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. Do you see them now? In any case, Philippe is Louis victim but definitely NOT Henriettes. Philippe of course blames Louis for Henriette's poisoning as he was the one who sent Henriette as an ambassador abroad even though everyone begged him not to. Season Two Mike and the last of Rohans men are massacred in a last stand by the musketeers, led by Fabien Marchal. Rohan slits the other guards throat, watches from a distance as the young prince has a sack put over his head then bundled off. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Yes, absolutely. 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. She is used by the king to hurt his brother. We see his offer to help refused time and time again. the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. Then he says I pay you to spy on others, not on me. . My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. 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. It is featured in several shots when Louis & Philippe are arguing and she reveals shes preggers as well as when Louis comes to confront her about not wishing to live with the doubt about the child. apparently it is still not safe. P.S. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. I respect the fact that two people can look at the same thing and see it from completely different angles and come away with completely different interpretations. Protocol demands that he stays, Philippe says tightly. And who can blame her? 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. I know historically Philippe did leave Versailles for a time, but season two Louis without Philippe will be interesting because while Louis takes shots at him every chance he gets, at the end of the day Philippe is the only true person around him besides Bontemps. *Disclaimer* I do not own any of the audio or footage included in this. Both of them were in love with other people when they were forced to marry and they both were aware of that. She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Or because she cant look him in the eye and admit it? I have some questions. Bontemps wants to move her she cannot stay in the Kings bed. but Claudine says she cannot be moved. First of all, ladies, stop spewing vitriol. 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. 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. Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. To bring them over to us. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. Because Sophie steals any scene shes in with Henriette, hands down, and she even maintains a presence with Montespan, too, though Montespan is clearly the dominant one in most dynamics (the Chevalier excluded, of course swans fat flippers come to mind!) and Nine. 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. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. I am tired of waiting for you to keep it, says the Queen casually as she gets into bed with Louis then settles down. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. So how could you be scared? Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. 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. I know times and attitudes were different then, but a person violated still feels violated, whether they are allowed to acknowledge it or not. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). I am really liking Sophies growth as a character, who is, of course, beautiful, but with attitude and a strong backbone, as we are now seeing. (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. We are back at the sickbed, where Henriette sleeps and Montespan silently weeps at the bed. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. We were young. I just binge-watched all 2 seasons and now painfully waits for each episode of Season 3 to come out. No, of course she doesnt. Pot, meet kettle. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. This really shows he is vulnerable. Anne, Hi Jules haha that last message should have ended (I agree with you on all POINTS) not pints . He is clearly upset. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? Husbands have being raping their wives since time began from royalty down to peasants and it was classed as taking their marital rights . Louis is calm but angry: then you set yourself against me. Philippe pauses, looks incredibly sad for a moment, then briefly nods. 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. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. It was so good. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. But Sophie declares she has no life: what her mother told her was a lie. But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. He says quietly: She knew what she had to do. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? Dieu. Thanks for reading! Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. At least thats always been his excuse. (aaaand check out the looks on Louis and Bontemps faces as I randomly paused right here. his majesty knew this day would come. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. I realise a woman was expected to stay faithful to her husband even while it was acceptable for him to have mistresess (ha! Did not see this one coming! However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. And to Ainee for perspective. Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. Saint-Simon asserted that Louis was so thankful that his brother was innocent of the crime that he decided not to prosecute the perpetrators. 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. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Especially in S1, I got the feeling that they gave a lot of Lorraines personality traits/reactions/behaviour to Philippe. Okay, is Louvois just being a dick? Henriette drew the worst cards of all four players in those stakes. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. Bontemps says: protocol demands that if the air is impure and if you are at risk, you must leave immediately. (this is true) Marchal strides in to take command. She could not affect change herself. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse. 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. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . Henriette fulfills her duties with. We found an old building a sorry shack made of stone and moss. All I could find were negative. Right. I just rot an extremely long omment Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. 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. 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. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. 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. What? The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. And Montespan was married too, so in the eyes of the church that was double adultery. Colbert looks a bit stunned. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. While it seems like shes being unfair to Philippe, he doesnt really put up an effort to make himself lovable most of the time. We see a lovely shot of Versailles outside, then cut to the Kings bedchamber, where the flowers and hedges are neatly arranged around to the bed. Aaaaaand now. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. Queen Marie-Thrse noted that everyone was talking about Henriettes death and the manner of it. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. They could not be more different in this moment. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Cassel leaves, then Montcourt walks away in the direction of Rohan who is discussing the Dauphins outing with a guard. : . Anne, Hi Jules Louis just nods, gives Philippe a look (who is standing near the doors, looking so alone and sad, I just wanna hug him!) Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. Why is his passion for the man he loves to be forgiven and Henriettes passion for the man she loves to be used against her? There could have been some anger involved without resorting to rape. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. Is it fair? Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. Louis and her smile about it. Rohan is the Masked Man! I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. We see Louis expression crumple, and he blinks, almost disbelievingly, and then Philippe is out the door. I choose to believe it was a mistake on the writers part and will simply fast forward over it when I rewatch. 