she was the one who found it, actually. If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. Yep. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. 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. Brilliant writing. 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. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. 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. Much kudos to Nomie Schmidt for a brilliantly sad scene, aided by the backing music and the strength and emotion of George Blagden and Alex Vlahos. Louis: 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. King Louis XIV (George Blagden, left) and Henriette (Nomie Schmidt) arrive at "Versailles" in the Ovation series. 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. It was Season 1. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Ive mentioned before that his intimate interactions with women in the show are used as a form of punishment towards those who have hurt him Louis (with Louise and Henriette) and the Chevalier (with the maid). Such emotion. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. Season Two Mike and the last of Rohans men are massacred in a last stand by the musketeers, led by Fabien Marchal. They had children. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. It is not clear in the show. Henriette, however, happens to be in love with the king and, more importantly, it seems he with her. I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. 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. Get him out! Henriette cries. 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. It is featured in several shots when Louis & Philippe are arguing and she reveals shes preggers as well as when Louis comes to confront her about not wishing to live with the doubt about the child. Even the bouncing hair. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? Montcourt is confused. Dance. Having spent the first episode ripping their kit off at any opportunity, the court of Versailles has taken an oath of chastity. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. I cannot permit it, he says. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. We could never invade the entire world but the world can imagine us as their centre. and to Marchal in his office, interrogating Montcourt. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. Thank you. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). UGH. Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? Pot, meet kettle. And who can blame her? Lovely. 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. Of his power, of his country. In the days when it was only you who /truly/ had my back. There is no change. But Marchal continues calmly. Im merely suggesting you might save some time. Marchal persists, pointing out that Louvois always disagrees frequently and loudly with the Kings decisions. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. 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. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. She cant honestly say that the death of the man to whom she is shackled in a loveless marriage, who feels no attraction for her and never can but can easily enough rape her, who stands between her and the man she truly loveswouldnt be entirely unwelcome. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. That was your promise to me. 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. 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. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. He is the villain if you are looking for one. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. even if it turned out his brother was the poisoner. I knew hed say that line! Louis and her smile about it. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. Is he justified in knocking her across the room? 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. fantastic bog! Does she want to end things with Louis? But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. No one leaves. (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. 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. 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. Hes just having some fun. So Louis settles into sleep. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. Similarly, perforation of the gall bladder may have led to an excess of bile leaking into the peritoneum causing the corruption and gangrene reported by her doctors. Remember, Henriette, as a woman, is completely powerless. I couldnt honestly say. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. It is a controlled grief. Id be happy with either, tbh! All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. Merci! The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. Whew! 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. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. We are NOT touching her! Philippe finally says. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. for all of these. Jules! Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. 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. 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. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. But enough with this. In the case of Versailles, When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. Episodio 10. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? Cassel passes him and bows. Hell, HIS WIFE is shagging his brother. I did have a thought, though, why the writers didnt build up to her being the young version of one of Louis mistresses, he had so many. But he will not be resting for long the door opens later and we see a pair of bare feet, the hem of a nightgown, both bloodied, as they enter. The writers want us to think that evrry time they had kids, he had to rape her? The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. That she could feel no affection for the man she was forced to marry, a man who could never feel anything for her and who also raped her, is not at all surprising (even while considering that marital rape was acceptable at that time). But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. 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. Your email address will not be published. And the person either asserts himself or is subjugated to the will of others. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. They could not be more different in this moment. I know times and attitudes were different then, but a person violated still feels violated, whether they are allowed to acknowledge it or not. She is subject to the whims and wishes of her king and lover, of her husband and even of her husbands lover. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. Louis replies how else was I to keep you close. Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. Henriette is viewed as property. Revealing nothing. I really enjoy your reviews. Menu. She is a woman, she is his subject. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. Yes. 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. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? 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. She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. She doesnt want to speak of him. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. 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. 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. No one enters. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? My sources tell me that sadly, we will have to wait until March 2017 (Yes, NEXT YEAR!!!) 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? Nup. They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. I cant always catch what is being said, particularly if it an aside or a whisper but I know you will tell me . Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. Cultural factors, too, played a part. At some stage, Musket Mike (the masked man) is outed as a Kings guard. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. I am looking at her now. Philippe had stillborn twins and a daughter, a son who died at 2 and one at 4, plus two miscarriages. Thank you for the recaps, I am with you on all things you write about Monsieur Marchal, he is everything! 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. Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. He rapes his wife. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. Do you believe these women feel less pain and violation because the behaviour is condoned by the society in which they live? The steps, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the coat and their cravats. 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. 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. Thank you, Amy! He was distraught when she died, and was fully intent on punishing those responsible (as poison was indeed thought to have killed her). Louvois and Marchal agree. Poisoned? I love it). And remember you can also start at the beginning and read my reviews of EpisodesOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,Seven,Eight. It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. You went north, I went south and she went west and by the time they righted themselves we found our way down by the mill stream. Especially in S1, I got the feeling that they gave a lot of Lorraines personality traits/reactions/behaviour to Philippe. 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. I am sobbing. Jacques 10 episodes, 2015 . Eww. She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. Claudine Masson Fabien Marchal Henriette of England Henriette and Montespan Fabien and Sophie Isabella Braganza Claudine and Fabien Marie-Thrse and Montespan Versailles (series) Sophie de Clermont Philippe of France Henriette and Louis Philippe and Liselotte's Wedding Chevalier and Henriette Categories Excellent. And it is on. Are there more shows you will review? Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. And Louis coming out the good guy. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. 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. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. Both of them were in love with other people when they were forced to marry and they both were aware of that. As Montcourt is delivering this little speech, the camera angle singles out the massive symbolism in the shot: the angels on his leather sash belt. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. Hold onto this moment, I told you. I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. Im genuinely having real trouble understanding your position here. My greatest issue with Henriette is that she seems to lack any personality. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. Theyve always known. But I also know that their greatest plan has yet to show itself. the camera pans to Louis, Colbert, Louvois (clearly worried, as he should be), who says, but what if shes merely ill? Marchal: then your appetite will be merely inconvenienced, Louvois. Bontemps appears. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. Louis is calm but angry: then you set yourself against me. Philippe pauses, looks incredibly sad for a moment, then briefly nods. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Some were obviously written for massive impact. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. Louis walks in and replies: because I ask him to do so. Ahhhhh-HA! 1556332. As her husband, Philippe, rushed to her bedside, Henriette chided him, Alas, Monsieur, it is a long time since you loved me, but this is unjust. Alerted, Henriettes lady-in-waiting watched the duke closely, but he showed no indication of guilt and every sign that he was distressed by his wifes condition. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. No, of course she doesnt. I also read your discussion between yourself and Teresa about episode 10. Hes not gonna tell him of Rohan outright, is he? Is it fair? Feel free to comment if any details are wrong. This moment echoes the first from the opening scene in Episode One, where the traitors rush in on the pretext of getting Louis safely away. 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. Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? No. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. Keeps your brothers power in check and offers a direct connection to England. 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.