Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. Hi Theresa, and thanks for your comment. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. Nice one, Montcourt. Henriette answered Montagu with a shrug: she did not know. She seems like she has genuinely been brought in as a main character simply to drive the wedge deeper between Louis and Philippe, but not contribute anything herself to most of her scenes! They walk into a salon, where Montcourt is playing cards, and everyone suddenly stops talking when Marchal meets the mans eye. : . 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). And Rohan chuckles and I well. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. but it would cause her too much pain. Henriette is viewed as property. Louis looks stunned too. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? Episodio 10. Or survival. he starts to pace: here comes the lecture. She allows grief but only briefly. At some stage, Musket Mike (the masked man) is outed as a Kings guard. Henriette portrayed by Pierre Mignard, 17th century, Henriette, Duchesse d'Orlans, the sister-in-law of Louis XIV, took a drink of her usual chicory water and immediately clutched her side, crying out in pain. Nup. There was no indication of poisoning, so death was attributed to cholera morbus caused by corrupt and boiling bile, which had led to gangrene in the entrails and other parts of the lower abdomen. Anyhow, just wanted to say I have some questions. the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. Finally, a scene with the Chevalier!!! And even if not, we see what Philippe is capable of when hes in a jealous snit. 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. What does she say? She causes her father distress, embarasssment, hurt. Lovely. But that was the thinking of the time. Nup. Looking forward to Season 2!! Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. But she is human and she can feel jealousy and make inappropriate remarks at inappropriate moments. The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. 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. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. Louis drops the poker, approaches Montcourt. It was just how it was. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. 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. Hes just having some fun. 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. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. Colbert and Louvois look considerably worried. 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. He is the villain if you are looking for one. Right away, I am feeling negative towards them both, and yes, judgey about Henriette. I think it would be naive of us to assume that was the first (or only) time that happened. Philippe is jealous. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. They could not be more different in this moment. Love your delicious commentary, brava! THIS. SYNC. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. Louis, who never forgave a slight, always ensured that the guilty paid dearly. But I said lets make it our fort. For once in your life you played along. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. 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. He is always the king, while Philippe gives his emotions (somewhat) free rein. A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? In the early hours of 30 June, she died. On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. Thank you, Amy! Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. Louis persists. UGH, Henriette. For the record, I dont think Henriette would actually like to see Philippe die, but she would like to be shot of him. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. Im guessing they were pretty equal. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. 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. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. Arguably, as a man, it was within Philippes power to end his relationship easily enough whereas Henriette, a woman, would very possibly not have had that same power. 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. Is she a villain for this because of the thinking of the day? I look forward to reading your reviews on the next series, when it comes out. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) The rape thing was upsetting. Mike did. PERFECT. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. his majesty knew this day would come. Horrible man. Now, seeing as sister-in-law wasnt even a thing then, this would be like actually shagging your sister. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! It was really interesting reading both of your viewpoints. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. 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. 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. I am looking at her now. In Paris, says Colbert. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Exactly. Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. Louis is a shit to Philippe. Im going to be stalking these recaps in the arduous wait for season two. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. Hi, Eww. Not Marchal! And she did it willingly. Philippe: Because you told her to. Louis: Because she was born to it. Philippe: Because she loves you. Louis: if we do not have the English, we cannot attack the Dutch. The look on Philippes face is incredulous yes, Louis is talking war when his wife lies dying. It could possibly be the same spot from Ep1, when he confronted the wolf and Philippe rode in to rescue him. She is later arrested as the poisoner as her son is released, but ridiculed from court. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. Yes. When you see Fabien going to find the missing Charlotte, you see him visualising the scenario he holds up his hand, points his fingers in the shape of a gun to see how the angle would project. Philippe adds: .or two, perhaps. And he strides off. Kill him, then me, and blame it on him. He sent poison to Paris, where it passed through several hands before ending up in the jug containing the chicory water. We begged you. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard. 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. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. The state is a person. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Philippe turns to the guards, stands patiently at the crossed pikes as Louis stares at his back. He goes on to make threats and trouble for her. Even the bouncing hair. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. He rapes his wife. Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. Colbert looks a bit stunned. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. There is your music.. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. Wow that was odd. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. YAAAAAY! But to his brother? Cats with nine lives. There are times when I will shout (in my head), Just leave this place and run back to England.. I like the show, the actors and the plot. As she said, she was only voicing what they were both thinking. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. 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. What to expect from the future? The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. The next shot is of Montespan, entering her rooms, where she briefly cries then quickly gains control with a deep breath. Here it is, mes amis! *IMAGERY KLAXON*, Next scene Marchal is riding furiously through the forest , no mood music, no sound, and he then bursts into Rohans rooms with guards, only to find the servant Marie on the floor, her wrist slashed with a knife. Montcourt tried to tell me the same. Such emotion. Called it!) Anyway, back to the story. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. Do you see them now? And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. I thought so but no. Why is this so? NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. 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. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. 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. Close the doors! The Queen adds: we must put her in the bed. Louis nods; in she goes. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. Montcourt is confused. After their conversation about stealing Philippes glory and the fact that Louis never liked sharing. And it certainly wasnt the unwavering, steadfast, loyal or constant love that one would most want from a beloved one. You said But of course, she has no power to rid herself of him, so his death would be her only chance. But he will not be resting for long the door opens later and we see a pair of bare feet, the hem of a nightgown, both bloodied, as they enter. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. Your question misses the question, Montcourt replies cryptically. 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. I am tired of waiting for you to keep it, says the Queen casually as she gets into bed with Louis then settles down. What a total prick ). But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. Both of them were in love with other people when they were forced to marry and they both were aware of that. 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. 1556332. Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. 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.. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. Quite a few. Aaaaaand now. Back with Marchal, interrogating Louvois this time. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. A side-note: On Sophie. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. Its emotionless. 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. Yet another possibility is that she had a duodenal ulcer which burst, leading to peritonitis. LOUIS. Yes, absolutely. 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???) 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. I have heard many say they see angels before they die. (Ahhh! So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? 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. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. Hi, Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. 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. (*cries*), Bontemps goes to see Louis. First to Henriette, and after she was poisoned, to Elizabeth Charlotte, Princess of the Palatinate. the rest will do her good, Bontemps says. This really shows he is vulnerable. All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. Because the whole world gave you counsel. What shall I do! . Moreover, we cant fault her anymore for continuing her relationship with Louis (as if she would have had the power to end it anyway) than we can Philippe for continuing his with the Chevalier. We were young. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. I was merely pointing out how such treatment of his wife would hardly help warm her feelings towards him. What will be his legacy? I just found out your site and I must congratulate you for your beautifully written reviews. she was the one who found it, actually. Back to Henriette, who is now laid out on a bed, hair done, powdered and dressed in her finest gown. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. Toodles. 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. Get Marchal pissed at you. Also it will set Louis in a collision with Phillipe who did not want his wife to go to England for the negotiations. Coming from the quills of noted showrunners David Wolstencroft and Simon Mirren, both known for gripping series with a conspiratorial bent (i.e. You see it in Ep3 where he yells where is MY wife? You see it in Ep2 with his angry speech to Louis: do you tell yourself that when you are fucking MY WIFE? In so many subtle ways Philippe is being demeaned by Louis. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. Louis wakes to the sight of Henriette, blood down her gown and from her mouth, saying help me please. Even gravely ill, she still choses Louis over her husband. Henriette screams and they both surge to the door then suddenly stop. Philippe looks up to Louis with wet puppy eyes, Louis looks at Philippe, his all flinty and hard.