Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. He is the villain if you are looking for one. 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. I guess in summary, I saw more nuance and non-verbal cues with Philippe that made him a more sympathetic character. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. I love it). We see this SO MANY TIMES it becomes frustrating and sad. Mainly wanted to know about Chevalier after last weeks tearful declaration of love. The final review of the finaleof Versailles. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. I let a wolf back into my barn! Montcourts hand slides to his hip, Marchal sees this (good Chief of Police *pets his pretty head*) and Montcourt still denies, Louis accuses him of poisoning Henriette. At least there is a modicum of decorum. Both felt neglected by the other. I cannot permit it, he says. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. *The only voice, your own. A day later, I was hooked. Yet how much pain are you willing to endure before you get what you want? Not sure and he leaves. And Bontemps replies: we are all proud of her, Sire. Louis: And now someone is trying to destroy me, by destroying her. Rohan appears: And they will not succeed I came as soon as I could I wish to offer myself to you as your subject and as your friend. UGGGGGH. You said everything that should have been pointed out a long time ago, with counterpoints and parallels that shone a light on some arguments and favoritism that , within the context of the show not history, were just mind boggling. Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. Do you see them now? Montcourt is confused. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. Such emotion. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. Id be happy with either, tbh! Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. 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). Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. 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. I blame it all on Louis! 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. Princess Henriette 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 (1613-1700), who had recently returned to the Royalist side. Im leaving. Louis: You would defy me, even in this moment? Philippe: I know what this moment is. Louis steps to his brother and the camera frames them between the crossed pikes, a familiar movie making technique that focuses your eye solely on them, and also creates powerful imagery of two strong men, between weapons, taking opposite views. Even if Louis were to let her go, she would then be relinquishing the love of her life to sit lonely and chaste in her apartments waiting for her husband, a man who feels no attraction or interest for her at all. The door suddenly opens, Claudine walks sombrely in. Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. Henriette wanted to go!). the rest will do her good, Bontemps says. Le Roi Danse, which is all about the rise and fall of Lully, Louis XIVs court composer (French, but hard to find with English subtitles). In the case of Versailles, Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. Our dear Henriette. throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. 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. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? 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. 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. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. Youre brought up, its your duty. 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. I kind of doubt it). But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. She puts her foot in her mouth. Claudine doesnt know how long Henriette has left, but it is her wish to see you both. Also, Henriette has asked to be carried to the garden so that she might be surrounded by her favourite flowers. (Philippes gentle smile is so bittersweet here!) 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. Especially as her lover was the king. 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. 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. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? I am waiting eagerly for the second season and I really hope to see you write about it then. Next time we see the painting in Ep 6 it has been moved to Henriettes room on her dressing table. The only protection offered is by Louis. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. 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. Says you made me marry him. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick. Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . Hi Laura! I love this show <3. . we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. Now that *would* be naive. IDK??? 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. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. Thank you. He has poisoned all of them. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. 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. And we came here for a visit. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. The rape thing was upsetting. Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? It is clear these two have a long relationship and are not allowing a small (read: large) thing as marriage get in the way. Nothing. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. She could not affect change herself. Art. 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. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. Thank you! So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. Louis looks stunned too. Philippe had stillborn twins and a daughter, a son who died at 2 and one at 4, plus two miscarriages. Mike did. Eg; Louis shuts him (from preventing Henrietta to go to England) up by releasing Chevalier. And so was she. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. He sees Louis. They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. 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. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. We stake our claim or we are ploughed into the field. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Lovely. 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. My sources tell me that sadly, we will have to wait until March 2017 (Yes, NEXT YEAR!!!) Philippe raping his wife. Im guessing they were pretty equal. 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! The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. We found an old building a sorry shack made of stone and moss. Henriette is just one more thing Louis takes from Philippe. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. Why? No, of course she doesnt. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. We begged you. And who can blame her? So many questions.. let me see: did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? Montespan banters but Louis doesnt bite. for all of these. I love these seemingly random yet distinct choices made by directors and production designers. Did not see this one coming! Exactly. Menu. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info Snake! The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. But she is human and she can feel jealousy and make inappropriate remarks at inappropriate moments. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. (since you mention here she is his love). Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. He looks nervous and steps to Cassel, but Cassel rises and bows, along with everyone, as Louis enters. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. 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. Bontemps wants to move her she cannot stay in the Kings bed. but Claudine says she cannot be moved. The two are not mutally exclusive. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. 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. ? My heart breaks for him. The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. I certainly cant say for certain what the writers intent was with that scene, but in this writers opinion it is multilayered a) to show Philippes slow growing resentment towards his brother: he says I want a boy, just like my brother. 