My sources tell me that sadly, we will have to wait until March 2017 (Yes, NEXT YEAR!!!) I also read your discussion between yourself and Teresa about episode 10. She doesnt want to speak of him. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. Check back soon for my overview and wrap up of the entire season. 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). Exactly. Get him out! Henriette cries. Thank you for the recaps, I am with you on all things you write about Monsieur Marchal, he is everything! 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. Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. Brilliant writing. Is it fair? To bring them over to us. Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. And even if not, we see what Philippe is capable of when hes in a jealous snit. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. She later dies in her bed. Not Marchal! Though it was true that he was saddened by Henriettes death, I dont felt that he was actually that hell bent on punishing those who were or at least believed to be responsible for her death, due to the lack of evidence among other factors. Now that *would* be naive. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . 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. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? Eww. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. Incest or homosexuality? Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! 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. Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. 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. Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. Louis continues to yell: because without me this country will consume itself in nobles squabbles. He paces. 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.
Versailles recap: la finale - tout le monde has gone ape-merde! See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. Who seeks to harm Henriette? Thank you. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. 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. Hi, Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . 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. In the case of Versailles, We learn that she has loved Louis since they were children. 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. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. Cultural factors, too, played a part. 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. The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. He expressed his doubts to the grief-stricken Charles II, who earnestly believed that his sister had been murdered. 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. She also miscarries a baby that was either her husband Philippe's or the King's, no one is sure. And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. 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!) Thank you, Amy! 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. But that was the thinking of the time. Montcourts eyes drop to Louis hand and suddenly he pulls a knife. And the person either asserts himself or is subjugated to the will of others. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. thank you.. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. I was searching online for reviews/explanations of this show I was never educated about Frances history because I come from the other side of the globe and coincidentally stumbled upon your website, much to my delight. 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. Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. A European history-geek friend told me about this show yesterday, so I binge watched the entire series. Panoramica: After crushing the Protestants and thwarted Leto, Louis feels invincible. He is always the king, while Philippe gives his emotions (somewhat) free rein. He is clearly upset. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. She was merely being used by the man she was in love with. Im genuinely having real trouble understanding your position here. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. He is the villain if you are looking for one. But his family and France are divided. The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. Dance. And Marchal sees this too, his eyes flicking down to focus on them, then showing us aflashback of the dying girl, Charlotte de Parthanay, whom he held in his arms in Episode Three, where she says she saw angels. Apparently de Clermont gave Marchal the names of the conspirators against the king, and all the names of those who shared her allegiance. Then he turns and suddenly a Man In a Mask is standing there. (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. King Louis XIV (George Blagden, left) and Henriette (Nomie Schmidt) arrive at "Versailles" in the Ovation series. 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). Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. apparently it is still not safe. Not sure and he leaves. Quite a few. 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. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Yes, she says and does little things that hurt Philippe, but he does the same and muchoh so much!worse to her.
Henriette and Philippe | Versailles Wiki | Fandom He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. We see Henriette asleep in the bed. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. Id be happy with either, tbh! Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. Looking forward to Season 2!! And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Philippe weeps. It was all out there. Cassel leaves, then Montcourt walks away in the direction of Rohan who is discussing the Dauphins outing with a guard. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. The writers do it over and over again, in tiny little ways that is infuriating (Philippe with his sad puppy eyes Nooooo!) Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. ? Yep. Philippe had stillborn twins and a daughter, a son who died at 2 and one at 4, plus two miscarriages. (Historical note: mistresses were in competition with each other all the time, poison was effective and the murderer didnt have to deal with the messiness. She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. My greatest issue with Henriette is that she seems to lack any personality. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. Its my weekly sin, I confess, Im too addicted to this period to miss it. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. I just rot an extremely long omment I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. A day later, I was hooked. I choose to believe it was a mistake on the writers part and will simply fast forward over it when I rewatch. 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. Why? That she could feel no affection for the man she was forced to marry, a man who could never feel anything for her and who also raped her, is not at all surprising (even while considering that marital rape was acceptable at that time). Henriette fulfills her duties with. (Historical note: it was forbidden for the King to be in the presence of death. 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. Whew! 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. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt.
