The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Then he calls for the Guards. Point 3: Good question, which is the greater sin? Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. I do understand you are a fan of Philippe, but I dont understand why that nessitates that Henriette be viewed as the villian. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. 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. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. 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. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. The sad irony here is, I do think Louis cares very much for Philippe but he cannot let his armour of paranoia down enough to recognise Philippes loyalty and the fact that he can trust his brother. And then Marchal throws Montcourts words back at him: and when we are the Kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend, right? Yessss. Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. Its really sad, she could have been a great queen with Louis (he might not be faithful to her, but they will have live better than now), but the turns of fate, made her his brothers wife instead. There is no change. Thank you, Amy! I just discovered Versailles this week and watched it in quick succession!!! You have never been a man whos true. She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. [4] Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! 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! She is not indulgent in it. My heart breaks for him. Brilliant writing. Henriette, however, happens to be in love with the king and, more importantly, it seems he with her. Point 9: And again, who can blame her. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. But I also know that their greatest plan has yet to show itself. the camera pans to Louis, Colbert, Louvois (clearly worried, as he should be), who says, but what if shes merely ill? Marchal: then your appetite will be merely inconvenienced, Louvois. Bontemps appears. Louis is greeted by Bontemps in his chambers, who enquires about Henriettes health. What a great mix of observation and humor. How accurate is Netflix Versailles? Dieu. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. 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. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. And then of course, Philippe rapes her (only the once? 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. Our dear Henriette. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. The one she loves the most. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. Louis is a shit to Philippe. Protocol demands that he stays, Philippe says tightly. But it is kept behind closed doors. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? 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? It was Season 1. The Kings son. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. What shall I do! Are there more shows you will review? SYNC. 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. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. 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. The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. Quite a few. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? I will come, says Philippe. My sources tell me that sadly, we will have to wait until March 2017 (Yes, NEXT YEAR!!!) When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. I like the show, the actors and the plot. And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. I enjoyed them very much, I must saymuch more than this series, which is good entertainement, but, God, so FAR from being historically correct, in so many ways. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. FOCUS. the court was rife with extra-marital affairs involving married women as well as men, but still) but that does not mean Henriette could turn her feelings for Louis off at the touch of a wedding ring from a man she didnt choose or want. Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. Cassel passes him and bows. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. 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. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. Hi, Why? Although Lord Montagu accepted this, he had misgivings. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. She gasps and the priest enters silently. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. In between re-watching S1, of course. I could never love you morewell. And Philippe replies gently: You did the best you could. Tears now from Henriette: how handsome you both are. And now we are in the last throes of her last moments it hurts and she cannot breathe, they move the pillow. And in 1671 during Louis three day visit to the Prince de Conds Chteau de Chantilly, the Master of Festivities and Pleasures Franois Vatel killed himself over the late delivery of fish, and Louis was quickly hustled away (as shown in the wonderful 2000 Gerard Depardieu movie, Vatel)), So we see Claudine striding to the bedchamber but her way is barred. 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. Jules! Its just that his anger and upset (and yes, jealousy I think) affects him so much, because its just another way for his brother to control and belittle him, make him less. Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. This moment echoes the first from the opening scene in Episode One, where the traitors rush in on the pretext of getting Louis safely away. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. The rape scene was repugnant and Phillipes actions were out of character with the Phillipe we saw in the rest of the season. Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. Charming. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? What if the poison spreads? Your loyalty can lie with Philippe while still acknowledging that Henriette is also a victim and not the villain (the real villain here is Louis). These scenes are odd for me to watch, but by now, I have totally put aside any frustration when the show deviates from what I know of the actual history. Do you believe these women feel less pain and violation because the behaviour is condoned by the society in which they live? Cultural factors, too, played a part. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Seizing upon Henriettes dying reproach of Philippe, he asserted that she had been the victim of a plot orchestrated by Lorraine, who held Henriette responsible for his exile and sought revenge. I cannot permit it, he says. Its my weekly sin, I confess, Im too addicted to this period to miss it. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. Wow. Lord. 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. 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. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. 