Sad to hear well have to wait a year for the next season Are there similar shows to this you could recommend? We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. 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. The sad irony here is, I do think Louis cares very much for Philippe but he cannot let his armour of paranoia down enough to recognise Philippes loyalty and the fact that he can trust his brother. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. He has poisoned all of them. And Rohan chuckles and I well. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. 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. Check Ovation for times and how you can watch Ovation in your area. For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. So how could you be scared? It was so good. Then Philippe walks out, still dressed in his nightshirt and robe, barefoot. But not at the hands of Henriette, who really had little power in the situation. . UGH. Bontemps wants to move her she cannot stay in the Kings bed. but Claudine says she cannot be moved. Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. When Marchal goes down and Montcourt takes the knife, Louis lunges, some more fighting with Marchal again entering the fray.. and then OMG Marchal is stabbed!!! Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Women are still being raped today in societies which condone such behaviour towards women and which deny women their personhood. He expressed his doubts to the grief-stricken Charles II, who earnestly believed that his sister had been murdered. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). And yes, the Chevalier does live to quite a ripe old age . Whew! It is so interesting to watch, given a discussion I had on Twitter earlier with some fellow fans. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. Here it is, mes amis! Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. But that was the thinking of the time. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. It was total and raw and real and I wept long and bitter tears for him. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. 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. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? Such emotion. Im leaving. Louis: You would defy me, even in this moment? Philippe: I know what this moment is. Louis steps to his brother and the camera frames them between the crossed pikes, a familiar movie making technique that focuses your eye solely on them, and also creates powerful imagery of two strong men, between weapons, taking opposite views. Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. 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. And stunned when Louis says shes in his bedchamber. See production, box office & company info. UGH, technology! However there is a new addition, a large portrait of Louis now hanging on wall near the door (replacing a previous smaller ND painting of flowers). Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. A day later, I was hooked. Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. Our dear Henriette. He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. Good idea, he says breathlessly. Why is this so? Theyve always known. The state is a person. What will be his legacy? But enough with this. But Marchal continues calmly. And the person either asserts himself or is subjugated to the will of others. She has no one to keep him at bay but the king, if he chooses. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. Revealing nothing. Im guessing they were pretty equal. And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. Yes, she says and does little things that hurt Philippe, but he does the same and muchoh so much!worse to her. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. What a pain! Henriette. Such emotion. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. 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. UHGGH. Le Roi Danse, which is all about the rise and fall of Lully, Louis XIVs court composer (French, but hard to find with English subtitles). It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. 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. 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. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. Anyhow, just wanted to say It INFURIATED Louis), 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.. Your loyalty can lie with Philippe while still acknowledging that Henriette is also a victim and not the villain (the real villain here is Louis). A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. But of course, she has no power to rid herself of him, so his death would be her only chance. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien?, de Clermont went to a brothel to obtain poison and the love potion Lauren (Marchals henchwoman) tells him thats what she observed. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. many things. Louis looks at him as he goes on: I believe this palace is a symbol of our king. We were young. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. Is he justified in his behaviour towards her? It is not clear in the show. Protocol demands that he stays, Philippe says tightly. He was shut out of his mothers (Anne of Austria) last moments, while Philippe was in attendance, where, despite her appalling treatment of her second son, he openly wept and grieved. Rohan grabs her by the throat, saying it is not yet clear to him what she has done to earn her money, then demands she clean his room before leaving. Though it was true that he was saddened by Henriettes death, I dont felt that he was actually that hell bent on punishing those who were or at least believed to be responsible for her death, due to the lack of evidence among other factors. It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? 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. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. Dieu. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. he is troubled, hearing Montcourts whispers in his head: When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. and so on. Is he justified in knocking her across the room? What does she say? They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. She puts her foot in her mouth. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. Stars: George Blagden, Alexander Vlahos, Tygh Runyan Director(s . 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). Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. Montcourt is confused. Both felt neglected by the other. She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. Get him out! Henriette cries. Philippe is jealous. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. Women were not allowed to practice medicine at that time and her father clearly disapproves, particularly as she grows more skilled and knowledgable than him. All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. 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. She is subject to the whims and wishes of her king and lover, of her husband and even of her husbands lover. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. 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. No one leaves. Youre brought up, its your duty. Henriette was more than happy to become second only to Marie-Therese. 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. In which case, I dont blame her one bit! I choose to believe it was a mistake on the writers part and will simply fast forward over it when I rewatch. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Slavery was also an accepted practice of the day. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) When she travelled to England, she was excited at the prospect of seeing her brother, Charles, again. He was named Louis Dieudonn (Louis the God-given) and bore the traditional title of French heirs apparent: Dauphin . Henriette screams and they both surge to the door then suddenly stop. 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. A hundred years ago. 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. UGH D:. They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. Lord. Apparently de Clermont gave Marchal the names of the conspirators against the king, and all the names of those who shared her allegiance. P.S. Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. It is a controlled grief. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! Either way, she's dead now. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. When an autopsy was done (observed by 17 French doctors, two English physicians, the British ambassador and around 100 other onlookers) death was deemed to be from cholera morbus (gastroenteritis) caused by heated bile. The poor Chevalier, accused when he wasnt even there! The French musical Le Roi Soleil is always great to watch. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. the first time we see Henriette is with Louis, and Louis mentions her husband. He gets up and leaves, walking through the corridors with a candelabra. It is fascinating to compare Philippes two moments of deep anguish side by side: when the Chevalier was arrested, we saw his total and complete breakdown, the slow crumple of his expression from shock, to horror, to abject grief, then as he collapsed to his knees and rocked while he wept. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. At a Mass said for her soul, Bishop Bossuet conveyed the sense of shock at her sudden death: Oh, disastrous night; oh, dreadful night, in which resounded like a clap of thunder the unbelievable words Madame is dying Madame is dead!. For one thing, Anne of Austria, Henriette and the Comtesse de Scissons and even Louis XIV partly himself were in real life all part of a plan to distract the court and other gossip mongers from spreading further lies, gossip, rumors and to provide a cover up for Louis and Henriettes affair which was more of a fling than an actual full fledged affair. And Philippe says calmly and quietly: There. 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. Your email address will not be published. FOCUS. 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. God knows the wolves might have taken us but what did we know? His contemplation is silent. Guilt often manifests itself in an outward show of rage.