The third episode of Amadeus opens with the Mozart family in a state of disarray. Despite hosting extravagant soirees, Wolfgang's students dwindle, while Constanze continues to grieve the loss of their son. Her heartache finds solace in the presence of Franz Süssmayr, a talented and charismatic composer who catches her eye at a party and remembers her melodious voice. Their conversation ignites a spark within Constanze, prompting her to share her desire with Wolfgang to return to her singing. However, his indifference only widens the rift between them.
Meanwhile, Salieri's obsession with Mozart reaches an all-time high, fueled by his bitter resentment towards the composer's present-day triumphs. Believing his own talent to be overshadowed by his eccentricity, Salieri watches, unmoved, as the kapellmeister chokes on his dinner and passes away. His earlier declaration of war against God seems to have paid him a strange dividend when he is promoted to the position of kapellmeister. God, indeed, works in mysterious ways!
With his newfound power over Vienna and its musicians, Salieri's sights set on Caterina Cavalieri, a woman he intends to continue tutoring while flirting with his expanding influence. He summons Amadeus to discuss his latest opera, only to reject the composer's fantastical vision and instead steer him towards a work rooted in simple pleasures and relatable characters. In essence, Salieri is deliberately attempting to sabotage Mozart's work and ensure his failure. To add insult to injury, he also forces Mozart to work under a tight deadline.
Throughout it all, Amadeus persists in tutoring Princess Elizabeth, delving into an opera banned by the Emperor, believing it to be a perilous endeavor. This ignites Mozart's curiosity, but he is also compelled into a sordid entanglement with the Princess when she seduces him. Unable to resist the allure of the forbidden, Mozart decides to depart with his servant, Da Ponte, finally inspired to transform this prohibited opera into his own masterpiece. Constanze is overjoyed at the prospect of their reunion, especially as it marks the anniversary of their son Raymond's passing.
In Amadeus' absence, Salieri reveals Mozart's transgressions to the Emperor, leading to Amadeus' disgraceful dismissal as the Princess' tutor. However, Amadeus quickly turns his focus to improving his communication with Constanze, knowing that music and opera are their only conduit for understanding.
Determined to thwart Mozart's secret work, Salieri plants a spy in the Mozart household, Franz Süssmayr, the man Constanze met at the party at the start of the episode. Franz charms Constanze and encourages her to showcase her musical talents in front of a bar full of patrons. Their connection blossoms, and though Franz becomes uneasy with his spying role, Salieri convinces him to continue "for the good of Vienna."
Eventually, Franz decides to leave town, but in the process, he proposes to Constanze, revealing his growing affection for her and offering an illicit sanctuary together.
Salieri quickly discovers Amadeus' work on the banned opera, and given the looming war and the Emperor's preoccupation at the war table, he dismisses Amadeus' Kapellmeister and tells Salieri that the only way to shut down the opera is through a riot. This gives Salieri an idea.
On the opening night of the opera, Constanze fails to attend, instead choosing to meet Franz at a church. This is a crushing blow for Amadeus, who wrote the play specifically for Constanze. Her empty seat stands out like a scarlet letter, and Mozart continues to glower as the play commences.
But things take a sinister turn when a massive riot erupts at the back of the theater. It's a chaotic spectacle that Wolfgang's father witnesses with disbelief, muttering "Our Emperor rides to war, and you incite a mob." As he leaves, chaos reigns supreme.