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. And so was she. Id be happy with either, tbh! 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). 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. Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. Point 3: Good question, which is the greater sin? The rape thing was upsetting. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. BRILLIANT acting. Thank you. Of course not. Yes, she says and does little things that hurt Philippe, but he does the same and muchoh so much!worse to her. 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???) keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? Henriette, however, happens to be in love with the king and, more importantly, it seems he with her. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. Though only a few actually act on it. Marchal is having a hard time believing Montcourts usual crapabout returning to court because he is a true friend to the king and was his duty to inform him of a threat to Henriettes life. Back with Marchal, interrogating Louvois this time. Such was the hygiene of 17th century France. 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. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). 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. 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. I knew hed say that line! He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. Is she a villain for this because of the thinking of the day? Just another way Louis is emasculating him, making him a laughing stock in French society. . Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. 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! Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? Bring the garden here, Louis commands * (YES I called this line too I am KING OF THE LAB! UGH D:. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. Whew! Says you made me marry him. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. We begged you. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. Im thinking no. It can be quite shocking to us, but pretty much most children died before adulthood people mourned, mirrors were covered and a service held, but some didnt wait more than a few days before picking themselves up and going off to the next party or ball or soiree. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . Claudine confirms: We have no choice. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. 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. 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. I believe Louis did love her. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. I am sobbing. They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? It was all out there. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. But it is kept behind closed doors. 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. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. Why? He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. But I also know that their greatest plan has yet to show itself. the camera pans to Louis, Colbert, Louvois (clearly worried, as he should be), who says, but what if shes merely ill? Marchal: then your appetite will be merely inconvenienced, Louvois. Bontemps appears. She is powerless. needless to say, all my writing is copyright to me, so don't be a dick and steal it. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. Louis. A brief scene follows, showing Rohan and the Dauphin sword playing and pretending a jolly game of war in the forest, thenwe are back to the Kings bedchamber where Henriette sleeps and Philippe is outside in the antechamber, brooding by the fireplace as Louis walks in. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. FOCUS. She is gravely ill. Montespan pauses for a second, then declares she must go to her (because you know, Montespan is supposed to be one of her ladies-in-waiting). Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. After Philippe shoots a couple rounds into the air he tells Louie, Brother we must go, the wolves will come back and there will be more. Did you have the same thought as I; that while in the moment the characters are talking about the actual wolves, the underlying message is about Louis and the traitors in his midst, starting with Moncourt. Ridicule. Now that *would* be naive. 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. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. He looks nervous and steps to Cassel, but Cassel rises and bows, along with everyone, as Louis enters. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. The Kings son. There was an attempt on her life before. 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. and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. Bontemps moves her along. 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. SYNC. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. He was a noble, he knew the rules.) But to his brother? Brilliant writing. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. What a pain! 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? And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriette's death and briefly, here's how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldn't be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. 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. What the king wants, the king gets. 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. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). So thats why I believe that the most that Louis felt for Henriette was that he only loved her a little or to some degree but not enough. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. But Marchal continues calmly. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. What to expect from the future? , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. It was very clear from episode 1 that you were not a fan of Henriette and I found that quick jarring to read in your reviews. b) To show a glimpse of vulnerability for Henriette because for all her power, she is still the property of her husband and can be treated as such. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. she was the one who found it, actually. Now this is fascinating. She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. We see Henriette asleep in the bed. 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? And silently walks to the window. Now she is in a marriage that will never give her any joy with a man she does not love and she should risk displeasing her lover, the king, by rejecting him? Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. Not so much. Nup. . And if you reread my words very carefully, you might realise that I never once touched on the legality of it. Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. forgot to add the bit about similar shows. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info She was 26. 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. Ugh. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. Nup. I kind of doubt it). And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien? It is Louis, and not Henriette, whom I see as the one who does the greatest harm to Philippe. 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!) I dont know how others look at Henriettas character, but to me, shes just trying to survive and continue loving the man she loves, which is Louis. Obviously he loves Chevalier. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. In perfect sync. And even if not, we see what Philippe is capable of when hes in a jealous snit. Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. Louis paranoia about his little brother is completely unfounded. You, me, Henriette. Having spent the first episode ripping their kit off at any opportunity, the court of Versailles has taken an oath of chastity. How can you be scared? (sweet Philippe!) I like the show, the actors and the plot. And remember you can also start at the beginning and read my reviews of EpisodesOne, Two, Three, Four, Five, Six,Seven,Eight. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? 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). My bed your last stop before retiring. 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. I love these seemingly random yet distinct choices made by directors and production designers. 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. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear.
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