We will never know if Louis and Henriette ever did consummate their attraction, but the gossip of the time most definitely swayed in that direction. Im merely suggesting you might save some time. Marchal persists, pointing out that Louvois always disagrees frequently and loudly with the Kings decisions. You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. 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. Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber 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. At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. 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. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. Louis: you are grieving. Philippe shakes his head: I grieve alone. Louis swallows then says: You will marry again. Philippe interjects: I simply want to live. Louis: It is your duty. Philippe hisses: I have had my fill of duty. Eg; Louis shuts him (from preventing Henrietta to go to England) up by releasing Chevalier. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Poor Philippe is helpless do something, woman! She has to find the source, which means poking about on Henriettes body, causing agony with every poke. She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt. Such emotion. Then Ep 8 miscarriage scene the painting is no longer on table. : . Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. No one leaves. 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). She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. Henriette is viewed as property. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. Is he for or against le roi? See production, box office & company info. The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. UHGGH. Im thinking no. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. Thanks for reading! A letter from the King of Sweden has arrived, telling Louis he has agreed to break his alliance with the Dutch and support the French. It is a controlled grief. Not Marchal! The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse. It is not clear in the show. 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???) What to expect from the future? 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. Is that understood? and pushes past them. the rest will do her good, Bontemps says. Yet how much pain are you willing to endure before you get what you want? Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. A European history-geek friend told me about this show yesterday, so I binge watched the entire series. Its emotionless. 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. Eww. The next shot is of Montespan, entering her rooms, where she briefly cries then quickly gains control with a deep breath. He cares for her, but anytime he has to choose between Chevalier and her, he always choose the former. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. Ugh. I think the problem with him is that we still miss a decent biography, taking into accounts ALL sources and not only the same, always the same stuff as Saint-Simon and such. Hi Laura! Points 1 and 2: We establish that both people are in love with someone else. On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. you wanted to make it your castle. It would be an outrageous thought. And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. 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. 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. He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. and to Marchal in his office, interrogating Montcourt. But it is kept behind closed doors. Henriette wanted to go!). But his family and France are divided. Even though Henriette had a history of pains (since 1667) and drank only milk and basically ate nothing (she was considered quite a stick in the fashion of the day, and some historians suggest she suffered from anorexia), the poison theory stuck. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. Saint-Simon asserted that Louis was so thankful that his brother was innocent of the crime that he decided not to prosecute the perpetrators. They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. I cannot permit it, he says. Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. 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. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. What a pain! Im actually in the States where episode seven will be airing tomorrow night, but I read ahead because I know history so nothing coming was really a spoiler (just a condensed timeline). I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. P.S. I just discovered Versailles this week and watched it in quick succession!!! The only protection offered is by Louis. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. 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. Gaston de Foix was arrested and tortured as the potential poisoner by Fabien. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. 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! Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? It is clear these two have a long relationship and are not allowing a small (read: large) thing as marriage get in the way. So how could you be scared? Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. 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. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. 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. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? Pot, meet kettle. Cats with nine lives. The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. Henriette of England died in Saint-Cloud, not in Versailles. Claudine then enters and grills Bontemps, the Queen and Philippe about the symptoms while Henriette gasps in pain on the bed. Louvois has been a kind of double agent all along, directed by Louis himself to assume the role of critic and conspirator. Aaaaaand now. 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. Called it!) Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? I pity Henrietta. There is your music.. 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. I do. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. Did not see this one coming! Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. We awarded it to you for bravery. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. Anyways, he says: we cannot be seen together anymore. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. Right. Thank you. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) And Louis is still on a roll, caught up in his speech about grandeur and nobility and the endurance of a legacy: .the song we sing here, brother, I mean it to be played forever. And suddenly, as he stares at Philippe, his face alight with the emotion of a true believer, the cries of Henriette are heard. Louis. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. And stunned when Louis says shes in his bedchamber. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. While your character and scene analyses tend to differ quite a bit from my own (perhaps because of that?? We see his offer to help refused time and time again. 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. But to his brother? He is the villain if you are looking for one. . She allows grief but only briefly. 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? After all, everything she did was unacceptable at that time for women and it was certainly acceptable to beat a woman, especially if she was a wife, sister or daughter. So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. Thank you! Never forget. They look at each other for a moment, until Philippe looks away and mutters, Not that youd remember. Louis thinks, then slowly reaches into his jacket pocket, steps forward and takes Philippes hand then places that stone in the palm. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. But not at the hands of Henriette, who really had little power in the situation. Because the whole world gave you counsel. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. Wow that was odd. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! 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 approaches and she wakes. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? 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. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. 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). He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. She is powerless. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. As Mme de Svign wrote: She was taken ill and died within eight hours, and we have lost with her all the joy, all the charm and all the pleasures of the Court. Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. That was your promise to me. What will be his legacy? It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. 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. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? Its stoic. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? ), Back to Louis outside his bed chamber, where Henriettes screams of pain can be heard. I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. Lord. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. He says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. It was all out there. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. Louis drops the poker, approaches Montcourt. This is clearly frustrating for Bontemps, this is against all protocol, and Bontemps is nothing if a creature who takes comfort (and even enjoys) the routine of protocol. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. Though it was true that he was saddened by Henriettes death, I dont felt that he was actually that hell bent on punishing those who were or at least believed to be responsible for her death, due to the lack of evidence among other factors. 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. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. BRILLIANT acting. 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. The Queen rushes to her side as she collapses and Louis commands Bontemps to fetch his doctor. He rapes his wife. Previously, we see Masson offer the same bottle offered to Louis when the king is sick (and Masson reels off a list of ingredients), and the bottle being secretively replaced, so Masson definitely did not know it was poisoned. 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. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. Whats wrong? The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. She puts her foot in her mouth. Anne, Hi Jules haha that last message should have ended (I agree with you on all POINTS) not pints . Do you see them now? I really like him as a character, even though he tortures people. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien?, de Clermont went to a brothel to obtain poison and the love potion Lauren (Marchals henchwoman) tells him thats what she observed. For one thing, Anne of Austria, Henriette and the Comtesse de Scissons and even Louis XIV partly himself were in real life all part of a plan to distract the court and other gossip mongers from spreading further lies, gossip, rumors and to provide a cover up for Louis and Henriettes affair which was more of a fling than an actual full fledged affair. But here, now? It is Louis, and not Henriette, whom I see as the one who does the greatest harm to Philippe. Both of them were in love with other people when they were forced to marry and they both were aware of that. Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. Louis stands outside: her life is in your hands, he says ominously. Youre brought up, its your duty. 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. The sudden onset of Henriettes illness, the severe pain and the short time between the onset of her symptoms and her death suggested to her contemporaries that she had been poisoned. Kill him, then me, and blame it on him. Theyve always known. *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 adds: .or two, perhaps. And he strides off. Art. And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. Now, seeing as sister-in-law wasnt even a thing then, this would be like actually shagging your sister. Looking forward to Season 2!! She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? 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. fantastic bog! To bring them over to us. Louis looks mega pissed. By this point, Louis had basically forgotten about and gotten over Henriette though this was much to her displeasure and chagrin. Louis is a shit to Philippe. Even the bouncing hair. Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriette's death and briefly, here's how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldn't be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. One witness observed that Henriette looked like a dressed corpse upon whom someone had put some rouge, while others thought she had death painted on her face. Is he justified in knocking her across the room? She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. Le Roi Danse, which is all about the rise and fall of Lully, Louis XIVs court composer (French, but hard to find with English subtitles). Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. And even if not, we see what Philippe is capable of when hes in a jealous snit. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. Philippe and Henriette are quite possibly the two people Louis loves most, and yet he uses and hurts them both repeatedly to get what he wants and because he is paranoid about his brother.