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). I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. IDK??? Henriette wanted to go!). It felt like if the whole world came running for us his voice thickens with emotion, we might fend off all who would take us ill. He finally looks up, at Louis. And Marchal sees this too, his eyes flicking down to focus on them, then showing us aflashback of the dying girl, Charlotte de Parthanay, whom he held in his arms in Episode Three, where she says she saw angels. We could never invade the entire world but the world can imagine us as their centre. Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. 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. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. We see this SO MANY TIMES it becomes frustrating and sad. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. Such emotion. But for that one unforgivable act, I could have felt real sympathy for that walking, talking mess of dysfunction. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. 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. Incest or homosexuality? While it seems like shes being unfair to Philippe, he doesnt really put up an effort to make himself lovable most of the time. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. apparently it is still not safe. UGH, Henriette. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. They take her hands. Not long to go now, and we are with Marchal, who lies in bed, wakes suddenly and touches his stomach wound, which bleeds through the bandage. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? *Deeeeeep breath* Okay. I really enjoy your reviews. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! 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. He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. UGH D: Hi Jules, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews as much as I have enjoyed watching Versailles. Especially as her lover was the king. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. Says you made me marry him. She was merely being used by the man she was in love with. Though it was true that he was saddened by Henriettes death, I dont felt that he was actually that hell bent on punishing those who were or at least believed to be responsible for her death, due to the lack of evidence among other factors. I am waiting eagerly for the second season and I really hope to see you write about it then. 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. She finally asks. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. 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. At some stage, Musket Mike (the masked man) is outed as a Kings guard. P.S. the rest will do her good, Bontemps says. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. Get Marchal pissed at you. 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. *That should have read historical figures not historical characters! 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). The sudden onset of Henriettes illness, the severe pain and the short time between the onset of her symptoms and her death suggested to her contemporaries that she had been poisoned. Henriette is just one more thing Louis takes from Philippe. This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. 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. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. forgot to add the bit about similar shows. and Nine. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. And who can blame her? We now see Philippe asleep. Horrible man. Desire for glory. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). He says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. Princess Henriette was born on 16 June 1644, on the eve of the Second Battle of Newbury during the Civil War, at Bedford House in Exeter, a seat of William Russell, 5th Earl of Bedford (1613-1700), who had recently returned to the Royalist side. Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. *IMAGERY KLAXON*, Next scene Marchal is riding furiously through the forest , no mood music, no sound, and he then bursts into Rohans rooms with guards, only to find the servant Marie on the floor, her wrist slashed with a knife. It would be an outrageous thought. It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. She later dies in her bed. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. LOUIS. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. Montcourt is confused. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. Earlier that day, a servant spotted one of Philippes mignons and Grand Equerry (Master of the Horse), the Marquis dEffiat, drink water stored in a cabinet near Henriettes chambers, wipe the glass, then go on his way. Is that understood? and pushes past them. 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!) He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. I risked my life for your vanity, to rescue your wifes dowry. Louis: I acted for France because I AM FRANCE! Philippe remains stoic this time its Louis getting angry and we know why. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. Check back soon for my overview and wrap up of the entire season. We awarded it to you for bravery. Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. You mentioned the Charles Beaubrun painting of Louis & Philippewell I was noticing how this stunning piece travels around the palace in season one. His face may be handsome but now he just reminds me of a ferret. To affect the hearts and minds of people. Then he says I pay you to spy on others, not on me. . Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. Then Ep 8 miscarriage scene the painting is no longer on table. 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. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. So Louis sequesters the palace. Youre brought up, its your duty. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. Thatd do it. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. 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. It is clear these two have a long relationship and are not allowing a small (read: large) thing as marriage get in the way. And Philippe is the one who looks tortured, he is the emotional one, while Louis remains stoic. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. I respect the fact that two people can look at the same thing and see it from completely different angles and come away with completely different interpretations. I will also add that while Louis uses her to hurt Philippe in a very deliberate and calculated manner, I dont believe that is Henriettes intent at all. His belief was shared by Elizabeth-Charlotte, Philippes second wife, who named the culprits as Lorraine and the Marquis dEffiat, an equerry, who had acted without Philippes knowledge. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. What? Both felt neglected by the other. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. There was an attempt on her life before. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! Menu. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. Required fields are marked *. But that was the thinking of the time. What a pain! Why is his passion for the man he loves to be forgiven and Henriettes passion for the man she loves to be used against her?