Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. Is he justified in knocking her across the room? Hi Laura! Not so much. Louvois and Marchal agree. In the early hours of 30 June, she died. Lulz. We see Henriette asleep in the bed. 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. 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. 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. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. Does she want to end things with Louis? She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. Poisoned? Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. He expressed his doubts to the grief-stricken Charles II, who earnestly believed that his sister had been murdered. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. 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. This doesnt do good for her position, unloved by her husband and no one would stand at her side, should French and English go to war. The moment stretches and Claudine shakes her head: she will not survive the poison. We see a shot of Philippe and Louis: Philippe is stunned and mega sad. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. Henriette, however, happens to be in love with the king and, more importantly, it seems he with her. Cultural factors, too, played a part. Points 1 and 2: We establish that both people are in love with someone else. 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. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. Such an angry king, and rightly so. It was so good. No. The next shot is of Montespan, entering her rooms, where she briefly cries then quickly gains control with a deep breath. 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. There was an attempt on her life before. Youre brought up, its your duty. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. Rumourwent that he sent the poison to Effiat in retaliation for Henriette having him banished. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. Henriette is restrained by Philippe, the Queen and Bontemps, and Philippe is clearly suffering as he listens to his wife muffling her screams. NOT I dont want you to die, (that comes later) she says my problems cannot be solved, you know that. Way to avoid his question. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. But that was the thinking of the time. 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. You! He points and accusing finger. I knew hed say that line! And to Ainee for perspective. What will be his legacy? Her cheeriness disguised the fact that she was unwell. Louis is a shit to Philippe. I think this comes down to loyalty one would assume the Kings guard would be fiercely loyal to the crown so no one would suspect any plotting. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. Are you suggesting that she would have the power to deny the king even if she wanted to? I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. But not at the hands of Henriette, who really had little power in the situation. Your email address will not be published. Yes, absolutely. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. Seizing upon Henriettes dying reproach of Philippe, he asserted that she had been the victim of a plot orchestrated by Lorraine, who held Henriette responsible for his exile and sought revenge. It is a controlled grief. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. What a pain! We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. UGH D: Hi Jules, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews as much as I have enjoyed watching Versailles. AAAAAAHHH. So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? She was merely being used by the man she was in love with. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . Art. Did not see this one coming! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. I must be poisoned! so Philippe ordered her dog to be fed the water. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. FOCUS. Photograph: BBC. She allows grief but only briefly. Cassel leaves, then Montcourt walks away in the direction of Rohan who is discussing the Dauphins outing with a guard. Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! 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. The state is a person. (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. The steps, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the coat and their cravats. Are there more shows you will review? Lord. Coming from the quills of noted showrunners David Wolstencroft and Simon Mirren, both known for gripping series with a conspiratorial bent (i.e. thank you.. You clever, clever bastard. Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. 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. Your question misses the question, Montcourt replies cryptically. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. Wow that was odd. Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? No context is provided about who he is, no indication he is married. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) I am a friend. The flowers theyre singing. and she is gone. You said b) To show a glimpse of vulnerability for Henriette because for all her power, she is still the property of her husband and can be treated as such. Whew! Louis looks stunned too. Is it fair? Louis stands outside: her life is in your hands, he says ominously. Louis persists. Mike did. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. It was all out there. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. To affect the hearts and minds of people. And Louis coming out the good guy. 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. I just rot an extremely long omment Feel free to comment if any details are wrong. Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? Both felt neglected by the other. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. Get him out! Henriette cries. To bring them over to us. You mentioned the Charles Beaubrun painting of Louis & Philippewell I was noticing how this stunning piece travels around the palace in season one. hes a critic, but there is another who has been hidden before us. And if you reread my words very carefully, you might realise that I never once touched on the legality of it. The best visual of the whole episode. Thanks for reading! Also thanks for your detailed and in depth reviews. He had mistresses, for example. But Marchal continues calmly. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. 1556332. It was Season 1. They had children. 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. When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt. Im merely suggesting you might save some time. Marchal persists, pointing out that Louvois always disagrees frequently and loudly with the Kings decisions. Wow. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? And it certainly wasnt the unwavering, steadfast, loyal or constant love that one would most want from a beloved one. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. 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. And what better way to keep Louis safe than have his Head of Security plant one of his spies in his bed? She could not affect change herself. UGH, Henriette. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Inside Versailles Henriette Sister of King Charles II of England, Henriette - known as Madame - is the wife of Philippe and the mistress of King Louis. Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. Is Philippe a victim? But it is kept behind closed doors. Why? The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. It INFURIATED Louis), 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.. Back with Marchal, interrogating Louvois this time. 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. I think it would be naive of us to assume that was the first (or only) time that happened. 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. A European history-geek friend told me about this show yesterday, so I binge watched the entire series. And Philippe is the one who looks tortured, he is the emotional one, while Louis remains stoic. 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. Rohan slits the other guards throat, watches from a distance as the young prince has a sack put over his head then bundled off. 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. And Philippe says calmly and quietly: There. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. At least there is a modicum of decorum. The rape thing was upsetting. 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. Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. And remember you can also start at the beginning and read my reviews of EpisodesOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,Seven,Eight. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. 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. Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. Thatd do it. The writers could have written a scenario where Henriette willingly sleeps with Phillipe to make Louis jealous and to provide in an explanation in the event she becomes pregnant. Which one? Louis asks. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode His contemplation is silent. 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 its almost as if he has something to say, to hide. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. I am sobbing. Montcourt is confused. 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. She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. I like the show, the actors and the plot. Especially as her lover was the king. THIS. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. 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. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. 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. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. poison, death and departures Versailles episode 10, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), The finale. In Ep 3, I believe this is the first time we see the painting, it is in Louiss chambers, to the left of the fireplace on an easel on the floor. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. Hi, Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. Henriette wasnt asking the king to hire a hit on Philippe. 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. I really enjoy your reviews. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. I pity Henrietta. Not sure and he leaves. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. 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. YAAAAAY! Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. BRILLIANT acting. Get Marchal pissed at you. Versailles (TV Series 2015-2018) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. 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! *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. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. Either way, she's dead now. By this stage both Henriette and Marie Thrse of Spain now knew what it felt like to be jilted and cast aside in your loved ones affections by another attractive court lady. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. 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. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. Do you see them now? HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! 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!. Dance. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Versailles - Stagione 3 Episodio 10. I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! 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. 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. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. 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. Nup. To spare his feelings? Thank you, Amy! We awarded it to you for bravery. They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. I will also add that while Louis uses her to hurt Philippe in a very deliberate and calculated manner, I dont believe that is Henriettes intent at all. Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. fantastic bog! I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. UGH D:. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. And Louis is left in the salon, framed by the door, the guards, and looking incredibly vulnerable and alone. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. She is not indulgent in it. She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. What if the poison spreads? Your loyalty can lie with Philippe while still acknowledging that Henriette is also a victim and not the villain (the real villain here is Louis). Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. 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. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. Also I have to add SPOILER ALERT!!!! And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. Exactly. 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). Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriettes death and briefly, heres how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldnt be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. Eww. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). 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. The only protection offered is by Louis. My greatest issue with Henriette is that she seems to lack any personality. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. you wanted to make it your castle. Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. Henriette wanted to go!). Moreover, two years later, Louis invited Lorraine back to court and into the royal favour, which he would not have done had he believed Lorraine was the murderer. He remembers too. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. and Nine. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. Check back soon for my overview and wrap up of the entire season. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. Now, seeing as sister-in-law wasnt even a thing then, this would be like actually shagging your sister. Still wouldve loved to read your long comment was it complimentary? needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. Menu. The midwife and doctor were horrified but there was nothing she could do!!! on The finale. Aaaaaand now. *Deeeeeep breath* Okay. even if it turned out his brother was the poisoner. Required fields are marked *. Im guessing they were pretty equal. The camera then cuts to Rohan, drinking and brooding in his room, absently stabbing the table with a knife as he glares at a portrait of Louis-as-a-boy (which is a gorgeous portrait and includes Philippe, apparently in a private collection and attributed to artist Charles Beaubrun. (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.
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