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. He says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Bontemps moves her along. If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. Then he calls for the Guards. Hell, HIS WIFE is shagging his brother. In perfect sync. 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? I could see the Chevalier if not Philippe taking on Sophie as a sort of pet, his project, I imagine the Chevalier would have adored trying to corrupt a sweet young thing like Sophie. Sad to hear well have to wait a year for the next season Are there similar shows to this you could recommend? And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. And one day, brother, one day they will. I believe Louis did love her. Philippe: my brother always trusted you. Claudine: I am honoured. Philippe whispers: I dont believe I know what it feels like. .. Emo Philippe, so dark and tortured! She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. Philippe, despite their mutual loathing, was upset and distraught, so suspicion then fell to the absent Chevalier de Lorraine, who at the time was still in exile in Rome. In summary, of the four people involved in this sad businessLouis, Philippe, the Chevalier and HenrietteHenriette is the most powerless, the one with the least choice in anything. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! There was an attempt on her life before. Right away, I am feeling negative towards them both, and yes, judgey about Henriette. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. But he will not be resting for long the door opens later and we see a pair of bare feet, the hem of a nightgown, both bloodied, as they enter. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . But gossip is gossip and it was particularly rife and vicious in those days. Protocol demands that he stays, Philippe says tightly. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. As for Philippe, I cant make out what he is. 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. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode Revealing nothing. By this point, Louis had basically forgotten about and gotten over Henriette though this was much to her displeasure and chagrin. We learn that she has loved Louis since they were children. He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. Philippe weeps. 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. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. 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. Ugh. Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. And it certainly wasnt the unwavering, steadfast, loyal or constant love that one would most want from a beloved one. 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? 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. . Of course not. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! Aaaaaand now. but the show never uses his name, referring to him only as his title of Chevalier, probably to avoid confusion . Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. UHGGH. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. Obviously he loves Chevalier. I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. It is fascinating to compare Philippes two moments of deep anguish side by side: when the Chevalier was arrested, we saw his total and complete breakdown, the slow crumple of his expression from shock, to horror, to abject grief, then as he collapsed to his knees and rocked while he wept. Poisoned? Seizing upon Henriettes dying reproach of Philippe, he asserted that she had been the victim of a plot orchestrated by Lorraine, who held Henriette responsible for his exile and sought revenge. I like the show, the actors and the plot. Charming. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. 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. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. But for that one unforgivable act, I could have felt real sympathy for that walking, talking mess of dysfunction. I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. You have never been a man whos true. Horrible man. Henriette. No one enters. His belief was shared by Elizabeth-Charlotte, Philippes second wife, who named the culprits as Lorraine and the Marquis dEffiat, an equerry, who had acted without Philippes knowledge. Henriette drew the worst cards of all four players in those stakes. Louis approaches and she wakes. for Season 2. 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. Inside Versailles Henriette Sister of King Charles II of England, Henriette - known as Madame - is the wife of Philippe and the mistress of King Louis. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. That Henriette was such an effective way of hurting Philippe is down to Philippes viewing her as his property, not because he felt any true affection for her (at least, not until closer towards the end, when I do believe he really does care). 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. Pretty sure he was not the one who did the poisoning thing. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. Yep. How can people not see Rohans calculating glances, his sly little looks? NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. The Queen rushes to her side as she collapses and Louis commands Bontemps to fetch his doctor. The state is a person. We see Louis expression crumple, and he blinks, almost disbelievingly, and then Philippe is out the door. Yes. ), (*WTF. Louis continues to yell: because without me this country will consume itself in nobles squabbles. He paces. This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. The midwife and doctor were horrified but there was nothing she could do!!! 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. Point 3: Good question, which is the greater sin? Kill him, then me, and blame it on him. Coming from the quills of noted showrunners David Wolstencroft and Simon Mirren, both known for gripping series with a conspiratorial bent (i.e. I think it would be naive of us to assume that was the first (or only) time that happened. People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. What to expect from the future? Check Ovation for times and how you can watch Ovation in your area. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Henriette is viewed as property. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. 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. They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! Does she want to end things with Louis? Also, his relationship with his brother was much less complicated than we see in this show, Philippe was a very simple person when it came to feelings, he was affectionate and friendly. Thank you for the recaps, I am with you on all things you write about Monsieur Marchal, he is everything! There is your music.. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. Rohan slits the other guards throat, watches from a distance as the young prince has a sack put over his head then bundled off. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. 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. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. And Louis coming out the good guy. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. 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. Dear Anne, Im guessing I know a fair bit more about rape, the history of rape, the history of rape within marriage and womens rights (and lack thereof) than you realise. Cats with nine lives. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. I did have a thought, though, why the writers didnt build up to her being the young version of one of Louis mistresses, he had so many. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. He feels betrayed. (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.
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