1556332. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. Brilliant writing. Guilt often manifests itself in an outward show of rage. *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. Philippe had stillborn twins and a daughter, a son who died at 2 and one at 4, plus two miscarriages. Season Two Mike and the last of Rohans men are massacred in a last stand by the musketeers, led by Fabien Marchal. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! I think this comes down to loyalty one would assume the Kings guard would be fiercely loyal to the crown so no one would suspect any plotting. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. He was brought up and ruled as absolute monarch, and believed for the good of France. In the show Philippe tries time and again to offer his support and love, but is constantly betrayed or rejected (this happened with the historical figures, too. She is gravely ill. Montespan pauses for a second, then declares she must go to her (because you know, Montespan is supposed to be one of her ladies-in-waiting). We must get the king and the queen and yourself to safety at once. And the penny drops for Bontemps, his look of dismay so clear. And dragging Effiat into it too, for a) being a mignon loyal to the Chevalier, and b) his familys involvement in the Fronde, during Louis XIIIs reign. Louis persists. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. Charming. It INFURIATED Louis), In the show Philippe tries time and again to offer his support and love, but is constantly betrayed or rejected (this happened with the historical figures, too.. But it is kept behind closed doors. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. She could not affect change herself. She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its U.S. cable home. She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. You have never been a man whos true. And I do not regret it for an instant. Like he is trying to justify himself. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. (*cries*), Bontemps goes to see Louis. It was so good. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. Philippe: my brother always trusted you. Claudine: I am honoured. Philippe whispers: I dont believe I know what it feels like. .. Emo Philippe, so dark and tortured! And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? The state is a person. The flashback of Charlotte being shot is in his head, reminding us (the audience) what happened previously and confirming that Marchal now knows how it was done. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. Either way, she's dead now. Yes. His face may be handsome but now he just reminds me of a ferret. What shall I do! Even if I ignore the historical figures behind the show and what I know of their real lives, I cant ignore the historical setting or the social arena in which the show is played. I just rot an extremely long omment And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. I love it). I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. Henriette is restrained by Philippe, the Queen and Bontemps, and Philippe is clearly suffering as he listens to his wife muffling her screams. He is beyond selfish and his cruel behaviour is at the root of all of their misery. Again, so so love your words. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. FOCUS. Ive addressed each of your points, but it has run very long and I dont know if it will post in the comments section or not. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? I dont know how others look at Henriettas character, but to me, shes just trying to survive and continue loving the man she loves, which is Louis. A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. Im genuinely having real trouble understanding your position here. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? Marchal is surprised but pleased: attracting the flies to the paper. You are both the angels at my shoulder, says Louis, which reminds Marchal of the Parthenays and Montcourt. I look forward to reading your reviews on the next series, when it comes out. Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. In Ep 3, I believe this is the first time we see the painting, it is in Louiss chambers, to the left of the fireplace on an easel on the floor. Im going to be stalking these recaps in the arduous wait for season two. Especially as her lover was the king. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. We now see Philippe asleep. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. . I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. It would be an outrageous thought. And before we can check ourselves and reach for the tissues, the priest murmurs, Amen and Philippes expression tightens, his head gently shaking before he steps away from the bed, leaving Louis there. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. This doesnt do good for her position, unloved by her husband and no one would stand at her side, should French and English go to war. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. Called it!) As she said, she was only voicing what they were both thinking. It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. Then he calls for the Guards. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. Henriette. Says you made me marry him. My apartment has no pisspot and I do hate to urinate in the stairwells. The Chevalier: Never stopped you before. (teeheehee) They are interrupted by the Duc de Cassel (who is looking even rougher and more filthy than usual. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? Louis. Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. The one she loves the most. He expressed his doubts to the grief-stricken Charles II, who earnestly believed that his sister had been murdered. