And to Ainee for perspective. And who can blame her? This really shows he is vulnerable. See above comments about Henriettes powerlessness as a woman. When King Charles hears that his beloved sister has been poisoned in France, it is only a matter of hours before a declaration of war. Louvois: a war they cannot afford to win. Colbert now counsels Louis on the shift of power should Henriette die: Henriettes very existence strengthens your position. Hi, The camera then cuts to Rohan, drinking and brooding in his room, absently stabbing the table with a knife as he glares at a portrait of Louis-as-a-boy (which is a gorgeous portrait and includes Philippe, apparently in a private collection and attributed to artist Charles Beaubrun. FOCUS. SYNC. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). Music. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. And Rohan chuckles and I well. Its emotionless. He should be he has not given up either of their names for the part they played in his arrest. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. Brilliant writing. 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. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. But I said lets make it our fort. For once in your life you played along. 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???) 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. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! Either way, she's dead now. Poor Philippe is helpless do something, woman! She has to find the source, which means poking about on Henriettes body, causing agony with every poke. Everyone shares a look because, yeah, they know. While your character and scene analyses tend to differ quite a bit from my own (perhaps because of that?? Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. Its my weekly sin, I confess, Im too addicted to this period to miss it. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. 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. Bontemps wants to move her she cannot stay in the Kings bed. but Claudine says she cannot be moved. 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. I was searching online for reviews/explanations of this show I was never educated about Frances history because I come from the other side of the globe and coincidentally stumbled upon your website, much to my delight. 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). Nice one, Montcourt. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. 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. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. God knows the wolves might have taken us but what did we know? Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! Jules! Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? 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. Desire for glory. Such was the hygiene of 17th century France. And suddenly Philippe is the calm one, says gently, brother and the look on his face, as the tears trickle gently down his cheeks the quiet sadness as Louis stares at him, then his realisation that this is it. Whats wrong? The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse. As to it appearing that it seems like it almost never happened. Guilt often manifests itself in an outward show of rage. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. Louis. throughout the show, we see Louis attempts to belittle and emasculate Philippe. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. This is who they truly are in this one moment of grief. And even after watching both seasons 1 and 2 of Versailles, I wouldnt say that he loved her a lot but on the show it was to a certain degree. She allows grief but only briefly. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. We stake our claim or we are ploughed into the field. They exchange silent looks for a moment, then Philippe says quietly, Do you remember our fort?. 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. Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. That she could feel no affection for the man she was forced to marry, a man who could never feel anything for her and who also raped her, is not at all surprising (even while considering that marital rape was acceptable at that time). However, Madeleine de Foix, Gaston's mother, defends her son at the salon, but when facing banishment, she stabs Fabien, almost killing him. Claudine confirms poison and Louis huddles with his advisors: he wants to know if any English are at court. Also thanks for your detailed and in depth reviews. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. 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. Ive found some interesting, unedited sources about him and I hope to write very soon a book to make some justice to this very, very mistreated character. Philippe has been by her side throughout this. So, he loves Henrietta as a friend, or simply to rival his brother? I wonder what theyve got in store for us. Thank you all! Seriously, he could have married her to any noble and they would have looked the other way at the cheating. Montcourt looks nervous, says he doesnt know what he means. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Philippe loves and is loyal to his brother and only wants Louis to allow him to support him. Such a beautiful moment, with Philippe building on their complex relationship, reminding Louis of a more simplistic time. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? They talk about whats happening Marchal is questioning people, and Sophie was taken in that morning. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. I kind of doubt it). Philippe raping his wife. Ita all so quick, and beautifully choreographed. Love your delicious commentary, brava! There is, replies Louis. A subtle yet interesting choice made by production to change the portraits in Henriettes chambers. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. Says you made me marry him. 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. Right away, I am feeling negative towards them both, and yes, judgey about Henriette. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. 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. 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, Duchesse dOrlans, the sister-in-law of Louis XIV, took a drink of her usual chicory water and immediately clutched her side, crying out in pain. Or survival. he starts to pace: here comes the lecture. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. 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. 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. The first one we ever played in, says Philippe. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Such an angry king, and rightly so. His grip tightens on the poker, even as Montcourt looks actually shocked at that accusation. Is she a villain for this because of the thinking of the day? This was served to Henriette by her unsuspecting maid. Panoramica: After crushing the Protestants and thwarted Leto, Louis feels invincible. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. elisabetta, oopsI should say figure, not charactersorry, english is not my first language . Next time we see the painting in Ep 6 it has been moved to Henriettes room on her dressing table. Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. My loyalty still lays with Philippe as her husband, he has a right to lay claim to his wife. You died of a cold, or a simple infection or someone sneezing on you. I will speak to whomever I like. Louvois: I know this is true. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info I do understand you are a fan of Philippe, but I dont understand why that nessitates that Henriette be viewed as the villian. My sources tell me that sadly, we will have to wait until March 2017 (Yes, NEXT YEAR!!!) many things. Louis looks at him as he goes on: I believe this palace is a symbol of our king. Henriette 12 episodes, 2015-2017 Anatole Taubman . Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. 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. The writers could have written a scenario where Henriette willingly sleeps with Phillipe to make Louis jealous and to provide in an explanation in the event she becomes pregnant. 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. So do I believe that our enemies would dare to poison King Charles of Englands sister? Then the camera pans to the door and Philippe enters, says to him quietly, were leaving. So anyways, off we go. It was so good. She is simply besotted with Louis, so in love, that shed do anything he told her to. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Philippe weeps. Incest or homosexuality? I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. What will be his legacy? <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. How do we find the poisoner? Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. A page for describing Characters: Versailles. But to his brother? Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. Lord. Cassel passes him and bows. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. The Kings son. Montcourt 10 episodes, 2015 Gilly Gilchrist . Louis summons the Dauphin to show him how to be a good king. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. Philippe was the one in strident dissent! Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. You admit her situation is unfair and certainly, she is powerless where her husband (and Louis) are concerned and yet, simply because of the screwed up thinking of the day, the thinking that removed a womans personhood and reduced her to mere property, she is the villain for not being able to love a man who ignores her and rapes her? Henriettes physicians diagnosed colic and assured her that she would soon recover, but it was clear that she was dying. Philippe and Henriette are quite possibly the two people Louis loves most, and yet he uses and hurts them both repeatedly to get what he wants and because he is paranoid about his brother. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. She was 26. Maybe that is where she got the poison she used on Fabien? Montcourt declares he only knew her in passing, Marchal calls out his bullshit: but you knew she had malevolent intent. To which Montcourt sarcastically replies: it may have escaped your notice but everyone in this building has malevolent intent. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. 1556332. Claudine and Philippe converse, with Claudine saying she feels they are not through the worst. 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. Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. 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. Henriette is viewed as property. The opening episode of Versailles season two featured fortune tellers and laser beams.