Philippe, despite their mutual loathing, was upset and distraught, so suspicion then fell to the absent Chevalier de Lorraine, who at the time was still in exile in Rome. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! The Dauphin. You mentioned the Charles Beaubrun painting of Louis & Philippewell I was noticing how this stunning piece travels around the palace in season one. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. Protocol demands that he stays, Philippe says tightly. It is so interesting to watch, given a discussion I had on Twitter earlier with some fellow fans. I let a wolf back into my barn! Montcourts hand slides to his hip, Marchal sees this (good Chief of Police *pets his pretty head*) and Montcourt still denies, Louis accuses him of poisoning Henriette. Also it will set Louis in a collision with Phillipe who did not want his wife to go to England for the negotiations. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). 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. Louis approaches and she wakes. he is troubled, hearing Montcourts whispers in his head: When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. and so on. Yet how much pain are you willing to endure before you get what you want? And then down by the promontory. Ill tell you, though, that, like you, I totally adore Philippe in this series, the actor is great and some King/brother interaction is well done. Louis finally nods to the guards, the pikes are uncrossed and Philippe takes a breath and walks out without a backwards glance.The Chevalier gives him a few feet head start, then strolls after him, hands behind his back, not looking at Louis, not bowing. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. 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. After doing an excellent job negotiating an alliance with England against the Dutch (which was then promptly overturned), Henriette returns to Versailles just in time to be poisoned and die in blood-soaked agony. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. It is always Louis for her. And Philippe says calmly and quietly: There. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. That Henriette was such an effective way of hurting Philippe is down to Philippes viewing her as his property, not because he felt any true affection for her (at least, not until closer towards the end, when I do believe he really does care). The marriage was doomed from the start, because Henriette was already in love with Louis, it seems. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. That was your promise to me. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! forgot to add the bit about similar shows. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. Right. Did not see this one coming! Moreover, two years later, Louis invited Lorraine back to court and into the royal favour, which he would not have done had he believed Lorraine was the murderer. And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. And the only reason she is such a powerful weapon against Philippe is because Philippe views her as nothing more than his property to do with as he wishes. Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. It is featured in several shots when Louis & Philippe are arguing and she reveals shes preggers as well as when Louis comes to confront her about not wishing to live with the doubt about the child. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. It was generally believed that she had been poisoned by one of her husband's friends, but historians have concluded that she died of natural causes, perhaps of a ruptured appendix. Then he turns and suddenly a Man In a Mask is standing there. Thanks for your great reviews! These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. Wow that was odd. No one leaves. She finally asks. Enriched my enjoyment of the show, and got a bit more educated on the courts history as well . 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. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. I know times and attitudes were different then, but a person violated still feels violated, whether they are allowed to acknowledge it or not. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. Looking forward to Season 2!! What does she say? They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. Claudine Masson Fabien Marchal Henriette of England Henriette and Montespan Fabien and Sophie Isabella Braganza Claudine and Fabien Marie-Thrse and Montespan Versailles (series) Sophie de Clermont Philippe of France Henriette and Louis Philippe and Liselotte's Wedding Chevalier and Henriette Categories She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. Rohan slits the other guards throat, watches from a distance as the young prince has a sack put over his head then bundled off. Of course not. There was no indication of poisoning, so death was attributed to cholera morbus caused by corrupt and boiling bile, which had led to gangrene in the entrails and other parts of the lower abdomen. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. When we are far away, we must make him believe we are near. I am really liking Sophies growth as a character, who is, of course, beautiful, but with attitude and a strong backbone, as we are now seeing. Brilliant writing. The state is a person. He sent poison to Paris, where it passed through several hands before ending up in the jug containing the chicory water. 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. But that was the thinking of the time. But Marchal continues calmly. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. ), (*WTF. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. 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. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? Ive said this before in comments. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. As she said, she was only voicing what they were both thinking. I find it interesting that Louis feels the need to add: she came to find me, to put the doubt on Montespans face to rest. I do. ), Back to Louis outside his bed chamber, where Henriettes screams of pain can be heard. But for that one unforgivable act, I could have felt real sympathy for that walking, talking mess of dysfunction. They could not be more different in this moment. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. I have heard many say they see angels before they die. (Ahhh! 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. Lovely. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. We found an old building a sorry shack made of stone and moss. I did have a thought, though, why the writers didnt build up to her being the young version of one of Louis mistresses, he had so many. First of all, ladies, stop spewing vitriol. My bed your last stop before retiring. According to the Savoyard ambassador, the king vowed that, if Henriette had indeed been poisoned, those involved would be tortured to death, including the chevalier de Lorraine, Philippes favourite, if he were implicated. IDK??? I really enjoy your reviews. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. To affect the hearts and minds of people. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. Moreover, we cant fault her anymore for continuing her relationship with Louis (as if she would have had the power to end it anyway) than we can Philippe for continuing his with the Chevalier. A brief scene follows, showing Rohan and the Dauphin sword playing and pretending a jolly game of war in the forest, thenwe are back to the Kings bedchamber where Henriette sleeps and Philippe is outside in the antechamber, brooding by the fireplace as Louis walks in. At least thats always been his excuse. (aaaand check out the looks on Louis and Bontemps faces as I randomly paused right here. Feel free to comment if any details are wrong. Gaston de Foix was arrested and tortured as the potential poisoner by Fabien. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. You clever, clever bastard. Called it!) Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. Philippe weeps. Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. 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. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. What if the poison spreads? Philippe was the one in strident dissent! We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. Now this is fascinating. Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. for Season 2. And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. Eww. Music. Of his power, of his country. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. Also thanks for your detailed and in depth reviews. The midwife and doctor were horrified but there was nothing she could do!!! Just because the thinking of the day viewed a woman as mere property and not a person in her own right does not mean she isnt a human being with the same feelings and needs as any other. He weeps for the loss and I am sure he also weeps for the helplessness he must now feel, a man so powerful and commanding, who rules a country and its people a true King and yet, still unable to save her. Aaaaaand now. But your first strike would have to be true. 