"Versailles" and I met by chance on Netflix. And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Henriette feels nothing for Philippe, he not having put any more effort into endearing himself to her than she to him and he also complicating things for her where Louis is concerned. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. There was an attempt on her life before. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. Thank you all! Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien? Hi Janet! We see Louis expression crumple, and he blinks, almost disbelievingly, and then Philippe is out the door. Such an angry king, and rightly so. But Sophie declares she has no life: what her mother told her was a lie. Well, my thought is Philippe angrily claiming his conjugal rights may well have happened before. 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. Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! 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). Desire for glory. *Another side-note: When the Chavelier mentions that Louis does not look for beauty so much as character, umwas he talking about Henriette? You mentioned the Charles Beaubrun painting of Louis & Philippewell I was noticing how this stunning piece travels around the palace in season one. Philippe had stillborn twins and a daughter, a son who died at 2 and one at 4, plus two miscarriages. I do think it is out-of-character for the Philippe we know and love on the show, not just historically inaccurate, to force himself on her. 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. NOOOOOOO. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. And Louis coming out the good guy. BRILLIANT acting. In which case, I dont blame her one bit! Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. for all of these. 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. But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. 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. It is only since the end of the 20th centuary up to present day that wives can now shout rape, I know of a woman in the 60s that had a baby and had to be stitched, her husband cut her stitches out and raped her. It is so reflective of the dilemma she has created for herself. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. Now that *would* be naive. And remember you can also start at the beginning and read my reviews of EpisodesOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,Seven,Eight. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? Nup. 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. It was just how it was. He is beyond selfish and his cruel behaviour is at the root of all of their misery. And Bontemps replies: we are all proud of her, Sire. Louis: And now someone is trying to destroy me, by destroying her. Rohan appears: And they will not succeed I came as soon as I could I wish to offer myself to you as your subject and as your friend. UGGGGGH. Anyways, he says: we cannot be seen together anymore. Back with Marchal, interrogating Louvois this time. 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. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles. Louis replies how else was I to keep you close. Cassel passes him and bows. 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. Not so much. Anne, Hi Jules haha that last message should have ended (I agree with you on all POINTS) not pints . It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. She later dies in her bed. Right. What a pain! How can you be scared? (sweet Philippe!) She also miscarries a baby that was either her husband Philippe's or the King's, no one is sure. That was your promise to me. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. Montcourt to Marchal: You are a fool. Louis replies: And you are a MURDERER! Montcourt continues with the wrong man thing, but Louis will have none of it. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. And suddenly Philippe is the calm one, says gently, brother and the look on his face, as the tears trickle gently down his cheeks the quiet sadness as Louis stares at him, then his realisation that this is it. My sources tell me that sadly, we will have to wait until March 2017 (Yes, NEXT YEAR!!!) Hes not gonna tell him of Rohan outright, is he? I could never love you more. 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. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. And Philippe is the one who looks tortured, he is the emotional one, while Louis remains stoic. Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Ugh. 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). Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? 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. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. Does she want to end things with Louis? Pot, meet kettle. 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. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. then goes into the bedchamber. And she did it willingly. Philippe: Because you told her to. Louis: Because she was born to it. Philippe: Because she loves you. Louis: if we do not have the English, we cannot attack the Dutch. The look on Philippes face is incredulous yes, Louis is talking war when his wife lies dying. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) 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. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. Im actually in the States where episode seven will be airing tomorrow night, but I read ahead because I know history so nothing coming was really a spoiler (just a condensed timeline). Merci! Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. Are there more shows you will review? Philippe raping his wife. Who seeks to harm Henriette? The only protection offered is by Louis. 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. Plus he told Louis he didnt recognise the sender of the notes which is technically true. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. Philippe had a relationship with the man he loved while Henriette continued to sleep with the man she loved. Louis persists. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. apparently it is still not safe. 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. It was Season 1. 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! Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. Is it fair? He is the villain if you are looking for one. 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. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. 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. 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!) She allows grief but only briefly. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. But for that one unforgivable act, I could have felt real sympathy for that walking, talking mess of dysfunction. Says you made me marry him. They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. 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. Not sure and he leaves. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. I must be poisoned! so Philippe ordered her dog to be fed the water. 1556332. Charming. My bed your last stop before retiring. Or twenty, I suppose. fantastic bog! 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. So thats why I believe that the most that Louis felt for Henriette was that he only loved her a little or to some degree but not enough. The Dauphin. And silently walks to the window. How can people not see Rohans calculating glances, his sly little looks? I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. Hi Laura! When we are far away, we must make him believe we are near. It would be an outrageous thought. To bring them over to us. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. 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. Remember, Henriette, as a woman, is completely powerless. 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. Rumourwent that he sent the poison to Effiat in retaliation for Henriette having him banished. 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. 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. Looking forward to Season 2!! LOUIS. Youre brought up, its your duty. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. PERFECT. But she is human and she can feel jealousy and make inappropriate remarks at inappropriate moments. And one day, brother, one day they will. King Louis XIV (George Blagden, left) and Henriette (Nomie Schmidt) arrive at "Versailles" in the Ovation series. Incest or homosexuality? Its emotionless. