In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? Still wouldve loved to read your long comment was it complimentary? Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. Then he says I pay you to spy on others, not on me. . I do. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. Guilt often manifests itself in an outward show of rage. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. By this point, Louis had basically forgotten about and gotten over Henriette though this was much to her displeasure and chagrin. Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. 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. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info You clever, clever bastard. Louis is calm but angry: then you set yourself against me. Philippe pauses, looks incredibly sad for a moment, then briefly nods. 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. We begged you. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? She could not affect change herself. Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. oh sorry, wrong show). Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! Coming from the quills of noted showrunners David Wolstencroft and Simon Mirren, both known for gripping series with a conspiratorial bent (i.e. Not sure and he leaves. Im going to be stalking these recaps in the arduous wait for season two. Horrible man. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. He was distraught when she died, and was fully intent on punishing those responsible (as poison was indeed thought to have killed her). My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Art. Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. Still with the playing of games, the half-truth words. But here, now? How can you be scared? (sweet Philippe!) I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Nup. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. She is in such a tizzy that she barely gives her daughter, Sophie, the. We must get the king and the queen and yourself to safety at once. And the penny drops for Bontemps, his look of dismay so clear. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. Wow that was odd. That is exactly what I would be thinking. He advances on Montcourt, who is looking a little shell shocked. ), Back to Louis outside his bed chamber, where Henriettes screams of pain can be heard. Montcourt looks nervous, says he doesnt know what he means. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. We see this SO MANY TIMES it becomes frustrating and sad. Excellent. Next morning and Louis opens the shutters on a sleeping Montespan (aside here: Louis has a habit of walking in on people sleeping or in a state of undress. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. Henriette is viewed as property. However, I do have a comment to make about your previous post that you believed that Louis loved Henriette, however I dont completely agree with you on this one. 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. Philippe turns to the guards, stands patiently at the crossed pikes as Louis stares at his back. 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. Get him out! Henriette cries. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. Im merely suggesting you might save some time. Marchal persists, pointing out that Louvois always disagrees frequently and loudly with the Kings decisions. Philippe had a relationship with the man he loved while Henriette continued to sleep with the man she loved. She cant honestly say that the death of the man to whom she is shackled in a loveless marriage, who feels no attraction for her and never can but can easily enough rape her, who stands between her and the man she truly loveswouldnt be entirely unwelcome. We now see Philippe asleep. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. Here it is, mes amis! She gasps and the priest enters silently. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. ), (*WTF. 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. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. When King Charles hears that his beloved sister has been poisoned in France, it is only a matter of hours before a declaration of war. Louvois: a war they cannot afford to win. Colbert now counsels Louis on the shift of power should Henriette die: Henriettes very existence strengthens your position. What shall I do! Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. (since you mention here she is his love). Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. As for Philippe, I cant make out what he is. Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. New episodes of " Versailles " air at 10/9c Saturdays on Ovation, but are rebroadcast throughout the week. Thank you, Amy! Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. 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. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. But it is kept behind closed doors. 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). And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. Says you made me marry him. Feel free to comment if any details are wrong. No. She is powerless. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! Desire for glory. Anne, Hi Jules haha that last message should have ended (I agree with you on all POINTS) not pints . 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. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. Montcourt pauses its clear he recognises Rohans voice. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? You admit her situation is unfair and certainly, she is powerless where her husband (and Louis) are concerned and yet, simply because of the screwed up thinking of the day, the thinking that removed a womans personhood and reduced her to mere property, she is the villain for not being able to love a man who ignores her and rapes her? Ridicule. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. It is always Louis for her. I think it would be naive of us to assume that was the first (or only) time that happened. And before we can check ourselves and reach for the tissues, the priest murmurs, Amen and Philippes expression tightens, his head gently shaking before he steps away from the bed, leaving Louis there. (We wont even go into whether or not that maid wanted to be drug into the bedroom by Philippe after his jealous strop with the Chevalier or his sneaking into Louises bed. 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. 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. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. He feels betrayed. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. Louvois has been a kind of double agent all along, directed by Louis himself to assume the role of critic and conspirator. THIS. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) She was 26. The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. This really shows he is vulnerable. What does she say? In which case, I dont blame her one bit! More of an extreme sadness at his wifes pain. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. We are shown much more of Philippes inner mind and his relationship to Louis than anyone else. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. 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. In any case, Philippe is Louis victim but definitely NOT Henriettes. Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. And one day, brother, one day they will. Yep. 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. 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. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. He is always the king, while Philippe gives his emotions (somewhat) free rein. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. Louis. At some stage, Musket Mike (the masked man) is outed as a Kings guard. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. I kind of doubt it). Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. To affect the hearts and minds of people. Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? He gets up and leaves, walking through the corridors with a candelabra. And Louis coming out the good guy. