Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. 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. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. the rest will do her good, Bontemps says. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. Then he says I pay you to spy on others, not on me. . 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. No. Fashion. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. In the days when it was only you who /truly/ had my back. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. 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. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. He cares for her, but anytime he has to choose between Chevalier and her, he always choose the former. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. Is it fair? Philippe has done as little to win her affection as she has to win his and Philippe certainly flaunts his lover in her face far more than she does hers in his. Aaaaaand now. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. Points 1 and 2: We establish that both people are in love with someone else. We are NOT touching her! Philippe finally says. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Louis is a shit to Philippe. It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. 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. Thank you. Desire for glory. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. First of all, ladies, stop spewing vitriol. When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. Whew! And even after watching both seasons 1 and 2 of Versailles, I wouldnt say that he loved her a lot but on the show it was to a certain degree. Do you believe these women feel less pain and violation because the behaviour is condoned by the society in which they live? He was a noble, he knew the rules.) We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. What a pain! However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. She finally asks. Of course not. But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. Nup. Henriette screams and they both surge to the door then suddenly stop. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. Montcourt is confused. That is exactly what I would be thinking. He advances on Montcourt, who is looking a little shell shocked. UGH. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. I could never love you morewell. And Philippe replies gently: You did the best you could. Tears now from Henriette: how handsome you both are. And now we are in the last throes of her last moments it hurts and she cannot breathe, they move the pillow. but the show never uses his name, referring to him only as his title of Chevalier, probably to avoid confusion . The door suddenly opens, Claudine walks sombrely in. And the next shot is Louis in slow-mo, walking out. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. 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. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. So anyways, off we go. He looks nervous and steps to Cassel, but Cassel rises and bows, along with everyone, as Louis enters. Ill tell you, though, that, like you, I totally adore Philippe in this series, the actor is great and some King/brother interaction is well done. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. 1556332. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. IDK??? Philippe loves and is loyal to his brother and only wants Louis to allow him to support him. Claudine doesnt know how long Henriette has left, but it is her wish to see you both. Also, Henriette has asked to be carried to the garden so that she might be surrounded by her favourite flowers. (Philippes gentle smile is so bittersweet here!) 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. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. 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. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. Thank you all! If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. I love these seemingly random yet distinct choices made by directors and production designers. It ended up working even better than planned and within a very short amount of time, Louis fell for Louise de la Valliere who was originally meant to be a decoy but became his first official royal mistress. Today you get the chance to kill a king! While hes saying this, Marchal behind them is taking out a knife, and suddenly he slides it across the floor, and Louis picks it up, and Montcourt lunges another candlestick is involved.. OMG And then Louis grabs Montcourt from behind and sinks the knife into him! but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. 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. Either way, she's dead now. Rumourwent that he sent the poison to Effiat in retaliation for Henriette having him banished. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. Yes. Louis and her smile about it. Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. I kind of doubt it). He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. The camera pans up to show the Queen on her knees in prayer, then a select few further back (I see Colbert, Louvois, Montespan, Sophie, Cassel). 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). In the case of Versailles, Why? And remember you can also start at the beginning and read my reviews of EpisodesOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,Seven,Eight. 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. 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. She seems like she has genuinely been brought in as a main character simply to drive the wedge deeper between Louis and Philippe, but not contribute anything herself to most of her scenes! Are there more shows you will review? 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. 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. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. There was an attempt on her life before. 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. Louvois and Marchal agree. LOUIS. And Rohan chuckles and I well. But here, now? She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. 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. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. 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? Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? She is simply besotted with Louis, so in love, that shed do anything he told her to. Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. Pretty sure he was not the one who did the poisoning thing. 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. 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. Hi Jules and Aly, Charming. She is used by the king to hurt his brother. I could never love you more. I am tired of waiting for you to keep it, says the Queen casually as she gets into bed with Louis then settles down. Though only a few actually act on it. Marchal is having a hard time believing Montcourts usual crapabout returning to court because he is a true friend to the king and was his duty to inform him of a threat to Henriettes life. I just rot an extremely long omment By this point, Louis had basically forgotten about and gotten over Henriette though this was much to her displeasure and chagrin. 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? Also thanks for your detailed and in depth reviews. elisabetta, oopsI should say figure, not charactersorry, english is not my first language . Menu. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? Revealing nothing. 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. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. 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. She puts her foot in her mouth. Hell, HIS WIFE is shagging his brother. Louis. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. 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. ), 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. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. I know times and attitudes were different then, but a person violated still feels violated, whether they are allowed to acknowledge it or not. fantastic bog! Montcourt pauses its clear he recognises Rohans voice. Louis stares out the window in the antechamber, servants bring in food, but Marchal suspects poisoning and sends it back until its safety can be confirmed. Philippe of course blames Louis for Henriette's poisoning as he was the one who sent Henriette as an ambassador abroad even though everyone begged him not to. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info We awarded it to you for bravery. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. Not so much. The historical notes you added were my favourite of all, I love knowing whats accurately portrayed and for the parts that were tweaked, what the actual history was. 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 writers want us to think that evrry time they had kids, he had to rape her? I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber 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. What the king wants, the king gets. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. Louis replies how else was I to keep you close. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) Yet you heard nothing. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Our dear Henriette. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! Is Philippe a victim? 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. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. Point 10: The abnoxious snog in front of Henriette. Merci! (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. But Marchal continues calmly. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. We now see Philippe asleep. 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. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. 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. 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. Does she want to end things with Louis? Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. Louis approaches and she wakes. Not sure and he leaves. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . 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!. Especially in S1, I got the feeling that they gave a lot of Lorraines personality traits/reactions/behaviour to Philippe. My heart breaks for him. He gets up and leaves, walking through the corridors with a candelabra. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. (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. Some were obviously written for massive impact. Here it is, mes amis! The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. Its my weekly sin, I confess, Im too addicted to this period to miss it. 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. A day later, I was hooked. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. 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. 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. You said You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. I love this show <3. (For the record, I am speaking strictly of the characters in this drama, not the historical characters). Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. The steps, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the coat and their cravats. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. 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. Philippe weeps. A brief scene follows, showing Rohan and the Dauphin sword playing and pretending a jolly game of war in the forest, thenwe are back to the Kings bedchamber where Henriette sleeps and Philippe is outside in the antechamber, brooding by the fireplace as Louis walks in.