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. Though only a few actually act on it. Marchal is having a hard time believing Montcourts usual crapabout returning to court because he is a true friend to the king and was his duty to inform him of a threat to Henriettes life. Im leaving. Louis: You would defy me, even in this moment? Philippe: I know what this moment is. Louis steps to his brother and the camera frames them between the crossed pikes, a familiar movie making technique that focuses your eye solely on them, and also creates powerful imagery of two strong men, between weapons, taking opposite views. However, the court (and her brother, Charles II) was told she died of natural causes so he could hardly behead anyone for murder after that. Spooks), it was no surprise when this drama arrived with a hearty dollop of sex, violence, tension, and intrigue. Philippe had a relationship with the man he loved while Henriette continued to sleep with the man she loved. And the next shot is Louis in slow-mo, walking out. That she could feel no affection for the man she was forced to marry, a man who could never feel anything for her and who also raped her, is not at all surprising (even while considering that marital rape was acceptable at that time). But he will not be resting for long the door opens later and we see a pair of bare feet, the hem of a nightgown, both bloodied, as they enter. Do you see them now? *Another side-note: When the Chavelier mentions that Louis does not look for beauty so much as character, umwas he talking about Henriette? I just discovered Versailles this week and watched it in quick succession!!! I love this show <3. I am a friend. Louis: you are grieving. Philippe shakes his head: I grieve alone. Louis swallows then says: You will marry again. Philippe interjects: I simply want to live. Louis: It is your duty. Philippe hisses: I have had my fill of duty. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. Coming from the quills of noted showrunners David Wolstencroft and Simon Mirren, both known for gripping series with a conspiratorial bent (i.e. fantastic bog! I hope the surgery went well, Heather! And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. Women were not allowed to practice medicine at that time and her father clearly disapproves, particularly as she grows more skilled and knowledgable than him. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. The writers of the show took quite creative liberty with the relationships some turned out to be clever and well-written, some I just eye rolled SO HARD. I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. *That should have read historical figures not historical characters! All I could find were negative. I will come, says Philippe. Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. Now we are with Marchal, who is interrogating Henriettes ladies, Sophie included. Quite a few. We now see Philippe, so resigned, with tears down his cheeks, then Louis with a no, this is NOT happening. look on his face, eyes still dry. <3 <3 I love the outfit on the fashion doll that we see when Philippe and Lorraine flounce into the salon full of cloth and trinkets, and later we see that same coat on Philippe as they stroll the gardens :), Your email address will not be published. Cats with nine lives. Thanks for reading! Such emotion. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. BRILLIANT acting. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. Such an angry king, and rightly so. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. There is your music.. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? ! Louis is stunned: Why are you casting all this rage at me? Philippe: Because you deserve it. I blame it all on Louis! And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. *The only voice, your own. Point 10: The abnoxious snog in front of Henriette. Henriette of England died in Saint-Cloud, not in Versailles. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. No one enters. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! No context is provided about who he is, no indication he is married. Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! *insert sound of breaking heart here*. However, the bible does say something about a man being expected to marry his brothers widow. Id be happy with either, tbh! Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Marchal is still ordering: Get his Majesty to safety, at once! His guards rush in to remove him, they scuffle and Louis yells: get your hands off me! For one thing, Anne of Austria, Henriette and the Comtesse de Scissons and even Louis XIV partly himself were in real life all part of a plan to distract the court and other gossip mongers from spreading further lies, gossip, rumors and to provide a cover up for Louis and Henriettes affair which was more of a fling than an actual full fledged affair. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. We see a quick shot of Montcourts body being dumped from a cart into the muddy swampiness, to join other rotting, decaying bodies. Hi Jules and Aly, In the case of Versailles, And one day, brother, one day they will. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. But enough with this. Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? We are shown much more of Philippes inner mind and his relationship to Louis than anyone else. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. He cares for her, but anytime he has to choose between Chevalier and her, he always choose the former. The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. And it is on. He remembers too. Right away, I am feeling negative towards them both, and yes, judgey about Henriette. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). But in context, with everything else going on in the show and with what Philippe deals with, I can understand why he did it. But gossip is gossip and it was particularly rife and vicious in those days. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse. Philippe has done as little to win her affection as she has to win his and Philippe certainly flaunts his lover in her face far more than she does hers in his. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. Sorry to jar you There are just some things I couldnt overlook, and I admit I was looking at Henriettes character so closely, to see if the screenwriters would sweeten her up from her historical figure. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. You! He points and accusing finger. OMG he hits Marchal across the face with the candlestick, Louis lunges, Montcourt throws him off and the King smacks his head on a table. Louis meanwhile, is disorientated (and by this time I am wondering where the guards are with all this noise, despite Marchal telling them not to disturb them). Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. Horrible man. And then of course, Philippe rapes her (only the once? Louis was deathly afraid of the more relaxed, popular and fun-loving Monsieur, who gave great parties, was social and everyone wanted to be around. Never forget. They look at each other for a moment, until Philippe looks away and mutters, Not that youd remember. Louis thinks, then slowly reaches into his jacket pocket, steps forward and takes Philippes hand then places that stone in the palm. Required fields are marked *. Claudine doesnt know how long Henriette has left, but it is her wish to see you both. Also, Henriette has asked to be carried to the garden so that she might be surrounded by her favourite flowers. (Philippes gentle smile is so bittersweet here!) And Louvois being the pompous ass he is, says haughtily: Before you speak to me, I suggest you speak to the king. Marchal: I am his Majestys eyes and ears, Msieur Louvois. Episodio 10. Whew! After Philippe shoots a couple rounds into the air he tells Louie, Brother we must go, the wolves will come back and there will be more. Did you have the same thought as I; that while in the moment the characters are talking about the actual wolves, the underlying message is about Louis and the traitors in his midst, starting with Moncourt. Right. You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! Because Sophie steals any scene shes in with Henriette, hands down, and she even maintains a presence with Montespan, too, though Montespan is clearly the dominant one in most dynamics (the Chevalier excluded, of course swans fat flippers come to mind!) The marriage was doomed from the start, because Henriette was already in love with Louis, it seems. Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. We establish right from the start that she has no powershe was forced to marry a man she did not want because the king wants to keep her close. Arguably, as a man, it was within Philippes power to end his relationship easily enough whereas Henriette, a woman, would very possibly not have had that same power. He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. Anyhow, just wanted to say Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Anne, Hi Jules One witness observed that Henriette looked like a dressed corpse upon whom someone had put some rouge, while others thought she had death painted on her face. And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? I could never love you more. The king himself suspected that Henrietta might have been poisoned and ordered an autopsy to be carried out. Pot, meet kettle. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? It is not clear in the show. Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. Pale and in obvious distress, she was put to bed, but her pains were so severe that she believed she must have been poisoned and asked for an antidote. Charming. Henriette fulfills her duties with. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. New episodes of " Versailles " air at 10/9c Saturdays on Ovation, but are rebroadcast throughout the week. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. Would you villify a slave because he hated his master or ran away simply because slavery was accepted at that time and slaves (much like women, little difference there) were considered nothing more than the property of their masters to do with as they please (again, just as a woman was to her husband)? Why should we fault Henriette for not ending her incestuous relationship with her brother-in-law, the king, but Philippe can be forgiven for continuing his homosexual relationship with the Chevalier? I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. It was very clear from episode 1 that you were not a fan of Henriette and I found that quick jarring to read in your reviews. Check back soon for my overview and wrap up of the entire season. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. He is the villain if you are looking for one. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. Ive mentioned before that his intimate interactions with women in the show are used as a form of punishment towards those who have hurt him Louis (with Louise and Henriette) and the Chevalier (with the maid). Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. It is fascinating to compare Philippes two moments of deep anguish side by side: when the Chevalier was arrested, we saw his total and complete breakdown, the slow crumple of his expression from shock, to horror, to abject grief, then as he collapsed to his knees and rocked while he wept. Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. UGH, technology! Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. There is no change. Thank you! His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Much kudos to Nomie Schmidt for a brilliantly sad scene, aided by the backing music and the strength and emotion of George Blagden and Alex Vlahos. Montcourt tried to tell me the same. The Dauphin hides stealthy behind a tree, looking for Rohan. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. Eww. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. There was an attempt on her life before. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. So Louis settles into sleep. Jules! Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. We now see Philippe, so resigned, with tears down his cheeks, then Louis with a no, this is NOT happening. look on his face, eyes still dry. It is always Louis for her. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? We learn that she has loved Louis since they were children. A hundred years ago. At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. Having spent the first episode ripping their kit off at any opportunity, the court of Versailles has taken an oath of chastity. Gladly. Louis is disbelieving: And sacrifice your future to see me suffer? Philippe glances around the salon then says: What does a King know of sacrifice?, Louis cant believe it. As Montcourt is delivering this little speech, the camera angle singles out the massive symbolism in the shot: the angels on his leather sash belt. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . Dear Anne, Im guessing I know a fair bit more about rape, the history of rape, the history of rape within marriage and womens rights (and lack thereof) than you realise. You said everything that should have been pointed out a long time ago, with counterpoints and parallels that shone a light on some arguments and favoritism that , within the context of the show not history, were just mind boggling. This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. The writers could have written a scenario where Henriette willingly sleeps with Phillipe to make Louis jealous and to provide in an explanation in the event she becomes pregnant. Cassel passes him and bows. Im thinking no. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. Her cheeriness disguised the fact that she was unwell. Because no one knows that Cassel is one of the conspirators (and UGH I dont know WHY the Chevalier just didnt tell Marchal or Louis???) The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch.