Episode 5 of "The Leopard" unfolds in August 1862, where Concetta tends to the household duties as Stella remains immersed in grief. Fabrizio, though ailing, has resolved to embrace the senate's proposal. Stella's anxiety for his well-being propels Concetta to accompany him to Turin, despite her heart still healing from the wound left by Tancredi.
Upon their arrival, Tancredi extends a warm welcome. The political landscape is turbulent, with Garibaldi orchestrating a plan to reclaim Rome from the Pope's clutches, utilizing the Sicilian army as his pawn. When Concetta subtly probes Tancredi's stance, he subtly suggests aspirations far grander than that of a mere foot soldier.
Angelica bursts onto the scene, orchestrating opera outings and ensuring the Salinas' comfort with meticulous care. She boasts of Tancredi's potential appointment to Italy's embassy in France, her pride evident. As Angelica gives Concetta a tour, she confides her desire for motherhood, a dream unreciprocated by Tancredi, whose conversations revolve solely around Concetta, leaving the young woman overwhelmed with emotions.
At the opera, Tancredi is a celebrated figure, envied by all and adored by Angelica. Bombello too is present, his gaze fixed distantly on Concetta. Throughout the performance, Tancredi's eyes repeatedly seek out Concetta's. She responds with a fleeting smile, averting her gaze as Angelica pointedly ignores their exchange.
Suddenly, news breaks that Garibaldi has defied the Italian king's orders, marching towards Rome with unyielding determination. The French, who back the Papal rule, are incensed. The French ambassador, Charroux, contemplates departure, but Angelica, with her clever maneuvering, persuades him to stay.
Italy stands on the precipice of civil strife, as The Cavaliere and Tancredi endeavor to persuade Fabrizio of the imperative for a formidable senate. Fabrizio is deeply impressed by Tancredi's diplomatic prowess, a stark contrast to his rebellious past. He lauds Tancredi's evolution, yet when Fabrizio brings up his blissful marriage, Tancredi subtly shifts the conversation. Angelica, observing this exchange, is displeased, acknowledging a growing estrangement between them.
When Bombello pens a letter to Concetta, Angelica urges her to meet him unchaperoned, her encouragement tinged with reluctance. Bombello, the epitome of chivalry, subtly conveys his fondness for Concetta. She suggests he seek Fabrizio's blessing, yet her heart beats with delight at the attention lavished upon her.
That evening, as Concetta prepares for a grand ball, Tancredi unexpectedly arrives. His feelings for her remain undiminished. Angelica's entrance is met with a sharp retort from Tancredi, to which she responds with a dismissive glance, while Concetta gently urges him to depart.
At the ball, Charroux announces Garibaldi's defeat, igniting celebrations. Angelica, the center of attention, holds court amidst the revelry. Fabrizio watches her intently, noting her proximity to Charroux. Unbeknownst to Fabrizio, Tancredi whispers endearments to Concetta on the sidelines.
As the night draws to a close, Fabrizio trails Angelica, while Concetta follows Tancredi. To her astonishment, Tancredi leads her to Tassoni's apartment. He appears unperturbed, revealing that Tancredi frequently brings other women there. Concetta's heart aches, realizing she is but another conquest in his litany of affairs. Tancredi confesses his inability to forget her, despite sharing little with Angelica beyond ambition. Yet, his confession falls short, and she leaves in disappointment.
Meanwhile, Fabrizio witnesses Angelica's flirtation with Charroux. In private, he confronts her, and she justifies her actions as repayment for Tancredi's infidelity. Fabrizio broods at home before confiding in Tancredi. The latter responds with a cynical shrug, attributing Angelica's actions solely to ambition. He mocks Fabrizio for judging him while indulging in his own carnal pleasures. Fabrizio, incensed, denounces Tancredi as a pimp, betraying his wife for personal gain.
The following day, he steering clear of them, as Calogero makes an appearance, boasting of his ties to Baron Prizzi and his mission in Turin to uncover evidence. Concetta, exasperated by his incoherent ravings about Paolo’s demise, checks in on her father. Fabrizio is convinced that his partiality has led to dire consequences; his pampering of Tancredi only nurtured a pimp, while Paolo, who perpetually contended for his affection, ultimately met his end because of it. These revelations weigh heavily on his choice at the National Assembly, where he is introduced as Sicily's senator. Acknowledging his belonging to the old world, he realizes the necessity of adapting to the new, yet concedes that he cannot be the one to lead this transition and politely declines the offer. Tancredi takes pride in Fabrizio’s adherence to his principles. Fabrizio’s authenticity is precisely what the senate craves, amidst a sea of unscrupulous officials. The Cavaliere beseeches him, but Fabrizio jests that Calogero might just be the perfect candidate, as they witness Calogero making a spectacle of himself. Bombello, too, is impressed and reveals his intentions to seek Fabrizio’s blessing soon. Concetta ponders before granting her consent.
As the Salinas family prepares to depart, Tancredi receives an embassy offer. Fabrizio and Concetta offer him heartfelt congratulations, which inadvertently wounds Tancredi with their perceived indifference. Fabrizio grapples with an existential dilemma during the carriage ride back home, muttering about resigning to their fate in Sicily, envisioning Concetta marrying a Sicilian to keep them united. This sparks an explosion from her, who insists on forging her own path in the world. She reveals Bombello’s marriage proposal to her and commands Fabrizio to accept it, leaving him speechless in astonishment.
In the closing scene of Episode 5 of "The Leopard," Stella’s smile fades as she observes Concetta giving Fabrizio the cold shoulder.
