And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. We awarded it to you for bravery. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. 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. Obviously he loves Chevalier. Even the bouncing hair. That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. 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. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. 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. We see this SO MANY TIMES it becomes frustrating and sad. 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. It is so interesting to watch, given a discussion I had on Twitter earlier with some fellow fans. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. And before we can check ourselves and reach for the tissues, the priest murmurs, Amen and Philippes expression tightens, his head gently shaking before he steps away from the bed, leaving Louis there. And Louis coming out the good guy. Im actually in the States where episode seven will be airing tomorrow night, but I read ahead because I know history so nothing coming was really a spoiler (just a condensed timeline). Hes not gonna tell him of Rohan outright, is he? But Sophie declares she has no life: what her mother told her was a lie. Bontemps moves her along. I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! Desire for glory. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. After reading your review on epsiode 10, and reading that it ends with Philippe leaving Versailles, I thought back to epsiode one and the moment he finds Louis at his favorite spot in the woods. Such emotion. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. As Montcourt is delivering this little speech, the camera angle singles out the massive symbolism in the shot: the angels on his leather sash belt. And one day, brother, one day they will. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. I came across your reviews and I read each one after viewing an episode. I am tired of waiting for you to keep it, says the Queen casually as she gets into bed with Louis then settles down. Nomie Schmidt, finally royal in 'Versailles' - TV Show Patrol Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. 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. Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. Learn how your comment data is processed. But that was the thinking of the time. Lord. 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. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. Is that understood? and pushes past them. Brilliant writing. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. *Another side-note: When the Chavelier mentions that Louis does not look for beauty so much as character, umwas he talking about Henriette? But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. Its emotionless. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. Having spent the first episode ripping their kit off at any opportunity, the court of Versailles has taken an oath of chastity. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. Especially as her lover was the king. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. Why? Unfortunately, Louis paranoia and selfishness blind him to this. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. I thought so but no. Panoramica: After crushing the Protestants and thwarted Leto, Louis feels invincible. Especially in S1, I got the feeling that they gave a lot of Lorraines personality traits/reactions/behaviour to Philippe. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien? UGH. Its just that his anger and upset (and yes, jealousy I think) affects him so much, because its just another way for his brother to control and belittle him, make him less. Then, as they both walk through the salon (Vaux de Vicomte again) and to the doors, the guards bar their way and Louis enters. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) Although Lord Montagu accepted this, he had misgivings. Similarly, perforation of the gall bladder may have led to an excess of bile leaking into the peritoneum causing the corruption and gangrene reported by her doctors. Then Ep 8 miscarriage scene the painting is no longer on table. 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! 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. Jacques 10 episodes, 2015 . Our dear Henriette. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. Of course not. 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. She puts her foot in her mouth. Louvois and Marchal agree. While it seems like shes being unfair to Philippe, he doesnt really put up an effort to make himself lovable most of the time. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. You can ask to reproduce it, though - just contact me. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. Louis continues to yell: because without me this country will consume itself in nobles squabbles. He paces. And Rohan chuckles and I well. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. Except, when hes really angry and he rapes her. They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. I really like him as a character, even though he tortures people. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. BBC Two - Versailles, Series 1 - Henriette I like the show, the actors and the plot. 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. Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? And we came here for a visit. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. Excellent. Its just that his anger and upset (and yes, jealousy I think) affects him so much, because its just another way for his brother to control and belittle him, make him less. Ugh. and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. 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. 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. Pity that they made his character too emo, too frustrated and angry with the world, when he actually was full of joie de vivre, always smiling, always chattering, always ready to find the good in every person and every sistuation. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. BRILLIANT acting. Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. 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. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. 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. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. Not so much. 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. And then Marchal throws Montcourts words back at him: and when we are the Kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend, right? Yessss. 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. Henriette wasnt asking the king to hire a hit on Philippe. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info The two are not mutally exclusive. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. 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. Point 3: Good question, which is the greater sin? Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! Versailles - Stagione 3 Episodio 10. 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. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. The moment stretches and Claudine shakes her head: she will not survive the poison. We see a shot of Philippe and Louis: Philippe is stunned and mega sad. 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? I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. 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. LOUIS. Jules! Also I have to add SPOILER ALERT!!!! Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. 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? First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. It felt like if the whole world came running for us his voice thickens with emotion, we might fend off all who would take us ill. He finally looks up, at Louis. 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). 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. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. 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. Wow. I do. You said What does she say? Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. Philippe is jealous. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! Thanks for your great reviews! 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. To my observation, we do not know who messed with the bottles I was assuming it was Mike or Rohan, because the hand is gloved and we do not see the face. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. Nup. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. Cats with nine lives. We see Henriette asleep in the bed. Louis finally nods to the guards, the pikes are uncrossed and Philippe takes a breath and walks out without a backwards glance.The Chevalier gives him a few feet head start, then strolls after him, hands behind his back, not looking at Louis, not bowing. 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). #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. Well, my thought is Philippe angrily claiming his conjugal rights may well have happened before. Nice one, Montcourt. A day later, I was hooked. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. 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. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. Menu. 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. 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. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. Henriette wanted to go!). Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. 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. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. New episodes of " Versailles " air at 10/9c Saturdays on Ovation, but are rebroadcast throughout the week. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? She later dies in her bed. 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. Eww. The writers of the show took quite creative liberty with the relationships some turned out to be clever and well-written, some I just eye rolled SO HARD. Philippe loves and is loyal to his brother and only wants Louis to allow him to support him. The Dauphin hides stealthy behind a tree, looking for Rohan. Whew! He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. The best visual of the whole episode. Nothing. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! 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. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . But for that one unforgivable act, I could have felt real sympathy for that walking, talking mess of dysfunction.