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! Yes, she says and does little things that hurt Philippe, but he does the same and muchoh so much!worse to her. We are NOT touching her! Philippe finally says. He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. Louis strolls over to the fireplace and picks up a poker, calmly summarising whats happened on his roads, his people dying, attempts on his own life, and now his beloved Henriette. The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? To spare his feelings? OMG!). Im thinking no. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. 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. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. In between re-watching S1, of course. Nup. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. But that was the thinking of the time. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. She is currently working on a biography of Louis XIV. What does she say? We now see Philippe asleep. Both felt neglected by the other. 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. Although Lord Montagu accepted this, he had misgivings. 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. UGH, Henriette. Hes just having some fun. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. but it is later, after they already speak with the guards in the background. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. The door suddenly opens, Claudine walks sombrely in. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. In Paris, says Colbert. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. I am sobbing. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. But in context, with everything else going on in the show and with what Philippe deals with, I can understand why he did it. (since you mention here she is his love). Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. she was the one who found it, actually. Point 10: The abnoxious snog in front of Henriette. A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. Jules! 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. Because the whole world gave you counsel. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? Love your delicious commentary, brava! We see Henriette asleep in the bed. Yes, absolutely. Ridicule. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) The one she loves the most. 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. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). P.S. 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. I knew hed say that line! But his treatment of her does make me think, rather than an actual person, the writers have quite subtly used her as a tool: she is the only person Philippe can take his frustrations out on he knows she loves Louis, and at that point Louis is still very much in love with her Philippe knows this, and punishes Louis the only way he can, but punishing his mistress. Is he for or against le roi? 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. No one leaves. Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Dieu. 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. <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. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. But your first strike would have to be true. 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!. Still with the playing of games, the half-truth words. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. 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). and Nine. IDK??? I do. Now this is fascinating. I love these seemingly random yet distinct choices made by directors and production designers. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. 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. Lord. Feel free to comment if any details are wrong. Louis and her smile about it. 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. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. Philippe of course blames Louis for Henriette's poisoning as he was the one who sent Henriette as an ambassador abroad even though everyone begged him not to. I was searching online for reviews/explanations of this show I was never educated about Frances history because I come from the other side of the globe and coincidentally stumbled upon your website, much to my delight. She was merely being used by the man she was in love with. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. when Philippe asks if he were to die, her troubles would be solved. She is a woman, she is his subject. I am looking at her now. Rohan slits the other guards throat, watches from a distance as the young prince has a sack put over his head then bundled off. Your email address will not be published. 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. yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . I will come, says Philippe. : . He feels betrayed. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. 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 So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? Dieu. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! This really shows he is vulnerable. A European history-geek friend told me about this show yesterday, so I binge watched the entire series. HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? But here, now? Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. Philippe was the one in strident dissent! Yes. That is exactly what I would be thinking. He advances on Montcourt, who is looking a little shell shocked. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. Henriette drew the worst cards of all four players in those stakes. Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. Gaston de Foix was arrested and tortured as the potential poisoner by Fabien. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. but it would cause her too much pain. Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriette's death and briefly, here's how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldn't be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. Montcourts eyes drop to Louis hand and suddenly he pulls a knife. 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. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. Marchal replies in that cool way of his: we eliminate the suspects. Colbert: eliminating the suspects doesnt mean the same to me as it does to you! Lol. Her breath falters: Im scared. And the look on Louis and Philippes faces as they both lean in to comfort her *sobs* Philippe says gently: There is nothing to fear. Henriette: How do you know? Philippe: do you remember before you were born? (its only 16mins and 50 seconds in not that I was counting *innocent whistle*) Filmed in the Chteau de Maisons in Maisons-Lafitte, in the Salon dHercule, he strides past Montcourt, demands to know what he is doing. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. Marchal is cool: I am not here to answer you. Sophie is equally cool: Then neither am I. He suggests she reconsider, that she has her life to lose if she doesnt. 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. Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. 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! Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. Louvois and Marchal agree. It was all out there. Cassel leaves, then Montcourt walks away in the direction of Rohan who is discussing the Dauphins outing with a guard. She is in such a tizzy that she barely gives her daughter, Sophie, the. Philippe and Henriette are quite possibly the two people Louis loves most, and yet he uses and hurts them both repeatedly to get what he wants and because he is paranoid about his brother. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. 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). It is always Louis for her. Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. (*cries*), Bontemps goes to see Louis. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. His contemplation is silent. A letter from the King of Sweden has arrived, telling Louis he has agreed to break his alliance with the Dutch and support the French. Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. Montcourt is confused. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. 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. I blame it all on Louis! Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her.