Louis XIV of France | Versailles Wiki | Fandom He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. You, me, Henriette. Excellent. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. Nup. P.S. It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. Even the bouncing hair. I cant always catch what is being said, particularly if it an aside or a whisper but I know you will tell me . So Louis settles into sleep. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. 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. 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. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. As to fiction I found the ones I did read ended up thrown against the wall. 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. We are shown much more of Philippes inner mind and his relationship to Louis than anyone else. Hes not gonna tell him of Rohan outright, is he? Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. The Kings son. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. Philippe is jealous. We awarded it to you for bravery. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. But in context, with everything else going on in the show and with what Philippe deals with, I can understand why he did it. Louis walks in and replies: because I ask him to do so. Ahhhhh-HA! Toodles. Or survival. he starts to pace: here comes the lecture. I am a friend. Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. I really like him as a character, even though he tortures people. 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. Jacques 10 episodes, 2015 . I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. 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! Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? ? Brilliant. 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. On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? 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. BRILLIANT acting. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage.
Henriette of England | Versailles Wiki | Fandom Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. UHGGH. She gasps and the priest enters silently. In which case, I dont blame her one bit! 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! Philippe raping his wife. According to the Savoyard ambassador, the king vowed that, if Henriette had indeed been poisoned, those involved would be tortured to death, including the chevalier de Lorraine, Philippes favourite, if he were implicated. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. Such an angry king, and rightly so. He rapes his wife. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . PERFECT. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Henriette. And even after Louis became tired of Louise, he didnt run back to Henriettes arms either, instead he turned to Montespan who became his next mistress. 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. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. 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. 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. Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. We see a lovely shot of Versailles outside, then cut to the Kings bedchamber, where the flowers and hedges are neatly arranged around to the bed.
The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse d'Orlans Point 4: This point actually supports my own. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. Now we are with Marchal, who is interrogating Henriettes ladies, Sophie included. When King Charles hears that his beloved sister has been poisoned in France, it is only a matter of hours before a declaration of war. Louvois: a war they cannot afford to win. Colbert now counsels Louis on the shift of power should Henriette die: Henriettes very existence strengthens your position. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. THIS. 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. Thanks for reading! We will never know if Louis and Henriette ever did consummate their attraction, but the gossip of the time most definitely swayed in that direction. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. . It was very clear from episode 1 that you were not a fan of Henriette and I found that quick jarring to read in your reviews. Kill him, then me, and blame it on him. And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. 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). He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. By this stage both Henriette and Marie Thrse of Spain now knew what it felt like to be jilted and cast aside in your loved ones affections by another attractive court lady. Hi Janet! 1556332. Photograph: BBC. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. : . 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? Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Points 1 and 2: We establish that both people are in love with someone else. Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. 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. Or twenty, I suppose. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. And to Ainee for perspective. The rape scene was repugnant and Phillipes actions were out of character with the Phillipe we saw in the rest of the season. How do we find the poisoner? So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? Pretty sure he was not the one who did the poisoning thing. 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. Yes. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. Louis looks stunned too. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. Mike did. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. Good idea, he says breathlessly. Especially as her lover was the king. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. Here it is, mes amis! She is used by the king to hurt his brother. The Queen rushes to her side as she collapses and Louis commands Bontemps to fetch his doctor. Next time we see the painting in Ep 6 it has been moved to Henriettes room on her dressing table. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. And if you reread my words very carefully, you might realise that I never once touched on the legality of it. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking.
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. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. Anyhow, just wanted to say The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its U.S. cable home. 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. Our dear Henriette. Henriette is restrained by Philippe, the Queen and Bontemps, and Philippe is clearly suffering as he listens to his wife muffling her screams. She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. 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. We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. The steps, the swinging of the arms, the movement of the coat and their cravats. And one day, brother, one day they will. Charming. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Your email address will not be published. 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. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. 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. While it seems like shes being unfair to Philippe, he doesnt really put up an effort to make himself lovable most of the time. Montcourt is confused. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. He looks nervous and steps to Cassel, but Cassel rises and bows, along with everyone, as Louis enters. And then of course, Philippe rapes her (only the once? Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. But here, now? You! He points and accusing finger. OMG he hits Marchal across the face with the candlestick, Louis lunges, Montcourt throws him off and the King smacks his head on a table. Hi Laura! Check Ovation for times and how you can watch Ovation in your area. Cassel passes him and bows. I really enjoy your reviews. The two are not mutally exclusive. It is always Louis for her. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. 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? Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. 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. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. 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. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. 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.