While your character and scene analyses tend to differ quite a bit from my own (perhaps because of that?? Why is this so? #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. There was an attempt on her life before. And stunned when Louis says shes in his bedchamber. So that would perhaps put affair-with-sister-in-law a half tick closer to pardonable than homosexuality, which is wholly and completely condemned in the bible. How can you be scared? (sweet Philippe!) She cant honestly say that the death of the man to whom she is shackled in a loveless marriage, who feels no attraction for her and never can but can easily enough rape her, who stands between her and the man she truly loveswouldnt be entirely unwelcome. What does she say? And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Who seeks to harm Henriette? Yep. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. Thank you for the recaps, I am with you on all things you write about Monsieur Marchal, he is everything! Oh, Louis most definitely would choose France over his brother. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. At least thats always been his excuse. (aaaand check out the looks on Louis and Bontemps faces as I randomly paused right here. And poor Philippe, who is distraught about his wife, its just another snub for him, isnt it? From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. Also, Louiss eyes are wet earlier than you recount, namely in the first shot after she says can you hear the flowers? Is Philippe a victim? Henriette of England is poisoned during her trip back from England. Anne. Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriettes death and briefly, heres how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldnt be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. Then he says I pay you to spy on others, not on me. . Louis and her smile about it. 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. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. Philippe has done as little to win her affection as she has to win his and Philippe certainly flaunts his lover in her face far more than she does hers in his. Is he justified in knocking her across the room? It was generally believed that she had been poisoned by one of her husband's friends, but historians have concluded that she died of natural causes, perhaps of a ruptured appendix. (yeah, I know I said I liked Marchal/Claudine, too! But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. I must be poisoned! so Philippe ordered her dog to be fed the water. And, more importantly, Henriette NEVER RAPED Philippe. Yes. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. 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. Louis: And that makes you a liar.. 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. And the next shot is Louis in slow-mo, walking out. ), (*WTF. ? Brilliant. Sad to hear well have to wait a year for the next season Are there similar shows to this you could recommend? So he tells Louis he will now deliver the man responsible for their deaths. Its stoic. Is he for or against le roi? Cultural factors, too, played a part. 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. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. Cassel passes him and bows. He has poisoned all of them. Marchal: The King once told me, he warned me quite clearly that his enemies would seek to destroy those closest to him. This is clearly frustrating for Bontemps, this is against all protocol, and Bontemps is nothing if a creature who takes comfort (and even enjoys) the routine of protocol. I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. Is that understood? and pushes past them. I just rot an extremely long omment Well, my thought is Philippe angrily claiming his conjugal rights may well have happened before. A hundred years ago. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? 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!) At the time of his birth, his parents had been married for 23 years. 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. 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!!! They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. I realise that you are not a fan of the historical figure but I am speaking strictly of the character. Henriette, however, was never robust and often experienced such terrible pains in her side that she would lie on the floor to find respite. But Sophie declares she has no life: what her mother told her was a lie. Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. 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. She could have answered with an honest yes but she evades the question. Not sure and he leaves. I blame it all on Louis! People lived for it, and reputations and lives could be ruined with one well-placed rumour. I like the show, the actors and the plot. There is, replies Louis. Merci! LOUIS. She could not affect change herself. The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? That doesnt mean a woman would feel affection for her abuser. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . Right. The state is a person. Princess Henriette 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 (1613-1700), who had recently returned to the Royalist side. and to Marchal in his office, interrogating Montcourt. I couldnt honestly say. Aaaaaand now. 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. She is a woman, she is his subject. The flashback of Charlotte being shot is in his head, reminding us (the audience) what happened previously and confirming that Marchal now knows how it was done. In any case, Philippe is Louis victim but definitely NOT Henriettes. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! No context is provided about who he is, no indication he is married. I do understand you are a fan of Philippe, but I dont understand why that nessitates that Henriette be viewed as the villian. The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. And the only reason she is such a powerful weapon against Philippe is because Philippe views her as nothing more than his property to do with as he wishes. ), I think your recaps are wonderful and I enjoy reading them every bit as much as I do watching the programme! And I see all the little things that Henriette says, her little gestures and actions that bring conflict and sadness to Philippe. Why? You mentioned the Charles Beaubrun painting of Louis & Philippewell I was noticing how this stunning piece travels around the palace in season one. Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Louvois and Marchal agree. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. Poisoned? Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! Thanks for your great reviews! I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. *That should have read historical figures not historical characters! 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). Sometimes, truth is stranger than fiction - and other times, period dramas take a little artistic license . Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. I think he has done his younger brother irreperable harm and, at times, I wonder if he wouldnt throw Philippe to the wolves if it suited him or France. All I could find were negative. Still, Louis suspicions had been aroused and he ordered an autopsy, which was performed by French doctors and witnessed by others sent from England. Marchal commands to clear the room, Louis adds: Not you, Montcourt. and the doors are sealed: no one enters. Charming. It is Louis, and not Henriette, whom I see as the one who does the greatest harm to Philippe. <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. Again, so so love your words. Historically, poison was definitely suspected in Henriette's death and briefly, here's how it went down: It was 1670 and Henriette was pissed off she couldn't be with Louis at Versailles, and of course Monsieur knew this, so he ordered her to accompany him to Saint Cloud. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? but it would cause her too much pain. SYNC. We are shown much more of Philippes inner mind and his relationship to Louis than anyone else. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. I dont know how others look at Henriettas character, but to me, shes just trying to survive and continue loving the man she loves, which is Louis. But Marchal continues calmly. Philippe is clearly shocked and my heart is just going HHHHHHHGGGGNNNNN. Anyway, back to the story. BRILLIANT acting. We were taking the air with our governess when we made a break for freedom. Bontemps wants to move her she cannot stay in the Kings bed. but Claudine says she cannot be moved. Philippe had a relationship with the man he loved while Henriette continued to sleep with the man she loved. Whew! 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. Did not see this one coming! After all, everything she did was unacceptable at that time for women and it was certainly acceptable to beat a woman, especially if she was a wife, sister or daughter. Finally, did the male medicin drink the vial of poison accidentally or on purpose? And who can blame her? In the early hours of 30 June, she died. Toodles. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Enriched my enjoyment of the show, and got a bit more educated on the courts history as well . you wanted to make it your castle. again, another shagging time between Henriette and Louis, when Louis friends have been murdered and she mentions the fact she was jealous of the dead woman. *Another side-note: When the Chavelier mentions that Louis does not look for beauty so much as character, umwas he talking about Henriette? The best visual of the whole episode. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. Lets just say, Henriettes jealous behaviour is a far cry less despicable than Philippes.). Josephine Wilkinson is an academic and author. He certainly is darker, more angry and violent than he was in real life. She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. And there is also Dangerous Liaisons, but that is set in the 18th century. A page for describing Characters: Versailles. Does Henriette mind being used by Louis? We must get the king and the queen and yourself to safety at once. And the penny drops for Bontemps, his look of dismay so clear. A side-note: On Sophie. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. He feels betrayed. Philippe has no interest in Henriette, is not attracted to her or in love with her. Pale and in obvious distress, she was put to bed, but her pains were so severe that she believed she must have been poisoned and asked for an antidote. I believe Louis did love her. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. Marchal, his shirt now stained with his wound, stumbles into the antechamber, to Bontemps and says: Listen to me. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? I hope the surgery went well, Heather! FOCUS. No one leaves. Such an angry outpouring from Louis, however, would have been out of character and no one else reported that he said any such thing. Henriette feels nothing for Philippe, he not having put any more effort into endearing himself to her than she to him and he also complicating things for her where Louis is concerned. Ive addressed each of your points, but it has run very long and I dont know if it will post in the comments section or not. Philippe adds: .or two, perhaps. And he strides off. 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. 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. She is a toy left to gather dust on the shelf and which Louis has taken from him just to prove that he can. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. Thanks for reading! 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. Do you see them now? You clever, clever bastard. I love these seemingly random yet distinct choices made by directors and production designers. Also thanks for your detailed and in depth reviews. Today you get the chance to kill a king! While hes saying this, Marchal behind them is taking out a knife, and suddenly he slides it across the floor, and Louis picks it up, and Montcourt lunges another candlestick is involved.. OMG And then Louis grabs Montcourt from behind and sinks the knife into him! Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. 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. He is genuinely distraught, going to a collapsed Henriette on the floor while Louis is just standing there, seemingly frozen. 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. 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. Ugh. She brought honour on herself and glory to our court. And Rohan chuckles and I well. Henriette wasnt asking the king to hire a hit on Philippe. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. Wow. Such emotion. Oh, Lord receive me she softly says, opens her eyes can you hear that? Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. but it is later, after they already speak with the guards in the background. I think we see fairly good evidence in episode 7 that not only does Philippe support his brother, but that he is honestly frightened of the idea of running the country and has no desire to take his brothers place (his anger at being overlooked for the regency is more due to his hurt that no one supports him or takes him seriouslyhis experience all his life). Easily tired, she withdrew whenever the party stopped for the night, usually going straight to bed. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. Henriette fulfills her duties with. 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. Of his power, of his country. 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. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. Neither of them showed much interest or affection for the other, both clearly preferring their lovers. 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. Henriette has become seriously ill, it might be poison and she is the sister of the King of England. Louis and Bontemps share a look between them a kind of wtf do we do now? Im thinking no. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. Your question misses the question, Montcourt replies cryptically. His belief was shared by Elizabeth-Charlotte, Philippes second wife, who named the culprits as Lorraine and the Marquis dEffiat, an equerry, who had acted without Philippes knowledge. If anything, his expression pays deference to her status as a princess, hes contemplating his own mortality. It can be quite shocking to us, but pretty much most children died before adulthood people mourned, mirrors were covered and a service held, but some didnt wait more than a few days before picking themselves up and going off to the next party or ball or soiree.
