He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. Henriette is viewed as property. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. Henriette screams and they both surge to the door then suddenly stop. Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. Dieu. Fashion. That is exactly what I would be thinking. He advances on Montcourt, who is looking a little shell shocked. In any case, Philippe is Louis victim but definitely NOT Henriettes. 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 was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. As Mme de Svign wrote: She was taken ill and died within eight hours, and we have lost with her all the joy, all the charm and all the pleasures of the Court. Sad to hear well have to wait a year for the next season Are there similar shows to this you could recommend? Not sure and he leaves. Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriettes death and briefly, heres how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldnt be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. Henriette wasnt asking the king to hire a hit on Philippe. Louis is a shit to Philippe. 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. I really enjoy your reviews. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. Obviously he loves Chevalier. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. Photograph: BBC. 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. To affect the hearts and minds of people. And suddenly Philippe is the calm one, says gently, brother and the look on his face, as the tears trickle gently down his cheeks the quiet sadness as Louis stares at him, then his realisation that this is it. Your loyalty can lie with Philippe while still acknowledging that Henriette is also a victim and not the villain (the real villain here is Louis). Our dear Henriette. Hold onto this moment, I told you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. Season Two Mike and the last of Rohans men are massacred in a last stand by the musketeers, led by Fabien Marchal. Hes just having some fun. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. But Sophie declares she has no life: what her mother told her was a lie. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. 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. She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. Menu. Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? In perfect sync. But his family and France are divided. (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. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. Right. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. The Dauphin. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. 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. Ive addressed each of your points, but it has run very long and I dont know if it will post in the comments section or not. she was the one who found it, actually. Charming. 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. (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. Im thinking no. Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. Henriette. I like the show, the actors and the plot. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. Henriette 12 episodes, 2015-2017 Anatole Taubman . What a great mix of observation and humor. However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. Again, so so love your words. But that was the thinking of the time. Now she is in a marriage that will never give her any joy with a man she does not love and she should risk displeasing her lover, the king, by rejecting him? Philippe weeps. Okay, is Louvois just being a dick? 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. Now, seeing as sister-in-law wasnt even a thing then, this would be like actually shagging your sister. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. 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. As to fiction I found the ones I did read ended up thrown against the wall. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode But of course, she wants to know what happened to her mother in exchange for that information. The Kings son. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. 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. Nup. 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. and to Marchal in his office, interrogating Montcourt. on The finale. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). 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? 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. Jules! I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. And it certainly wasnt the unwavering, steadfast, loyal or constant love that one would most want from a beloved one. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. Because the whole world gave you counsel. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. Quite a few. I thought so but no. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? She puts her foot in her mouth. Looking forward to Season 2!! 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! 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. Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. The rape thing was upsetting. Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. To which Marchal says: you are the daughter of a Huguenot conspirator to the King, funded and supported by William of Orange. But Sophie says her mother paid that price, she is merely trying to survive and thought Marchals protection would ensure it. Learn how your comment data is processed. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. he is troubled, hearing Montcourts whispers in his head: When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. and so on. Your email address will not be published. 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. He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. How can you be scared? (sweet Philippe!) Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. 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? 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. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. A page for describing Characters: Versailles. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . He cares for her, but anytime he has to choose between Chevalier and her, he always choose the former. And one day, brother, one day they will. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. 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. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. A hundred years ago. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. It is always Louis for her. How accurate is Netflix Versailles? The king himself suspected that Henrietta might have been poisoned and ordered an autopsy to be carried out. Remember, Henriette, as a woman, is completely powerless. 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. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. But here, now? I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. Her cheeriness disguised the fact that she was unwell. We awarded it to you for bravery. I knew hed say that line! 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. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, the sister-in-law of Louis XIV, took a drink of her usual chicory water and immediately clutched her side, crying out in pain. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. Called it!) Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. hes a critic, but there is another who has been hidden before us. What shall I do! plus its almost as if he has something to say, to hide. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. But of course, she has no power to rid herself of him, so his death would be her only chance. 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. Ive said this before in comments. Such was the hygiene of 17th century France. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. I enjoyed them very much, I must saymuch more than this series, which is good entertainement, but, God, so FAR from being historically correct, in so many ways. Also I have to add SPOILER ALERT!!!! elisabetta, oopsI should say figure, not charactersorry, english is not my first language . And what better way to keep Louis safe than have his Head of Security plant one of his spies in his bed? Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. What the king wants, the king gets. Such emotion. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? But gossip is gossip and it was particularly rife and vicious in those days. This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! Dieu. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. *That should have read historical figures not historical characters! Is it fair? . 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. Now that *would* be naive. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. "Versailles" and I met by chance on Netflix. I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. 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. Also it will set Louis in a collision with Phillipe who did not want his wife to go to England for the negotiations. But to his brother? A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. Yes, she says and does little things that hurt Philippe, but he does the same and muchoh so much!worse to her. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. 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. We could never invade the entire world but the world can imagine us as their centre. To spare his feelings? 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. It was Season 1. Whats wrong? Both of them were in love with other people when they were forced to marry and they both were aware of that. Snake! Its stoic. BRILLIANT acting. What? And we came here for a visit. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. 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. Louvois has been a kind of double agent all along, directed by Louis himself to assume the role of critic and conspirator. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles. 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. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. The state is a person. And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. Despite being a dab hand at treating people who have been poisoned, the doc announces that she . When Marchal goes down and Montcourt takes the knife, Louis lunges, some more fighting with Marchal again entering the fray.. and then OMG Marchal is stabbed!!! Not so much. No, of course she doesnt. SYNC. I believe Louis did love her. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. IDK??? 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. 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. Im going to be stalking these recaps in the arduous wait for season two. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. We are NOT touching her! Philippe finally says. I have never posted a comment on your website before and this will be the first time that I have ever written a comment here. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. 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. I cant always catch what is being said, particularly if it an aside or a whisper but I know you will tell me . I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. Nice one, Montcourt. I will come, says Philippe. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. 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. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? So how could you be scared? She is a woman, she is his subject. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. 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. The one she loves the most. Thank you, Amy! 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). I kind of doubt it). I am a friend. Hi, Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. The midwife and doctor were horrified but there was nothing she could do!!! The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. King Louis XIV (George Blagden, left) and Henriette (Nomie Schmidt) arrive at "Versailles" in the Ovation series. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. We see his offer to help refused time and time again. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. Mike did. Brilliant writing. 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). Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. Louis replies how else was I to keep you close. P.S. Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Even though Henriette had a history of pains (since 1667) and drank only milk and basically ate nothing (she was considered quite a stick in the fashion of the day, and some historians suggest she suffered from anorexia), the poison theory stuck.