They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. Henriette wanted to go!). Louvois has been a kind of double agent all along, directed by Louis himself to assume the role of critic and conspirator. Snake! She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. fantastic bog! In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles. Apparently de Clermont gave Marchal the names of the conspirators against the king, and all the names of those who shared her allegiance. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. 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. OMG!). Ugh. the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. 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. And silently walks to the window. He expressed his doubts to the grief-stricken Charles II, who earnestly believed that his sister had been murdered. Louis walks in and replies: because I ask him to do so. Ahhhhh-HA! 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. She gasps and the priest enters silently. And if you reread my words very carefully, you might realise that I never once touched on the legality of it. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? 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. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. Also it will set Louis in a collision with Phillipe who did not want his wife to go to England for the negotiations. It was all out there. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. He deserves a truly powerful, unpredictable, fun, intoxicating woman who pulls the rug from under him, and he enjoys it. It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. We see him silent and sombre, a blank expression on his face. Yet how much pain are you willing to endure before you get what you want? Did not see this one coming! Does she want to end things with Louis? 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. I pity Henrietta. THIS. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. Louis continues to yell: because without me this country will consume itself in nobles squabbles. He paces. And Marchal sees this too, his eyes flicking down to focus on them, then showing us aflashback of the dying girl, Charlotte de Parthanay, whom he held in his arms in Episode Three, where she says she saw angels. Still wouldve loved to read your long comment was it complimentary? Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? 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. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. and Nine. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. It is so reflective of the dilemma she has created for herself. The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. She is used by the king to hurt his brother. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. But here, now? Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. No. Her intent is not to hurt Philippe by sleeping with Louis, she simply doesnt care (and I dont blame her). He feels betrayed. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty. (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. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. I also read your discussion between yourself and Teresa about episode 10. But his family and France are divided. It was so good. There is no change. She is powerless. Montcourt looks nervous, says he doesnt know what he means. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. Photograph: BBC. 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. 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. Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. He rolls in bed, his cheek on a bloodied pillow, and suddenly wakes, realises what it is and follows the trail to Louis bedchamber. He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. Sad to hear well have to wait a year for the next season Are there similar shows to this you could recommend? Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. Is Philippe a victim? While it seems like shes being unfair to Philippe, he doesnt really put up an effort to make himself lovable most of the time. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. I enjoyed them very much, I must saymuch more than this series, which is good entertainement, but, God, so FAR from being historically correct, in so many ways. Then he turns and suddenly a Man In a Mask is standing there. But your first strike would have to be true. I am a friend. Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). Its my weekly sin, I confess, Im too addicted to this period to miss it. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. She allows grief but only briefly. UGH D: Hi Jules, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your reviews as much as I have enjoyed watching Versailles. 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. Dieu. UGH, technology! He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. Still with the playing of games, the half-truth words. The writers do it over and over again, in tiny little ways that is infuriating (Philippe with his sad puppy eyes Nooooo!) Learn how your comment data is processed. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Another suggestion is that she had porphyria, although she displayed none of its symptoms. Again, so so love your words. Louis looks mega pissed. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. But I said lets make it our fort. For once in your life you played along. 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. (Historical note: this happened and wasnt at all odd) The door suddenly opens, the Queenis standing there. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. I look forward to reading your reviews on the next series, when it comes out. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. Point 8: Again, refer to comments on Henriettes lack of power as a woman and as a subject of the king to say no to said king. At least there is a modicum of decorum. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! We see about ten hooded figures, along with the Unmasked Man whom Rohan freed from jail. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. Its stoic. Her cheeriness disguised the fact that she was unwell. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. : . She was 26. I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. 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. In every possible way. .. now, I am not saying that Colbert is implying Philippe poisoned his wife, but it sure sounds like it. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. My greatest issue with Henriette is that she seems to lack any personality. Monsieur de Reynaud is poisoned by an unknown entity. But Marchal continues calmly. For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. Even the bouncing hair. Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. Yet you heard nothing. I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. As for Philippe, I cant make out what he is. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. 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). 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 said Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. Nice one, Montcourt. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. She also miscarries a baby that was either her husband Philippe's or the King's, no one is sure. 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. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. 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. Louis asks Henriette to spy on her husband and she does not refuse. If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). 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? He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. He is beyond selfish and his cruel behaviour is at the root of all of their misery. 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. 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. UGH. I have heard many say they see angels before they die. (Ahhh! I thought so but 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. Louis replies how else was I to keep you close. Check back soon for my overview and wrap up of the entire season. So Louis settles into sleep. 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!) He rapes his wife. But it is kept behind closed doors. 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. I blame it all on Louis! But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. Philippe weeps. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. I think the problem with him is that we still miss a decent biography, taking into accounts ALL sources and not only the same, always the same stuff as Saint-Simon and such. Now we are with Marchal, who is interrogating Henriettes ladies, Sophie included. Id be happy with either, tbh! 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. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. ! Louis is stunned: Why are you casting all this rage at me? Philippe: Because you deserve it. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. And we came here for a visit. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. What does she say? Whats wrong? you wanted to make it your castle. Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. And even if not, we see what Philippe is capable of when hes in a jealous snit. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! The Kings son. apparently it is still not safe. I find it interesting that Louis feels the need to add: she came to find me, to put the doubt on Montespans face to rest. she was the one who found it, actually. 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. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. Hes just having some fun. I am sobbing. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. And dragging Effiat into it too, for a) being a mignon loyal to the Chevalier, and b) his familys involvement in the Fronde, during Louis XIIIs reign. Which one? Louis asks. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. And what better way to keep Louis safe than have his Head of Security plant one of his spies in his bed? They take her hands. A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. She is only ever Louis sweet, nubile mistress or Philippes overlooked wife, never her own person, she isnt seductive and outgoing like Montespan or scheming like de Clermont or genuinely sweet with a backbone like Sophie, shes just a soft-spoken waif who huffs when she doesnt get her way, cries when shes put in a difficult position, doesnt seem that clever but knows exactly where to strike thatll heart the worst mentioning Francoise Parthenay when Louis has refused to talk about the Chevalier, for one. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. No one enters. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. 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. The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Such was the hygiene of 17th century France. But not at the hands of Henriette, who really had little power in the situation. 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. Philippe was the one in strident dissent! 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. Dance. I have never posted a comment on your website before and this will be the first time that I have ever written a comment here. yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. Why? YAAAAAY! The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. To which Marchal says: you are the daughter of a Huguenot conspirator to the King, funded and supported by William of Orange. But Sophie says her mother paid that price, she is merely trying to survive and thought Marchals protection would ensure it. How do we find the poisoner? Your email address will not be published. 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. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. IDK??? I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. Totally inappropriate time to mention it. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. Philippe is no more vulnerable to the hurt and damage done to him than she is to the hurt and damage done to her, simply because he is a man with rights and she is a woman with no rights. And laudanum as a sedative was much used at the time. his majesty knew this day would come. Panoramica: After crushing the Protestants and thwarted Leto, Louis feels invincible. Such emotion. You can read more about Henriettas death here. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. It would be an outrageous thought. Louis stares out the window in the antechamber, servants bring in food, but Marchal suspects poisoning and sends it back until its safety can be confirmed. Either way, she's dead now. Henriette. And who can blame her? You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. No one leaves. 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. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. It was just how it was. And Louis coming out the good guy. BRILLIANT acting. The two Ms still fight, and Louis approaches, holding the poker. And then down by the promontory. 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.