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. They take her hands. She doesnt want to speak of him. The state is a person. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. Nothing. He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. In Paris, says Colbert. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. you wanted to make it your castle. And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . Philippe turns to the guards, stands patiently at the crossed pikes as Louis stares at his back. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. AAAAAAHHH. Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. The characters almost act as it never happened. SYNC. Music. I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. He did it with Prince Annaba, with Philippe and the Chevalier, with Philippe in the bath whether its just him thinking hey, Im the King, I can do whatever TF I want or some other deep need to catch people unawares, I do not know). Henriette, however, happens to be in love with the king and, more importantly, it seems he with her. Such emotion. Although Lord Montagu accepted this, he had misgivings. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. Especially as her lover was the king. Earlier that day, a servant spotted one of Philippes mignons and Grand Equerry (Master of the Horse), the Marquis dEffiat, drink water stored in a cabinet near Henriettes chambers, wipe the glass, then go on his way. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. 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. Louvois and Marchal agree. LOUIS. *That should have read historical figures not historical characters! Keeps your brothers power in check and offers a direct connection to England. (Historical note: it was forbidden for the King to be in the presence of death. Louis walks in and replies: because I ask him to do so. Ahhhhh-HA! If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. 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? A European history-geek friend told me about this show yesterday, so I binge watched the entire series. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. 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. 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. But here, now? Pot, meet kettle. And Marchal sees this too, his eyes flicking down to focus on them, then showing us aflashback of the dying girl, Charlotte de Parthanay, whom he held in his arms in Episode Three, where she says she saw angels. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. My bed your last stop before retiring. The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. I knew hed say that line! And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. Which one? Louis asks. Marchal, his shirt now stained with his wound, stumbles into the antechamber, to Bontemps and says: Listen to me. Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. And then of course, Philippe rapes her (only the once? Still wouldve loved to read your long comment was it complimentary? Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. his majesty knew this day would come. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Rohan grabs her by the throat, saying it is not yet clear to him what she has done to earn her money, then demands she clean his room before leaving. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. thank you.. And it is on. But his treatment of her does make me think, rather than an actual person, the writers have quite subtly used her as a tool: she is the only person Philippe can take his frustrations out on he knows she loves Louis, and at that point Louis is still very much in love with her Philippe knows this, and punishes Louis the only way he can, but punishing his mistress. And remember you can also start at the beginning and read my reviews of EpisodesOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,Seven,Eight. Louis persists. But Marchal continues calmly. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. A side-note: On Sophie. New episodes of " Versailles " air at 10/9c Saturdays on Ovation, but are rebroadcast throughout the week. 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? Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. The rape thing was upsetting. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? They had children. Is Philippe a victim? Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. 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 says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Yet how much pain are you willing to endure before you get what you want? I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. So Louis settles into sleep. Dieu. Cassel leaves, then Montcourt walks away in the direction of Rohan who is discussing the Dauphins outing with a guard. Now this is fascinating. He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. He is the villain if you are looking for one. But that was the thinking of the time. Its emotionless. My apartment has no pisspot and I do hate to urinate in the stairwells. The Chevalier: Never stopped you before. (teeheehee) They are interrupted by the Duc de Cassel (who is looking even rougher and more filthy than usual. I believe Louis did love her. I dont know how others look at Henriettas character, but to me, shes just trying to survive and continue loving the man she loves, which is Louis. 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. I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. He cares for her, but anytime he has to choose between Chevalier and her, he always choose the former. You have never been a man whos true. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. OMG!). The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) She is not indulgent in it. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. UGH D: Hi Jules, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews as much as I have enjoyed watching Versailles. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. And even if not, we see what Philippe is capable of when hes in a jealous snit. 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. How do we find the poisoner? You couldnt guarantee any would survive. 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. 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. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. What a total prick ). Henriette drew the worst cards of all four players in those stakes. Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? 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. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. 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. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. Menu. Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. Trusting Philippe and involving him in the running of France would make him a better, stronger king. I enjoyed them very much, I must saymuch more than this series, which is good entertainement, but, God, so FAR from being historically correct, in so many ways. It was all out there. for Season 2. 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. Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. It is not clear in the show. 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. He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. And stunned when Louis says shes in his bedchamber. Or survival. he starts to pace: here comes the lecture. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? 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. Henriette fulfills her duties with. 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. Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. Marchal is cool: I am not here to answer you. Sophie is equally cool: Then neither am I. He suggests she reconsider, that she has her life to lose if she doesnt. But gossip is gossip and it was particularly rife and vicious in those days. 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. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. 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. While your character and scene analyses tend to differ quite a bit from my own (perhaps because of that?? I love this show <3. Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. 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. And so was she. but it would cause her too much pain. UGH, Henriette. She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. I just discovered Versailles this week and watched it in quick succession!!! It is clear these two have a long relationship and are not allowing a small (read: large) thing as marriage get in the way. They could not be more different in this moment. We begged you. 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. Hes not gonna tell him of Rohan outright, is he? 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. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. Are you suggesting that she would have the power to deny the king even if she wanted to? Do you believe these women feel less pain and violation because the behaviour is condoned by the society in which they live? Henriette feels nothing for Philippe, he not having put any more effort into endearing himself to her than she to him and he also complicating things for her where Louis is concerned. Point 3: Good question, which is the greater sin? They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. It was Season 1. All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. Horrible man. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. FOCUS. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. (For the record, I am speaking strictly of the characters in this drama, not the historical characters). Hi, The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. 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. THIS. Louis is greeted by Bontemps in his chambers, who enquires about Henriettes health. Learn how your comment data is processed. Lovely. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. 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. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. And then Marchal throws Montcourts words back at him: and when we are the Kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend, right? Yessss. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? What a pain! Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! Ive said this before in comments. We were young. 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. What about the angels? he asks, after Montcourt nervously says hes been praying for Henriette. #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. 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). I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! Anyhow, just wanted to say You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. 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. many things. Louis looks at him as he goes on: I believe this palace is a symbol of our king. But of course, she has no power to rid herself of him, so his death would be her only chance. For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. And Philippe is the one who looks tortured, he is the emotional one, while Louis remains stoic. Such an angry king, and rightly so. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. It was so good. 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. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters.
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