Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? Cultural factors, too, played a part. Enriched my enjoyment of the show, and got a bit more educated on the courts history as well . Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. He says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its U.S. cable home. 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. He sent poison to Paris, where it passed through several hands before ending up in the jug containing the chicory water. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. I believe Louis did love her. Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. 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. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? 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. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. I just rot an extremely long omment Or survival. he starts to pace: here comes the lecture. Id be happy with either, tbh! 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). 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). The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. But his family and France are divided. Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. 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. hes a critic, but there is another who has been hidden before us. She puts her foot in her mouth. The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. Louis looks mega pissed. He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. 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. 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. fantastic bog! Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. 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. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. Ugh. Remember, Henriette, as a woman, is completely powerless. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? Rohan is the Masked Man! Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? Henriette fulfills her duties with. Is he for or against le roi? She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Eg; Louis shuts him (from preventing Henrietta to go to England) up by releasing Chevalier. Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. Henriette wasnt asking the king to hire a hit on Philippe. 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? This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. The state is a person. I cant always catch what is being said, particularly if it an aside or a whisper but I know you will tell me . Revealing nothing. He did it with Prince Annaba, with Philippe and the Chevalier, with Philippe in the bath whether its just him thinking hey, Im the King, I can do whatever TF I want or some other deep need to catch people unawares, I do not know). the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. I couldnt honestly say. In the case of Versailles, 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. 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. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Hi Jules and Aly, Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. BRILLIANT acting. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. 1556332. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. At a Mass said for her soul, Bishop Bossuet conveyed the sense of shock at her sudden death: Oh, disastrous night; oh, dreadful night, in which resounded like a clap of thunder the unbelievable words Madame is dying Madame is dead!. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. Your email address will not be published. (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. Absolutely enjoyed your recap of the finale. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. This doesnt do good for her position, unloved by her husband and no one would stand at her side, should French and English go to war. then goes into the bedchamber. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. Also I have to add SPOILER ALERT!!!! Jules! UGH D: Hi Jules, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews as much as I have enjoyed watching Versailles. 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? If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. We were young. It is so interesting to watch, given a discussion I had on Twitter earlier with some fellow fans. In which case, I dont blame her one bit! Philippe is the complete dysfunctional mess he is thanks to Louis (and their mother) and he would have my complete sympathy, were it not for his raping his wife in a fit of anger and jealousy. A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. Poisoned? And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? for all of these. Cassel passes him and bows. They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. Louis replies how else was I to keep you close. 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 . It was Season 1. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. Hmm. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. Good idea, he says breathlessly. Points 1 and 2: We establish that both people are in love with someone else. Im thinking no. I am waiting eagerly for the second season and I really hope to see you write about it then. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? Henriette. 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???) Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. The sad irony here is, I do think Louis cares very much for Philippe but he cannot let his armour of paranoia down enough to recognise Philippes loyalty and the fact that he can trust his brother. elisabetta, oopsI should say figure, not charactersorry, english is not my first language . We learn that she has loved Louis since they were children. But she is human and she can feel jealousy and make inappropriate remarks at inappropriate moments. Are you suggesting that she would have the power to deny the king even if she wanted to? You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. Thatd do it. Check Ovation for times and how you can watch Ovation in your area. 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. Of his power, of his country. But your first strike would have to be true. On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. We establish right from the start that she has no powershe was forced to marry a man she did not want because the king wants to keep her close. 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! We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. She is used by the king to hurt his brother. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. Queen Marie-Thrse noted that everyone was talking about Henriettes death and the manner of it. Anne, Hi Jules We must get the king and the queen and yourself to safety at once. And the penny drops for Bontemps, his look of dismay so clear. What will be his legacy? And the only reason she is such a powerful weapon against Philippe is because Philippe views her as nothing more than his property to do with as he wishes. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. Love your delicious commentary, brava! Rumourwent that he sent the poison to Effiat in retaliation for Henriette having him banished. She is in such a tizzy that she barely gives her daughter, Sophie, the. Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. SYNC. Charming. And it is on. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? Does she want to end things with Louis? And Louvois being the pompous ass he is, says haughtily: Before you speak to me, I suggest you speak to the king. Marchal: I am his Majestys eyes and ears, Msieur Louvois. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. Suffering from digestive problems, she lived on a diet consisting primarily of milk. What? Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? 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! Cats with nine lives. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. And I do not regret it for an instant. Like he is trying to justify himself. Louis and her smile about it. As her husband, Philippe, rushed to her bedside, Henriette chided him, Alas, Monsieur, it is a long time since you loved me, but this is unjust. Alerted, Henriettes lady-in-waiting watched the duke closely, but he showed no indication of guilt and every sign that he was distressed by his wifes condition. Plus he told Louis he didnt recognise the sender of the notes which is technically true. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. Ive mentioned before that his intimate interactions with women in the show are used as a form of punishment towards those who have hurt him Louis (with Louise and Henriette) and the Chevalier (with the maid). . Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. 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. 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. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. But Marchal continues calmly. 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. Is it fair? Philippe loves and is loyal to his brother and only wants Louis to allow him to support him. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! 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. And who can blame her? He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. 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. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. 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). but it is later, after they already speak with the guards in the background. See production, box office & company info. 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. Back with Marchal, interrogating Louvois this time. Its stoic. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. Despite being a dab hand at treating people who have been poisoned, the doc announces that she . After doing an excellent job negotiating an alliance with England against the Dutch (which was then promptly overturned), Henriette returns to Versailles just in time to be poisoned and die in blood-soaked agony. We see this SO MANY TIMES it becomes frustrating and sad. And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. 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. She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. He is the villain if you are looking for one. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. I could never love you more. Here it is, mes amis! Versailles (TV Series 2015-2018) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. He gets up and leaves, walking through the corridors with a candelabra. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? PERFECT. Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. And Rohan chuckles and I well. Says you made me marry him. 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. 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. Hell, HIS WIFE is shagging his brother. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. I like the show, the actors and the plot. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. Wow that was odd. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? And c) to show the resentment Philippe has for his wife, a woman whom he has to share with his brother, and he cannot do a damn thing about it. Marchal is cool: I am not here to answer you. Sophie is equally cool: Then neither am I. He suggests she reconsider, that she has her life to lose if she doesnt. Thanks for reading! Apparently de Clermont gave Marchal the names of the conspirators against the king, and all the names of those who shared her allegiance. Thank you, Amy! Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. Whats wrong? I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. So Louis sequesters the palace. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. 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. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. In the early hours of 30 June, she died. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? Of course not. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! BRILLIANT acting. the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). Marchal picks up the dropped knife and lunges and he and Montcourt trade a few blows, with Marchal blocking then delivering a punch. Toodles. Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. In Paris, says Colbert. 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. Excellent. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. 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? It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. Music. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. Aaaaaand now. They could not be more different in this moment. Yes. 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. Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. Who seeks to harm Henriette? Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. Not sure and he leaves. UGH, technology! 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? She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. What to expect from the future? Louis wakes to the sight of Henriette, blood down her gown and from her mouth, saying help me please. Even gravely ill, she still choses Louis over her husband. 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. <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. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. 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. More of an extreme sadness at his wifes pain. 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.. Even the bouncing hair. They take her hands. I do. I love it). And Louis weeps. But enough with this. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. 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). Thank you for the recaps, I am with you on all things you write about Monsieur Marchal, he is everything! It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. THIS. Now this is fascinating. Hi, and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. 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. Marchal is surprised but pleased: attracting the flies to the paper. You are both the angels at my shoulder, says Louis, which reminds Marchal of the Parthenays and Montcourt. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. My heart breaks for him. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. ? Not Marchal! Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? 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. she was the one who found it, actually. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Never forget. They look at each other for a moment, until Philippe looks away and mutters, Not that youd remember. Louis thinks, then slowly reaches into his jacket pocket, steps forward and takes Philippes hand then places that stone in the palm.