keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? ! Louis is stunned: Why are you casting all this rage at me? Philippe: Because you deserve it. The rape scene was repugnant and Phillipes actions were out of character with the Phillipe we saw in the rest of the season. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. The Dauphin hides stealthy behind a tree, looking for Rohan. Noemie Schmidt: Yes, totally stuck. 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. No one enters. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . How do we find the poisoner? I cannot even imagine his reasoning for this, however I do know historically, Henriette desperately did want to be Queen of France, as did her mother want it, but at the time, she didnt have the pedigree, being the sister to Englands heir who wasnt even on the throne at the time. for all of these. Mainly wanted to know about Chevalier after last weeks tearful declaration of love. He cripples himself with his own paranoia. Director Daniel Roby Writers Simon Mirren David Wolstencroft Stars George Blagden Alexander Vlahos Tygh Runyan See production, box office & company info We stake our claim or we are ploughed into the field. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. 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. The historical notes you added were my favourite of all, I love knowing whats accurately portrayed and for the parts that were tweaked, what the actual history was. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. If she dies it might lead to accusations and risk any potential alliance with England. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. Louis drops the poker, approaches Montcourt. It was all out there. I think that if he really loved Henriette that much, he wouldnt have gotten over her so quickly and easily, once they dangled a pretty, young blonde newcomer court lady to distract him. A day later, I was hooked. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. You can read more about Henriettas death here. 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!!! 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. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. [4] 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. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. Is it any wonder she couldnt work up any concern over the possibility that her rapist might die in battle? Rumourwent that he sent the poison to Effiat in retaliation for Henriette having him banished. I am tired of waiting for you to keep it, says the Queen casually as she gets into bed with Louis then settles down. But I said lets make it our fort. For once in your life you played along. And in the context of the show, I did find it a nice touch, the apology to him. Both felt neglected by the other. And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. Im genuinely curious to know why you consider Philippe the victim and Henriette the traitor in that relationship. In walks Philippe, now fully dressed (and what a fine figure he is!) The king himself suspected that Henrietta might have been poisoned and ordered an autopsy to be carried out. but it is later, after they already speak with the guards in the background. If you have to, just close your eyes and think of France. 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. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. You! He points and accusing finger. He genuinely believes Philppe is a potential threat. We see a quick shot of Montcourts body being dumped from a cart into the muddy swampiness, to join other rotting, decaying bodies. 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. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. Louis is greeted by Bontemps in his chambers, who enquires about Henriettes health.
VERSAILLES TV Drama on BBC2: The Real History Behind The Show - Greg Jenner In the end though, nobody was actually tortured or executed on charges of killing her. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! And Louis coming out the good guy. But his treatment of her does make me think, rather than an actual person, the writers have quite subtly used her as a tool: she is the only person Philippe can take his frustrations out on he knows she loves Louis, and at that point Louis is still very much in love with her Philippe knows this, and punishes Louis the only way he can, but punishing his mistress. Do you honestly think that just because certain abusesatrocities, evenwere acceptable, that those on the receiving end didnt feel anger, pain, violation, etc. 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. Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber And also shout out to Hannah for being a a much needed third voice. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. (Historical note: it was forbidden for the King to be in the presence of death. What a total prick ). 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. Who was that mysterious man in the mask of Apollo who dan. she was the one who found it, actually. Whats wrong? Colbert tries to push his point when Louis enters. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. 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. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. Get him out! Henriette cries. All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. First of all, ladies, stop spewing vitriol. By this point, Louis had basically forgotten about and gotten over Henriette though this was much to her displeasure and chagrin. Back outside, to a view of Versailles under construction (I love these pre-glory shots!) In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. 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. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Remember, Henriette, as a woman, is completely powerless. Anyways, he says: we cannot be seen together anymore. He was distraught when she died, and was fully intent on punishing those responsible (as poison was indeed thought to have killed her). Plus he told Louis he didnt recognise the sender of the notes which is technically true. on The finale. Cassel passes him and bows. A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. You, me, Henriette. 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. Her husband is openly gay and has no problem flaunting it in the public. but afte I cliked submit my comment didnt appear. Henriette. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. Season Two Mike and the last of Rohans men are massacred in a last stand by the musketeers, led by Fabien Marchal. Heres a thought: what is your view to Claudine? In reality it only took a very short time for the plan to take full effect. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. She had always been painfully thin and Louis once tactlessly referred to her as the bones of the Holy Innocents. And were never coming back. The Chevalier makes the sign of the Cross (like the good Catholic he is), sweeps a look across the room to Cassel? A begrudging father/daughter mentor role, and she eventually warms him up a bit? Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. . Anne, Hi Jules and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. 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. I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. Philippe is most definitely not the victim in his marriage. 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. I knew hed say that line! 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. Why should we fault Henriette for not ending her incestuous relationship with her brother-in-law, the king, but Philippe can be forgiven for continuing his homosexual relationship with the Chevalier? Saint-Simon asserted that Louis was so thankful that his brother was innocent of the crime that he decided not to prosecute the perpetrators. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. In between re-watching S1, of course. I have heard many say they see angels before they die. (Ahhh!