his conduit rather than Salieri himself.