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. I think we see fairly good evidence in episode 7 that not only does Philippe support his brother, but that he is honestly frightened of the idea of running the country and has no desire to take his brothers place (his anger at being overlooked for the regency is more due to his hurt that no one supports him or takes him seriouslyhis experience all his life). Learn how your comment data is processed. Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? I pity Henrietta. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. And Louis, who is being so totally duped, is convinced by Rohan to take his son, the Dauphin, out to ride, so he is far away from the cries of pain. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? And even after Louis became tired of Louise, he didnt run back to Henriettes arms either, instead he turned to Montespan who became his next mistress. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? And to Ainee for perspective. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Love your delicious commentary, brava! It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. Louis drops the poker, approaches Montcourt. We now see Philippe asleep. The writers do it over and over again, in tiny little ways that is infuriating (Philippe with his sad puppy eyes Nooooo!) She is only ever Louis sweet, nubile mistress or Philippes overlooked wife, never her own person, she isnt seductive and outgoing like Montespan or scheming like de Clermont or genuinely sweet with a backbone like Sophie, shes just a soft-spoken waif who huffs when she doesnt get her way, cries when shes put in a difficult position, doesnt seem that clever but knows exactly where to strike thatll heart the worst mentioning Francoise Parthenay when Louis has refused to talk about the Chevalier, for one. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. Anne. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. We are NOT touching her! Philippe finally says. But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. then goes into the bedchamber. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. What? And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. I could see the Chevalier if not Philippe taking on Sophie as a sort of pet, his project, I imagine the Chevalier would have adored trying to corrupt a sweet young thing like Sophie. Fashion. I blame it all on Louis! Her cheeriness disguised the fact that she was unwell. Having spent the first episode ripping their kit off at any opportunity, the court of Versailles has taken an oath of chastity. No, of course she doesnt. Ridicule. She is simply besotted with Louis, so in love, that shed do anything he told her to. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. 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. 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). In between re-watching S1, of course. Henriette fulfills her duties with. #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. And so was she. 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. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? 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. Were just waiting for it to take root., Now we are outside in an antechamber again, where Colbert is frantic that Henriette must be moved, that she cannot be treated in the Kings chamber. Your question misses the question, Montcourt replies cryptically. But to his brother? Merci! Again, so so love your words. again, another shagging time between Henriette and Louis, when Louis friends have been murdered and she mentions the fact she was jealous of the dead woman. She is subject to the whims and wishes of her king and lover, of her husband and even of her husbands lover. Similarly, perforation of the gall bladder may have led to an excess of bile leaking into the peritoneum causing the corruption and gangrene reported by her doctors. No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. OMG!). Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. Bontemps moves her along. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. She was merely being used by the man she was in love with. Charming. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. We cut to the forest, to the two Kings Guards in their blue livery, leaning by a tree as Rohan and little Louis still mock fight. This really shows he is vulnerable. First off, let me preface my response with the qualifier that I know very little about the historical figures on which these characters are based. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. What a great mix of observation and humor. Lord. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. In the case of Versailles, Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. Desire for glory. We could never invade the entire world but the world can imagine us as their centre. Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. Thank you, Amy! THIS. The camera then cuts to Rohan, drinking and brooding in his room, absently stabbing the table with a knife as he glares at a portrait of Louis-as-a-boy (which is a gorgeous portrait and includes Philippe, apparently in a private collection and attributed to artist Charles Beaubrun. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? Mike did. I couldnt honestly say. Colbert looks a bit stunned. Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. 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 can read more about Henriettas death here. Im guessing they were pretty equal. I love it). Philippe is no more vulnerable to the hurt and damage done to him than she is to the hurt and damage done to her, simply because he is a man with rights and she is a woman with no rights. 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. I am looking at her now. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. The characters almost act as it never happened. I cannot even imagine his reasoning for this, however I do know historically, Henriette desperately did want to be Queen of France, as did her mother want it, but at the time, she didnt have the pedigree, being the sister to Englands heir who wasnt even on the throne at the time. Then Ep 8 miscarriage scene the painting is no longer on table. You! He points and accusing finger. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. <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. Why? and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. We awarded it to you for bravery. She is currently working on a biography of Louis XIV. By this stage both Henriette and Marie Thrse of Spain now knew what it felt like to be jilted and cast aside in your loved ones affections by another attractive court lady. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. The two are not mutally exclusive. Im thinking no. I certainly cant say for certain what the writers intent was with that scene, but in this writers opinion it is multilayered a) to show Philippes slow growing resentment towards his brother: he says I want a boy, just like my brother. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. oh sorry, wrong show). I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. 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. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. . And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. Husbands have being raping their wives since time began from royalty down to peasants and it was classed as taking their marital rights . Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, the sister-in-law of Louis XIV, took a drink of her usual chicory water and immediately clutched her side, crying out in pain. Toodles. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. *That should have read historical figures not historical characters! Louis continues to yell: because without me this country will consume itself in nobles squabbles. He paces. He rapes his wife. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. I have never posted a comment on your website before and this will be the first time that I have ever written a comment here. Another possibility is that Henriette suffered from anorexia nervosa, which is often characterised by increasing frailty and hyperactivity; the summer of 1670 had been particularly hot and Henriette would swim in the river; unable to sleep, she walked in the gardens at night. 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. 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. And even after watching both seasons 1 and 2 of Versailles, I wouldnt say that he loved her a lot but on the show it was to a certain degree. 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.