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???) Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. She is powerless. Louis approaches and she wakes. Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. Eww. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. To bring them over to us. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. As for Philippe, I cant make out what he is. To my observation, we do not know who messed with the bottles I was assuming it was Mike or Rohan, because the hand is gloved and we do not see the face. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! Bontemps says: protocol demands that if the air is impure and if you are at risk, you must leave immediately. (this is true) Marchal strides in to take command. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. He is always the king, while Philippe gives his emotions (somewhat) free rein. Then he calls for the Guards. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. I do. Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. 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. And Louis weeps. Bontemps moves her along. Spooks), it was no surprise when this drama arrived with a hearty dollop of sex, violence, tension, and intrigue. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Enriched my enjoyment of the show, and got a bit more educated on the courts history as well . 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. I am looking at her now. Arguably, as a man, it was within Philippes power to end his relationship easily enough whereas Henriette, a woman, would very possibly not have had that same power. Charming. She doesnt want to speak of him. Hmm. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. It was Season 1. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. Her intent is not to hurt Philippe by sleeping with Louis, she simply doesnt care (and I dont blame her). 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. Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. Get Marchal pissed at you. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. Is Philippe such a child and so lacking in self-restraint that he cant wait a few extra moments until they, too, were behind closed doors? Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. Who seeks to harm Henriette? I am really liking Sophies growth as a character, who is, of course, beautiful, but with attitude and a strong backbone, as we are now seeing. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. What a total prick ). 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. So Louis settles into sleep. I also read your discussion between yourself and Teresa about episode 10. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. "Versailles" and I met by chance on Netflix. Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. 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. 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. 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. The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. . 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. As she said, she was only voicing what they were both thinking. Montcourt declares he only knew her in passing, Marchal calls out his bullshit: but you knew she had malevolent intent. To which Montcourt sarcastically replies: it may have escaped your notice but everyone in this building has malevolent intent. Again, so so love your words. Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode Ridicule. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. Pity that they made his character too emo, too frustrated and angry with the world, when he actually was full of joie de vivre, always smiling, always chattering, always ready to find the good in every person and every sistuation. Ive addressed each of your points, but it has run very long and I dont know if it will post in the comments section or not. many things. Louis looks at him as he goes on: I believe this palace is a symbol of our king. I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. 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. 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? They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. Rumourwent that he sent the poison to Effiat in retaliation for Henriette having him banished. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. Yes, absolutely. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. 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. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Is he justified in knocking her across the room? He was distraught when she died, and was fully intent on punishing those responsible (as poison was indeed thought to have killed her). Toodles. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) Is Philippe a victim? Yes. But it is kept behind closed doors. You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. The rape scene was repugnant and Phillipes actions were out of character with the Phillipe we saw in the rest of the season. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . 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. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. (*cries*), Bontemps goes to see Louis. After reading your review on epsiode 10, and reading that it ends with Philippe leaving Versailles, I thought back to epsiode one and the moment he finds Louis at his favorite spot in the woods. And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. 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). plus its almost as if he has something to say, to hide. Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. Philippe raping his wife. 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. It is so reflective of the dilemma she has created for herself. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. Incest or homosexuality? Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. 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. While your character and scene analyses tend to differ quite a bit from my own (perhaps because of that?? Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. ! Louis is stunned: Why are you casting all this rage at me? Philippe: Because you deserve it. God knows the wolves might have taken us but what did we know? Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? Or survival. he starts to pace: here comes the lecture. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. ? on The finale. 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! Philippe adds: .or two, perhaps. And he strides off. You, me, Henriette. He weeps for the loss and I am sure he also weeps for the helplessness he must now feel, a man so powerful and commanding, who rules a country and its people a true King and yet, still unable to save her. The rape thing was upsetting. 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. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? SYNC. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. but it would cause her too much pain. And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. Horrible man. 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. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. then goes into the bedchamber. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. And it is on. 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. And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Colbert looks a bit stunned. 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.. The Kings son. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. 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. Thank you, Amy! Nup. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. 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. What? There was an attempt on her life before. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Point 10: The abnoxious snog in front of Henriette. A page for describing Characters: Versailles. Merci! She is gravely ill. Montespan pauses for a second, then declares she must go to her (because you know, Montespan is supposed to be one of her ladies-in-waiting). Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. 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). From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. He expressed his doubts to the grief-stricken Charles II, who earnestly believed that his sister had been murdered. (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. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. for Season 2. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. There are only two men in this court who move freely between the outside world and the Kings inner circle, but only one who has never raised a single voice against him. Bontemps is surprised: the Kings brother? NO, BONTEMPS. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. Right. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. 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). First of all, ladies, stop spewing vitriol. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. BRILLIANT acting. Music. The best visual of the whole episode. you wanted to make it your castle. And Louis coming out the good guy. Is he for or against le roi? It would be an outrageous thought. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . he is troubled, hearing Montcourts whispers in his head: When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. and so on. That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. You clever, clever bastard. The flowers theyre singing. and she is gone. Lovely. I couldnt honestly say. No one enters. Another suggestion is that she had porphyria, although she displayed none of its symptoms. I just rot an extremely long omment YAAAAAY! (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. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? 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. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). 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? Hi Laura! And we came here for a visit. What will be his legacy? Why? I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. UGH D:. UGH, Henriette. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? Whats wrong? Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! 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. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. How accurate is Netflix Versailles? I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. Ugh. Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. UHGGH. He gets up and leaves, walking through the corridors with a candelabra. NOOOOOOO. 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! 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. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? Photograph: BBC. *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. Louis is greeted by Bontemps in his chambers, who enquires about Henriettes health. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. The steps, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the coat and their cravats. I look forward to reading your reviews on the next series, when it comes out. Revealing nothing. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. FOCUS. 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. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Dear Anne, Im guessing I know a fair bit more about rape, the history of rape, the history of rape within marriage and womens rights (and lack thereof) than you realise. Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. Not sure and he leaves. My bed your last stop before retiring. 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. She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. (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. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles..