But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? Plus he told Louis he didnt recognise the sender of the notes which is technically true. The state is a person. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. Thank you, Amy! Horrible man. What a total prick ). Henriette is just one more thing Louis takes from Philippe. God knows the wolves might have taken us but what did we know? 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. I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. 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. He is the villain if you are looking for one. When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. I think it would be naive of us to assume that was the first (or only) time that happened. That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? 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. . Both felt neglected by the other. Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? My greatest issue with Henriette is that she seems to lack any personality. I just discovered Versailles this week and watched it in quick succession!!! Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? 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. Louvois has been a kind of double agent all along, directed by Louis himself to assume the role of critic and conspirator. Brilliant writing. What a great mix of observation and humor. Your email address will not be published. A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. You clever, clever bastard. 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. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. 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. That was your promise to me. Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. As for Philippe, I cant make out what he is. The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse. Charming. We see a lovely shot of Versailles outside, then cut to the Kings bedchamber, where the flowers and hedges are neatly arranged around to the bed. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. Henriettes liver and intestines were found to be badly corrupted, while her duodenum, gall bladder and the lower portion of her abdomen were filled with evil-smelling bile. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. Montcourts eyes drop to Louis hand and suddenly he pulls a knife. Lulz. 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. What about the angels? he asks, after Montcourt nervously says hes been praying for Henriette. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien?, de Clermont went to a brothel to obtain poison and the love potion Lauren (Marchals henchwoman) tells him thats what she observed. Poor Philippe is helpless do something, woman! She has to find the source, which means poking about on Henriettes body, causing agony with every poke. As Mme de Svign wrote: She was taken ill and died within eight hours, and we have lost with her all the joy, all the charm and all the pleasures of the Court. Hell, HIS WIFE is shagging his brother. 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. Henriette fulfills her duties with. She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. To affect the hearts and minds of people. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). But she is human and she can feel jealousy and make inappropriate remarks at inappropriate moments. Spooks), it was no surprise when this drama arrived with a hearty dollop of sex, violence, tension, and intrigue. and Nine. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. It ended up working even better than planned and within a very short amount of time, Louis fell for Louise de la Valliere who was originally meant to be a decoy but became his first official royal mistress. When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. When you see Fabien going to find the missing Charlotte, you see him visualising the scenario he holds up his hand, points his fingers in the shape of a gun to see how the angle would project. 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. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? PERFECT. How can people not see Rohans calculating glances, his sly little looks? He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. Im thinking no. It is so reflective of the dilemma she has created for herself. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. "Versailles" and I met by chance on Netflix. 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!) We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Photograph: BBC. Hes not gonna tell him of Rohan outright, is he? But your first strike would have to be true. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. 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. They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. My thoughts on that notorious Henrietta/Philippe scene in episode one is that it is entirely out-of-character for Philippe as we get to know him through the rest of the series. 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. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? 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? Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. It is a controlled grief. So that would perhaps put affair-with-sister-in-law a half tick closer to pardonable than homosexuality, which is wholly and completely condemned in the bible. ! Louis is stunned: Why are you casting all this rage at me? Philippe: Because you deserve it. What does she say? Right. You went north, I went south and she went west and by the time they righted themselves we found our way down by the mill stream. 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. And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. Theyve always known. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. THIS. I think that if he really loved Henriette that much, he wouldnt have gotten over her so quickly and easily, once they dangled a pretty, young blonde newcomer court lady to distract him. 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. It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. I believe Louis did love her. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! I could never love you more. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Saint-Simon asserted that Louis was so thankful that his brother was innocent of the crime that he decided not to prosecute the perpetrators. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. 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. No. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. Now she is in a marriage that will never give her any joy with a man she does not love and she should risk displeasing her lover, the king, by rejecting him? You couldnt guarantee any would survive. you wanted to make it your castle. Louis. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. He feels betrayed. Now, if she had been his second cousin, and never saw each other until she married his brother, then I can maybe see them having an affair. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Lovely. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? Wow. Its stoic. You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. But that was the thinking of the time. IDK??? 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. The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. There is your music.. What will be his legacy? Louis drops the poker, approaches Montcourt. Henriette. Montcourt looks nervous, says he doesnt know what he means. In between re-watching S1, of course. Im going to be stalking these recaps in the arduous wait for season two. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. And Rohan chuckles and I well. They could not be more different in this moment. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. Thanks for reading! Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. Because the whole world gave you counsel. UHGGH. Incest or homosexuality? Marchal, his shirt now stained with his wound, stumbles into the antechamber, to Bontemps and says: Listen to me. Ugh) and oh dear, the Chevalier looks so panicked, so worried by the Ducs appearance is it because he thinks people will start accusing him again of treason? The flowers theyre singing. and she is gone. Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. for all of these. 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. Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! 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. While your character and scene analyses tend to differ quite a bit from my own (perhaps because of that?? Of course not. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. No, of course she doesnt. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. Next time we see the painting in Ep 6 it has been moved to Henriettes room on her dressing table. Do you see them now? Le Roi Danse, which is all about the rise and fall of Lully, Louis XIVs court composer (French, but hard to find with English subtitles). My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. Cassel passes him and bows. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? See production, box office & company info. Louis looks stunned too. And I do not regret it for an instant. Like he is trying to justify himself. Henriette of England died in Saint-Cloud, not in Versailles. and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. But Marchal continues calmly. Does she want to end things with Louis? At the time of her death, it was widely believed that Henrietta had been poisoned and the prime suspects were her husband, Philippe and/or his lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine. The king himself suspected that Henrietta might have been poisoned and ordered an autopsy to be carried out. oh sorry, wrong show). Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! *Another side-note: When the Chavelier mentions that Louis does not look for beauty so much as character, umwas he talking about Henriette? And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . Dieu. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. Such emotion. Still wouldve loved to read your long comment was it complimentary? The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. In the early hours of 30 June, she died. But enough with this. I pity Henrietta. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. BRILLIANT acting. Previously, we see Masson offer the same bottle offered to Louis when the king is sick (and Masson reels off a list of ingredients), and the bottle being secretively replaced, so Masson definitely did not know it was poisoned. Such emotion. Is it fair? The characters almost act as it never happened. She is not indulgent in it. Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. 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 Montcourt declares he only knew her in passing, Marchal calls out his bullshit: but you knew she had malevolent intent. To which Montcourt sarcastically replies: it may have escaped your notice but everyone in this building has malevolent intent. she was the one who found it, actually. And it is on. Even if Louis were to let her go, she would then be relinquishing the love of her life to sit lonely and chaste in her apartments waiting for her husband, a man who feels no attraction or interest for her at all. Louis approaches and she wakes. Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. Mike did. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. We found an old building a sorry shack made of stone and moss. 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. Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. And Louis coming out the good guy. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. 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. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. 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). 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. NOOOOOOO. Anne. Philippe is the complete dysfunctional mess he is thanks to Louis (and their mother) and he would have my complete sympathy, were it not for his raping his wife in a fit of anger and jealousy. This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. As her husband, Philippe, rushed to her bedside, Henriette chided him, Alas, Monsieur, it is a long time since you loved me, but this is unjust. Alerted, Henriettes lady-in-waiting watched the duke closely, but he showed no indication of guilt and every sign that he was distressed by his wifes condition. Henriette screams and they both surge to the door then suddenly stop. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? I blame it all on Louis! *Deeeeeep breath* Okay. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. After reading your review on epsiode 10, and reading that it ends with Philippe leaving Versailles, I thought back to epsiode one and the moment he finds Louis at his favorite spot in the woods. I am a friend. Revealing nothing. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. (For the record, I am speaking strictly of the characters in this drama, not the historical characters). First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. Id be happy with either, tbh! It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! Okay, is Louvois just being a dick? Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. It would be an outrageous thought. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! He sent poison to Paris, where it passed through several hands before ending up in the jug containing the chicory water. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. Henriette 12 episodes, 2015-2017 Anatole Taubman . She is a woman, she is his subject. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. At a Mass said for her soul, Bishop Bossuet conveyed the sense of shock at her sudden death: Oh, disastrous night; oh, dreadful night, in which resounded like a clap of thunder the unbelievable words Madame is dying Madame is dead!. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. fantastic bog! BRILLIANT acting. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. But not at the hands of Henriette, who really had little power in the situation. Of his power, of his country. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. 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). Nice one, Montcourt. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) Yes, she says and does little things that hurt Philippe, but he does the same and muchoh so much!worse to her. She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. Thanks for your great reviews! 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. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. She is simply besotted with Louis, so in love, that shed do anything he told her to. It was just how it was. Ridicule. She puts her foot in her mouth. He was shut out of his mothers (Anne of Austria) last moments, while Philippe was in attendance, where, despite her appalling treatment of her second son, he openly wept and grieved. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. I am tired of waiting for you to keep it, says the Queen casually as she gets into bed with Louis then settles down. . Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? At least there is a modicum of decorum. You! He points and accusing finger. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. 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. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. Off they stride with purpose and a couple of guards, through the gorgeous corridors (shot in the gorgeous Vaux Le Vicomte) and with ominous background music to set the mood. And stunned when Louis says shes in his bedchamber. But here, now? When Marchal goes down and Montcourt takes the knife, Louis lunges, some more fighting with Marchal again entering the fray.. and then OMG Marchal is stabbed!!! So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. Especially as her lover was the king. Apparently de Clermont gave Marchal the names of the conspirators against the king, and all the names of those who shared her allegiance. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. 1556332. But I said lets make it our fort. For once in your life you played along. So anyways, off we go. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. Hi Janet! Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . UGH D:. Then he turns and suddenly a Man In a Mask is standing there. So Louis settles into sleep. Dance. And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. He rapes his wife. In the case of Versailles, Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. 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. 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! (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. Rohan grabs her by the throat, saying it is not yet clear to him what she has done to earn her money, then demands she clean his room before leaving. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. 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. 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!) The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. We will never know if Louis and Henriette ever did consummate their attraction, but the gossip of the time most definitely swayed in that direction. 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. Also it will set Louis in a collision with Phillipe who did not want his wife to go to England for the negotiations. I think he has done his younger brother irreperable harm and, at times, I wonder if he wouldnt throw Philippe to the wolves if it suited him or France.