And Philippe is the one who looks tortured, he is the emotional one, while Louis remains stoic. We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. 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. The wedge is firmly being driven between Philippe and Louis, all their arguments and conflict and opposition for each other has been carefully constructed and built up over the last nine episodes, into this final one. After Philippe shoots a couple rounds into the air he tells Louie, Brother we must go, the wolves will come back and there will be more. Did you have the same thought as I; that while in the moment the characters are talking about the actual wolves, the underlying message is about Louis and the traitors in his midst, starting with Moncourt. Although Lord Montagu accepted this, he had misgivings. IDK??? I just discovered Versailles this week and watched it in quick succession!!! 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). Art. Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. Obviously he loves Chevalier. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. Rohan is the Masked Man! At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! His contemplation is silent. Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. 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. 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. Who's who in Versailles S1-3? A guide to the French court I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. He is the villain if you are looking for one. Henriette and Philippe | Versailles Wiki | Fandom Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. I am really liking Sophies growth as a character, who is, of course, beautiful, but with attitude and a strong backbone, as we are now seeing. It is a controlled grief. But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. We see his offer to help refused time and time again. BBC Two - Versailles, Series 1 - Henriette ), (*WTF. 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. In perfect sync. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. 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. Nomie Schmidt, finally royal in 'Versailles' - TV Show Patrol Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? However, I do have a comment to make about your previous post that you believed that Louis loved Henriette, however I dont completely agree with you on this one. Henriette is viewed as property. you wanted to make it your castle. but the show never uses his name, referring to him only as his title of Chevalier, probably to avoid confusion . The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. Now we are with Marchal, who is interrogating Henriettes ladies, Sophie included. We awarded it to you for bravery. 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. In the case of Versailles, Ive said this before in comments. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. They had children. Its emotionless. Music. Thank you! The flashback of Charlotte being shot is in his head, reminding us (the audience) what happened previously and confirming that Marchal now knows how it was done. 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? He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. I know this coming years later, but to Theresa THANK YOU SO MUCH. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. Marchal is still ordering: Get his Majesty to safety, at once! His guards rush in to remove him, they scuffle and Louis yells: get your hands off me! This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. The Dauphin. Nice one, Montcourt. Does she want to end things with Louis? The writers want us to think that evrry time they had kids, he had to rape her? The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. (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. Then he calls for the Guards. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. 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? 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. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. 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. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? (since you mention here she is his love). I believe Louis did love her. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? UHGGH. She could not affect change herself. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. 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. 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. YAAAAAY! Is that understood? and pushes past them. Thanks for your great reviews! 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. Philippe is no more vulnerable to the hurt and damage done to him than she is to the hurt and damage done to her, simply because he is a man with rights and she is a woman with no rights. 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. Are there more shows you will review? yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. Do you see them now? This really shows he is vulnerable. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info OMG!). It was just how it was. But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. 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. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Louis and her smile about it. Sorry to jar you There are just some things I couldnt overlook, and I admit I was looking at Henriettes character so closely, to see if the screenwriters would sweeten her up from her historical figure. then goes into the bedchamber. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. I pity Henrietta. The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. but it would cause her too much pain. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). The camera then cuts to Rohan, drinking and brooding in his room, absently stabbing the table with a knife as he glares at a portrait of Louis-as-a-boy (which is a gorgeous portrait and includes Philippe, apparently in a private collection and attributed to artist Charles Beaubrun. I cannot even imagine his reasoning for this, however I do know historically, Henriette desperately did want to be Queen of France, as did her mother want it, but at the time, she didnt have the pedigree, being the sister to Englands heir who wasnt even on the throne at the time. : . Panoramica: After crushing the Protestants and thwarted Leto, Louis feels invincible. Louis meanwhile, is disorientated (and by this time I am wondering where the guards are with all this noise, despite Marchal telling them not to disturb them). Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. 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. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. I must be poisoned! so Philippe ordered her dog to be fed the water. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. Get Marchal pissed at you. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . 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. When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. 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. A day later, I was hooked. I could never love you more. 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. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. 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! 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. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. Called it!) Nup. (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. when Philippe asks if he were to die, her troubles would be solved. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. To affect the hearts and minds of people. Anyway, back to the story. As she said, she was only voicing what they were both thinking. Pale and in obvious distress, she was put to bed, but her pains were so severe that she believed she must have been poisoned and asked for an antidote. poison, death and departures Versailles episode 10. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? 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. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. But not at the hands of Henriette, who really had little power in the situation. Its really sad, she could have been a great queen with Louis (he might not be faithful to her, but they will have live better than now), but the turns of fate, made her his brothers wife instead. Either way, she's dead now. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. LOUIS. The finale. poison, death and departures - Versailles episode 10 Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? Moreover, we cant fault her anymore for continuing her relationship with Louis (as if she would have had the power to end it anyway) than we can Philippe for continuing his with the Chevalier. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). 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. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. He was shut out of his mothers (Anne of Austria) last moments, while Philippe was in attendance, where, despite her appalling treatment of her second son, he openly wept and grieved. Hmm. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. Aaaaaand now. Henriette of England died in Saint-Cloud, not in Versailles. Do you believe these women feel less pain and violation because the behaviour is condoned by the society in which they live? 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. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. I really enjoy your reviews. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber Hi Laura! for Season 2. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. ? Brilliant. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. 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. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? So Louis settles into sleep. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. And one day, brother, one day they will. UGH, technology! 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. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Fact-checking Versailles: how historically accurate is the BBC drama? Again, so so love your words. At the time of her death, it was widely believed that Henrietta had been poisoned and the prime suspects were her husband, Philippe and/or his lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine. Dieu. Eg; Louis shuts him (from preventing Henrietta to go to England) up by releasing Chevalier. elisabetta, oopsI should say figure, not charactersorry, english is not my first language . I love this show <3. What a pain! 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. It can be quite shocking to us, but pretty much most children died before adulthood people mourned, mirrors were covered and a service held, but some didnt wait more than a few days before picking themselves up and going off to the next party or ball or soiree. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. *The only voice, your own. New episodes of " Versailles " air at 10/9c Saturdays on Ovation, but are rebroadcast throughout the week. And then down by the promontory. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. UGH, Henriette. However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. Dieu. My bed your last stop before retiring. At least there is a modicum of decorum. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. God knows the wolves might have taken us but what did we know? I have heard many say they see angels before they die. (Ahhh! *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. ), Back to Louis outside his bed chamber, where Henriettes screams of pain can be heard. And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. 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. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. UGH D:. However, the bible does say something about a man being expected to marry his brothers widow. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. It is always Louis for her. Suffering from digestive problems, she lived on a diet consisting primarily of milk. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Still with the playing of games, the half-truth words. But in context, with everything else going on in the show and with what Philippe deals with, I can understand why he did it. Henriette feels nothing for Philippe, he not having put any more effort into endearing himself to her than she to him and he also complicating things for her where Louis is concerned. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. She is a woman, she is his subject. I couldnt honestly say. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? Louis persists. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. <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. I think that if he really loved Henriette that much, he wouldnt have gotten over her so quickly and easily, once they dangled a pretty, young blonde newcomer court lady to distract him. Cassel passes him and bows. Hi Janet! Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? Husbands have being raping their wives since time began from royalty down to peasants and it was classed as taking their marital rights . It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . The fact that she doesnt particularly want to anyway (to say no, that is) is because she is deeply in love with Louis and always has been and because her husband makes zero effort to endear himself to her. Louis was deathly afraid of the more relaxed, popular and fun-loving Monsieur, who gave great parties, was social and everyone wanted to be around. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. Of course not. Then he turns and suddenly a Man In a Mask is standing there. What will be his legacy? I have some questions. Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. 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. Philippe was the one in strident dissent! And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . The door suddenly opens, Claudine walks sombrely in. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles. And the person either asserts himself or is subjugated to the will of others. I really like him as a character, even though he tortures people. Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. Louis XIV of France | Versailles Wiki | Fandom The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. A hundred years ago. But she is human and she can feel jealousy and make inappropriate remarks at inappropriate moments. Lovely. First off, let me preface my response with the qualifier that I know very little about the historical figures on which these characters are based. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. 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. He sees Louis. 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. on The finale. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. 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. 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. Louis walks in and replies: because I ask him to do so. Ahhhhh-HA! Versailles (TV Series 2015-2018) - Frequently Asked Questions - IMDb No context is provided about who he is, no indication he is married. Louis looks mega pissed. 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. 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. 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. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. We learn that she has loved Louis since they were children. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Louis is a shit to Philippe. P.S. And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. 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. Quite a few. 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. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! (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. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! 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. These scenes are odd for me to watch, but by now, I have totally put aside any frustration when the show deviates from what I know of the actual history. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. the rest will do her good, Bontemps says. Her intent is not to hurt Philippe by sleeping with Louis, she simply doesnt care (and I dont blame her). Anyhow, just wanted to say Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. Not long to go now, and we are with Marchal, who lies in bed, wakes suddenly and touches his stomach wound, which bleeds through the bandage. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. But of course, she wants to know what happened to her mother in exchange for that information. Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. 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. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. 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. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Anne. But it is kept behind closed doors. Some were obviously written for massive impact. She allows grief but only briefly. And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc.