I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. The Kings son. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. The writers of the show took quite creative liberty with the relationships some turned out to be clever and well-written, some I just eye rolled SO HARD. YAAAAAY! And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. The writers want us to think that evrry time they had kids, he had to rape her? Even if I ignore the historical figures behind the show and what I know of their real lives, I cant ignore the historical setting or the social arena in which the show is played. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. And I do not regret it for an instant. Like he is trying to justify himself. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. 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? Is she a villain for this because of the thinking of the day? I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. UHGGH. Gaston de Foix was arrested and tortured as the potential poisoner by Fabien. Excellent. I love it). Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. OMG!). I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. 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. 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. Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Kill him, then me, and blame it on him. Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. Photograph: BBC. Yes. 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). Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Im genuinely having real trouble understanding your position here. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. 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. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. Hi Laura! Louis looks mega pissed. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Louis. 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!) So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. Hi, I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. Philippe weeps. Our dear Henriette. I will come, says Philippe. This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. In the days when it was only you who /truly/ had my back. (Historical note: it was forbidden for the King to be in the presence of death. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. Louis continues to yell: because without me this country will consume itself in nobles squabbles. He paces. Louis stands outside: her life is in your hands, he says ominously. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! Then he says I pay you to spy on others, not on me. . *insert sound of breaking heart here*. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. 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. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! Snake! To which Marchal says: you are the daughter of a Huguenot conspirator to the King, funded and supported by William of Orange. But Sophie says her mother paid that price, she is merely trying to survive and thought Marchals protection would ensure it. I have some questions. Philippe loves and is loyal to his brother and only wants Louis to allow him to support him. And it certainly wasnt the unwavering, steadfast, loyal or constant love that one would most want from a beloved one. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! Brilliant writing. Trusting Philippe and involving him in the running of France would make him a better, stronger king. I know this coming years later, but to Theresa THANK YOU SO MUCH. I am sobbing. Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. So Louis sequesters the palace. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. Because the whole world gave you counsel. She doesnt want to speak of him. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Now, seeing as sister-in-law wasnt even a thing then, this would be like actually shagging your sister. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. Philippe had stillborn twins and a daughter, a son who died at 2 and one at 4, plus two miscarriages. We see Louis expression crumple, and he blinks, almost disbelievingly, and then Philippe is out the door. Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! 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. <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. If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. Right. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. 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. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. 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. 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! Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. Spooks), it was no surprise when this drama arrived with a hearty dollop of sex, violence, tension, and intrigue. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. 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. They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. 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. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. Cassel passes him and bows. Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. We now see Philippe asleep. . See production, box office & company info. Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? There is, replies Louis. 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. Eg; Louis shuts him (from preventing Henrietta to go to England) up by releasing Chevalier. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. But to his brother? Today you get the chance to kill a king! While hes saying this, Marchal behind them is taking out a knife, and suddenly he slides it across the floor, and Louis picks it up, and Montcourt lunges another candlestick is involved.. OMG And then Louis grabs Montcourt from behind and sinks the knife into him! As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. But that was the thinking of the time. What does she say? The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. They could not be more different in this moment. FOCUS. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. Louis wakes to the sight of Henriette, blood down her gown and from her mouth, saying help me please. Even gravely ill, she still choses Louis over her husband. 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. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. 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. [4] When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! 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. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. 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. Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. Keeps your brothers power in check and offers a direct connection to England. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. 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. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? 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. I kind of doubt it). Henriette is viewed as property. 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. 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? We awarded it to you for bravery. But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. 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. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. She is currently working on a biography of Louis XIV. Marchal picks up the dropped knife and lunges and he and Montcourt trade a few blows, with Marchal blocking then delivering a punch. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! 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. Anyways, he says: we cannot be seen together anymore. 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. Revealing nothing. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. 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. I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Called it!) And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . Also, his relationship with his brother was much less complicated than we see in this show, Philippe was a very simple person when it came to feelings, he was affectionate and friendly. (since you mention here she is his love). Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. 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. 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. And so was she. Thanks for reading! She was 26. I know times and attitudes were different then, but a person violated still feels violated, whether they are allowed to acknowledge it or not. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. Yes, absolutely. but the show never uses his name, referring to him only as his title of Chevalier, probably to avoid confusion . Your email address will not be published. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. It was very clear from episode 1 that you were not a fan of Henriette and I found that quick jarring to read in your reviews. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. That is exactly what I would be thinking. He advances on Montcourt, who is looking a little shell shocked. And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? You said I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. Yep. . I thought so but no. Aaaaaand now. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. This really shows he is vulnerable. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. 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. To affect the hearts and minds of people. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. That was your promise to me. Enriched my enjoyment of the show, and got a bit more educated on the courts history as well . 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. 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. He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. In the case of Versailles, Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. 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. His face may be handsome but now he just reminds me of a ferret. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien? And what better way to keep Louis safe than have his Head of Security plant one of his spies in his bed? Lovely. And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. Is Philippe a victim? We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. : . Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. I look forward to reading your reviews on the next series, when it comes out. She allows grief but only briefly. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) I could never love you more. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. We see his offer to help refused time and time again. What about the angels? he asks, after Montcourt nervously says hes been praying for Henriette. Or twenty, I suppose. Which one? Louis asks. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. And Rohan chuckles and I well. 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. This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. Quite a few. 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). No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. He rapes his wife. The Dauphin hides stealthy behind a tree, looking for Rohan. The steps, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the coat and their cravats. *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. 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. I like the show, the actors and the plot. his majesty knew this day would come. They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. 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. A side-note: On Sophie. And who can blame her? Pretty sure he was not the one who did the poisoning thing. What will be his legacy? And Louis coming out the good guy. She could not affect change herself. Henriette is just one more thing Louis takes from Philippe. 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. 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. then goes into the bedchamber. We begged you. Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). Henriette. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. Louvois and Marchal agree. Point 8: Again, refer to comments on Henriettes lack of power as a woman and as a subject of the king to say no to said king. Id be happy with either, tbh! Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. The wedge is firmly being driven between Philippe and Louis, all their arguments and conflict and opposition for each other has been carefully constructed and built up over the last nine episodes, into this final one. Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. 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. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. You, me, Henriette. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. 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. Louis and her smile about it. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! The midwife and doctor were horrified but there was nothing she could do!!! If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. Why? Menu. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. The writers do it over and over again, in tiny little ways that is infuriating (Philippe with his sad puppy eyes Nooooo!) Merci! Ive said this before in comments. Now this is fascinating. (Historical note: mistresses were in competition with each other all the time, poison was effective and the murderer didnt have to deal with the messiness. Philippe was the one in strident dissent! Dieu. He is beyond selfish and his cruel behaviour is at the root of all of their misery. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. for all of these. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . He was a noble, he knew the rules.) Such an angry king, and rightly so. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. I love this show <3. You! He points and accusing finger. Montcourt pauses its clear he recognises Rohans voice. You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. (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. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? 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. Is it fair? I am a friend. ), (*WTF. 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. She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. Then Montcourt, the sly little worm, implies that Marchal will cop shit if Henriette dies and no culprit is found, and that Marchals judgement is lacking due to the whole de Clermont thing. Nup. 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. Louis finally nods to the guards, the pikes are uncrossed and Philippe takes a breath and walks out without a backwards glance.The Chevalier gives him a few feet head start, then strolls after him, hands behind his back, not looking at Louis, not bowing. She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. The fact that she doesnt particularly want to anyway (to say no, that is) is because she is deeply in love with Louis and always has been and because her husband makes zero effort to endear himself to her. He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. We were young. 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).