Well, my thought is Philippe angrily claiming his conjugal rights may well have happened before. Suffering from digestive problems, she lived on a diet consisting primarily of milk. There was no indication of poisoning, so death was attributed to cholera morbus caused by corrupt and boiling bile, which had led to gangrene in the entrails and other parts of the lower abdomen. Quite a few. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. : . Menu. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . Ive found some interesting, unedited sources about him and I hope to write very soon a book to make some justice to this very, very mistreated character. Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. but the show never uses his name, referring to him only as his title of Chevalier, probably to avoid confusion . (For the record, I am speaking strictly of the characters in this drama, not the historical characters). Philippe was the one in strident dissent! She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. Philippe raping his wife. She was merely being used by the man she was in love with. Henriette is just one more thing Louis takes from Philippe. 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. And one day, brother, one day they will. Now that *would* be naive. 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. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. for Season 2. We see Louis expression crumple, and he blinks, almost disbelievingly, and then Philippe is out the door. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. And she did it willingly. Philippe: Because you told her to. Louis: Because she was born to it. Philippe: Because she loves you. Louis: if we do not have the English, we cannot attack the Dutch. The look on Philippes face is incredulous yes, Louis is talking war when his wife lies dying. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! She is currently working on a biography of Louis XIV. There is your music.. Lovely. Ugh) and oh dear, the Chevalier looks so panicked, so worried by the Ducs appearance is it because he thinks people will start accusing him again of treason? Dieu. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. Yes. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. . 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. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. I do. Now this is fascinating. 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. The two are not mutally exclusive. but it is later, after they already speak with the guards in the background. Is Philippe a victim? In perfect sync. 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. He looks nervous and steps to Cassel, but Cassel rises and bows, along with everyone, as Louis enters. I pity Henrietta. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. Louis approaches and she wakes. The writers could have written a scenario where Henriette willingly sleeps with Phillipe to make Louis jealous and to provide in an explanation in the event she becomes pregnant. What the king wants, the king gets. again, another shagging time between Henriette and Louis, when Louis friends have been murdered and she mentions the fact she was jealous of the dead woman. I believe Louis did love her. Hell, HIS WIFE is shagging his brother. What? This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. She is powerless. All I could find were negative. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. Is that understood? and pushes past them. Louis and her smile about it. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! Thanks for your great reviews! UGH, Henriette. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. As she said, she was only voicing what they were both thinking. And Louis weeps. Im thinking no. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? Henriette screams and they both surge to the door then suddenly stop. There was an attempt on her life before. 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. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! Get Marchal pissed at you. Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. UGH D: Hi Jules, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews as much as I have enjoyed watching Versailles. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. 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. Not so much. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. Versailles (TV Series 2015-2018) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. I love this show <3. Whats wrong? They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. I know times and attitudes were different then, but a person violated still feels violated, whether they are allowed to acknowledge it or not. 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. Anyhow, just wanted to say The rape scene was repugnant and Phillipes actions were out of character with the Phillipe we saw in the rest of the season. What to expect from the future? 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. Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. 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. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. 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. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. See production, box office & company info. 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). No, of course she doesnt. She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). Guilt often manifests itself in an outward show of rage. Henriette portrayed by Pierre Mignard, 17th century, Henriette, Duchesse d'Orlans, the sister-in-law of Louis XIV, took a drink of her usual chicory water and immediately clutched her side, crying out in pain. Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! Or twenty, I suppose. 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). THIS. 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. Get him out! Henriette cries. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. Spooks), it was no surprise when this drama arrived with a hearty dollop of sex, violence, tension, and intrigue. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode But that was the thinking of the time. LOUIS. She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. I really enjoy your reviews. 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. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? 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? I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. ), (*WTF. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. Then Ep 8 miscarriage scene the painting is no longer on table. I think he has done his younger brother irreperable harm and, at times, I wonder if he wouldnt throw Philippe to the wolves if it suited him or France. And Philippe says calmly and quietly: There. 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. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. 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. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. But to his brother? She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. You have never been a man whos true. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. The Dauphin hides stealthy behind a tree, looking for Rohan. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. Rohan is the Masked Man! The door suddenly opens, Claudine walks sombrely in. Colbert and Louvois look considerably worried. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. 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. 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? Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. Obviously he loves Chevalier. Its just that his anger and upset (and yes, jealousy I think) affects him so much, because its just another way for his brother to control and belittle him, make him less. Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. I certainly cant say for certain what the writers intent was with that scene, but in this writers opinion it is multilayered a) to show Philippes slow growing resentment towards his brother: he says I want a boy, just like my brother. Marchal replies in that cool way of his: we eliminate the suspects. Colbert: eliminating the suspects doesnt mean the same to me as it does to you! Lol. Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. 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. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. The Dauphin. Ridicule. 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! See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. Music. YAAAAAY! And Rohan chuckles and I well. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. So thats why I believe that the most that Louis felt for Henriette was that he only loved her a little or to some degree but not enough. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. Montcourt to Marchal: You are a fool. Louis replies: And you are a MURDERER! Montcourt continues with the wrong man thing, but Louis will have none of it. Despite being a dab hand at treating people who have been poisoned, the doc announces that she . My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. Why is his passion for the man he loves to be forgiven and Henriettes passion for the man she loves to be used against her? The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. I risked my life for your vanity, to rescue your wifes dowry. Louis: I acted for France because I AM FRANCE! Philippe remains stoic this time its Louis getting angry and we know why. 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? Because Sophie steals any scene shes in with Henriette, hands down, and she even maintains a presence with Montespan, too, though Montespan is clearly the dominant one in most dynamics (the Chevalier excluded, of course swans fat flippers come to mind!) Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. 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.. Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. <3 <3 I love the outfit on the fashion doll that we see when Philippe and Lorraine flounce into the salon full of cloth and trinkets, and later we see that same coat on Philippe as they stroll the gardens :), Your email address will not be published. Who seeks to harm Henriette? 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. 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. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. 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? The Kings son. Philippe weeps. Louis looks mega pissed. I am looking at her now. And it is on. As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. even if it turned out his brother was the poisoner. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. 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. Lulz. Eww. He was distraught when she died, and was fully intent on punishing those responsible (as poison was indeed thought to have killed her). Hi Janet! And I do not regret it for an instant. Like he is trying to justify himself. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. Photograph: BBC. poison, death and departures Versailles episode 10, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), The finale. Does she want to end things with Louis? Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. poison, death and departures Versailles episode 10. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. 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! New episodes of " Versailles " air at 10/9c Saturdays on Ovation, but are rebroadcast throughout the week. To spare his feelings? She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Plus he told Louis he didnt recognise the sender of the notes which is technically true. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. Some were obviously written for massive impact. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. Louvois and Marchal agree. oh sorry, wrong show). I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. And silently walks to the window. To affect the hearts and minds of people. Louis. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) They take her hands. Here it is, mes amis! Fashion. thank you.. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. 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???) Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . He is the villain if you are looking for one. throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. 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). Louis stands outside: her life is in your hands, he says ominously. (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. And were never coming back. The Chevalier makes the sign of the Cross (like the good Catholic he is), sweeps a look across the room to Cassel? Hi Laura! 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. Mike did. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. 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. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. *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. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. You said On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. Philippe is jealous. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. She allows grief but only briefly. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! Cassel passes him and bows. Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? 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. But of course, she wants to know what happened to her mother in exchange for that information. She is subject to the whims and wishes of her king and lover, of her husband and even of her husbands lover. Is it fair? Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! 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. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. So Louis sequesters the palace. When you see Fabien going to find the missing Charlotte, you see him visualising the scenario he holds up his hand, points his fingers in the shape of a gun to see how the angle would project. Okay, is Louvois just being a dick? It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. Montcourt looks nervous, says he doesnt know what he means. 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. . Dance. What a pain! Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. And so was she. 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. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. but it would cause her too much pain. I look forward to reading your reviews on the next series, when it comes out. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. 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). OMG!). She also miscarries a baby that was either her husband Philippe's or the King's, no one is sure. But gossip is gossip and it was particularly rife and vicious in those days. I have heard many say they see angels before they die. (Ahhh! Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. 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. Colbert looks a bit stunned. People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. 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. Called it!) I am a friend. Of his power, of his country. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. Trusting Philippe and involving him in the running of France would make him a better, stronger king. I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. What a total prick ). 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. She doesnt want to speak of him. Anyways, he says: we cannot be seen together anymore. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. Henriettes liver and intestines were found to be badly corrupted, while her duodenum, gall bladder and the lower portion of her abdomen were filled with evil-smelling bile. 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. 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. Keeps your brothers power in check and offers a direct connection to England. You said everything that should have been pointed out a long time ago, with counterpoints and parallels that shone a light on some arguments and favoritism that , within the context of the show not history, were just mind boggling.
White Chocolate Strawberry Moonshine Recipe,
Why Do Companies Not Sponsor H1b?,
Shooting In Brenham,
Stages Of Change Scenario Activity,
Articles W