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. Affair of the Poisons | Versailles Wiki | Fandom Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. 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. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. Eg; Louis shuts him (from preventing Henrietta to go to England) up by releasing Chevalier. In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. Louis approaches and she wakes. And Philippe says calmly and quietly: There. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. He feels betrayed. 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. 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. Ridicule. Whew! Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! She gasps and the priest enters silently. Apparently de Clermont gave Marchal the names of the conspirators against the king, and all the names of those who shared her allegiance. Its my weekly sin, I confess, Im too addicted to this period to miss it. "Versailles" Bring the Garden Here (TV Episode 2015) - IMDb I love this show <3. Says you made me marry him. I just rot an extremely long omment I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. she was the one who found it, actually. We see a quick shot of Montcourts body being dumped from a cart into the muddy swampiness, to join other rotting, decaying bodies. Theyve always known. Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. Obviously he loves Chevalier. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. Bontemps: For you, Sire. Shine on Bontemps, you unsubtle diamond, you. 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. And Philippe is the one who looks tortured, he is the emotional one, while Louis remains stoic. It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. 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. 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. Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. Then he turns and suddenly a Man In a Mask is standing there. . Now we are with Marchal, who is interrogating Henriettes ladies, Sophie included. I must be poisoned! so Philippe ordered her dog to be fed the water. UGH, Henriette. Louis is calm but angry: then you set yourself against me. Philippe pauses, looks incredibly sad for a moment, then briefly nods. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. Nup. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. As Mme de Svign wrote: She was taken ill and died within eight hours, and we have lost with her all the joy, all the charm and all the pleasures of the Court. Snake! Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. 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. Photograph: BBC. It was so good. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. then goes into the bedchamber. Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . Of his power, of his country. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). Should Claudine be villified for showing up her father? Im genuinely having real trouble understanding your position here. Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Louis is a shit to Philippe. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. The Kings son. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? Off they stride with purpose and a couple of guards, through the gorgeous corridors (shot in the gorgeous Vaux Le Vicomte) and with ominous background music to set the mood. Both felt neglected by the other. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. Lulz. "Versailles" and I met by chance on Netflix. We stake our claim or we are ploughed into the field. Thank you! Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. Versailles recap: la finale - tout le monde has gone ape-merde! 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. Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. 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. The Dauphin hides stealthy behind a tree, looking for Rohan. 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. 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. did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? 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. Louis looks stunned too. Pot, meet kettle. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. Jacques 10 episodes, 2015 . Revealing nothing. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. 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). The Queen rushes to her side as she collapses and Louis commands Bontemps to fetch his doctor. I am a friend. Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. Mike did. What if the poison spreads? Philippe weeps. many things. Louis looks at him as he goes on: I believe this palace is a symbol of our king. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. Such emotion. 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). 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 could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. They take her hands. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. LOUIS. Charming. 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???) We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. And who can blame her? I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . 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. We were young. Montcourt tried to tell me the same. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. What shall I do! Its really sad, she could have been a great queen with Louis (he might not be faithful to her, but they will have live better than now), but the turns of fate, made her his brothers wife instead. I also read your discussion between yourself and Teresa about episode 10. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. (We wont even go into whether or not that maid wanted to be drug into the bedroom by Philippe after his jealous strop with the Chevalier or his sneaking into Louises bed. . They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. Louis meanwhile, is disorientated (and by this time I am wondering where the guards are with all this noise, despite Marchal telling them not to disturb them). Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. fantastic bog! The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. Versailles / Characters - TV Tropes I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. No, of course she doesnt. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. Bontemps moves her along. Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. 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? A day later, I was hooked. Today, speculation has attributed Henriettes death to intestinal blockage, ectopic pregnancy or tuberculosis affecting the peritoneum. you wanted to make it your castle. There is no change. 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). But for that one unforgivable act, I could have felt real sympathy for that walking, talking mess of dysfunction. And then of course, Philippe rapes her (only the once? She finally asks. We could never invade the entire world but the world can imagine us as their centre. Just because the thinking of the day viewed a woman as mere property and not a person in her own right does not mean she isnt a human being with the same feelings and needs as any other. 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. 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? He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. It is always Louis for her. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. 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. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. My heart breaks for him. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? We now see Philippe asleep. We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. Anyways, he says: we cannot be seen together anymore. The writers do it over and over again, in tiny little ways that is infuriating (Philippe with his sad puppy eyes Nooooo!) So anyways, off we go. throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? It is Louis, and not Henriette, whom I see as the one who does the greatest harm to Philippe. And to Ainee for perspective. Is he justified in knocking her across the room? I love it). In any case, Philippe is Louis victim but definitely NOT Henriettes. 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. 1556332. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. In the days when it was only you who /truly/ had my back. I do understand you are a fan of Philippe, but I dont understand why that nessitates that Henriette be viewed as the villian. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. Here it is, mes amis! Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. 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. Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. Marchal picks up the dropped knife and lunges and he and Montcourt trade a few blows, with Marchal blocking then delivering a punch. The sudden onset of Henriettes illness, the severe pain and the short time between the onset of her symptoms and her death suggested to her contemporaries that she had been poisoned. The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. Henriette of England died in Saint-Cloud, not in Versailles. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. even if it turned out his brother was the poisoner. Season 1 | Season 2 Getting Started | Contributor Zone Contribute to This Page Add episode 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. <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. 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. Thank you, Amy! Even the bouncing hair. Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. 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. hes a critic, but there is another who has been hidden before us. The true cause of Henriettes death can never be known, but one thing is certain: this beloved princess was sadly missed. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Wow. Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. How do we find the poisoner? Versailles Altadefinizione Stagione 3 Episodio 10 Streaming Ita Colbert and Louvois look considerably worried. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. 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. 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. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. Horrible man. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. 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. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. He sees Louis. Yet even on her deathbed, she reaches for Louiss hand first. oh sorry, wrong show). Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Also thanks for your detailed and in depth reviews. What will be his legacy? A page for describing Characters: Versailles. his majesty knew this day would come. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. 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. 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. Anne, Hi Jules I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. Toodles. Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. But Marchal continues calmly. Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. 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. I like the show, the actors and the plot. You can read more about Henriettas death here. This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. The flowers theyre singing. and she is gone. 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. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. He says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. He is always the king, while Philippe gives his emotions (somewhat) free rein. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. . When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. Yet you heard nothing. We see his offer to help refused time and time again. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its U.S. cable home. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. I have some questions. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Louis smacks it away with the poker, Marchal steps in, Montcourt grabs a candlestick.