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. You see it in Ep3 where he yells where is MY wife? You see it in Ep2 with his angry speech to Louis: do you tell yourself that when you are fucking MY WIFE? In so many subtle ways Philippe is being demeaned by Louis. But in context, with everything else going on in the show and with what Philippe deals with, I can understand why he did it. He cares for her, but anytime he has to choose between Chevalier and her, he always choose the former. then goes into the bedchamber. Philippe loves and is loyal to his brother and only wants Louis to allow him to support him. Pretty sure he was not the one who did the poisoning thing. Thanks for reading! The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. 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. 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. But your first strike would have to be true. But that was the thinking of the time. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. King Louis XIV (George Blagden, left) and Henriette (Nomie Schmidt) arrive at "Versailles" in the Ovation series. Who seeks to harm Henriette? 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? Nice one, Montcourt. she was the one who found it, actually. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. However there is a new addition, a large portrait of Louis now hanging on wall near the door (replacing a previous smaller ND painting of flowers). Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt. He was brought up and ruled as absolute monarch, and believed for the good of France. In the show Philippe tries time and again to offer his support and love, but is constantly betrayed or rejected (this happened with the historical figures, too. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. Is she a villain for this because of the thinking of the day? She finally asks. Aaaaaand now. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. 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. At least there is a modicum of decorum. Well, my thought is Philippe angrily claiming his conjugal rights may well have happened before. Philippe has done as little to win her affection as she has to win his and Philippe certainly flaunts his lover in her face far more than she does hers in his. (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. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. Im leaving. Louis: You would defy me, even in this moment? Philippe: I know what this moment is. Louis steps to his brother and the camera frames them between the crossed pikes, a familiar movie making technique that focuses your eye solely on them, and also creates powerful imagery of two strong men, between weapons, taking opposite views. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. And Rohan chuckles and I well. It was Season 1. *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. Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. 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. Montcourt tried to tell me the same. And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? He is clearly upset. Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! Do you believe these women feel less pain and violation because the behaviour is condoned by the society in which they live? Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. Yet how much pain are you willing to endure before you get what you want? But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. 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. Now this is fascinating. Henriette fulfills her duties with. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. Charming. Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. Lord. Good idea, he says breathlessly. Even the bouncing hair. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. Henrietta 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, who had recently returned to the Royalist side. The best visual of the whole episode. When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. 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. A page for describing Characters: Versailles. 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. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. I will come, says Philippe. elisabetta, oopsI should say figure, not charactersorry, english is not my first language . Your email address will not be published. Now that *would* be naive. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. Hi, Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. 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? Revealing nothing. 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. Lovely. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. I believe Louis did love her. 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. Snake! He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. I couldnt honestly say. Versailles 2015 - S01E10 - Bring the Garden Here (High MP4) (WEBM) (Aired: 14 Dec. 2015) Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Because no one knows that Cassel is one of the conspirators (and UGH I dont know WHY the Chevalier just didnt tell Marchal or Louis???) Check Ovation for times and how you can watch Ovation in your area. Thank you! Fashion. It was just how it was. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber 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. There is your music.. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. 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. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. Also it will set Louis in a collision with Phillipe who did not want his wife to go to England for the negotiations. When an autopsy was done (observed by 17 French doctors, two English physicians, the British ambassador and around 100 other onlookers) death was deemed to be from cholera morbus (gastroenteritis) caused by heated bile. The poor Chevalier, accused when he wasnt even there! 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. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. Philippe adds: .or two, perhaps. And he strides off. And Louvois being the pompous ass he is, says haughtily: Before you speak to me, I suggest you speak to the king. Marchal: I am his Majestys eyes and ears, Msieur Louvois. He was named Louis Dieudonn (Louis the God-given) and bore the traditional title of French heirs apparent: Dauphin . And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Also I have to add SPOILER ALERT!!!! Louis persists. <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. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Music. Pale and in obvious distress, she was put to bed, but her pains were so severe that she believed she must have been poisoned and asked for an antidote. 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. Some were obviously written for massive impact. The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. I have some questions. 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. But that was the thinking of the time. Yes, absolutely. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. 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? I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. Point 3: Good question, which is the greater sin? He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. I could never love you more. 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. There is, replies Louis. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? 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. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. Henriette drew the worst cards of all four players in those stakes. Thank you for the recaps, I am with you on all things you write about Monsieur Marchal, he is everything! I know historically Philippe did leave Versailles for a time, but season two Louis without Philippe will be interesting because while Louis takes shots at him every chance he gets, at the end of the day Philippe is the only true person around him besides Bontemps. 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. (*cries*), Bontemps goes to see Louis. (Historical note: it was forbidden for the King to be in the presence of death. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . 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.
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