And then down by the promontory. 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. 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). Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. They have some banter, and Rohan invites the boy to play a game A game of war? The Dauphin says excitedly. (Historical note: mistresses were in competition with each other all the time, poison was effective and the murderer didnt have to deal with the messiness. UGH. Cultural factors, too, played a part. So Louis sequesters the palace. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. Im no Henriette fan, but Im so sorry, no, Philippe did not win the victim sweepstakes in that marriage. Colbert: You believe her highness is poisoned? Marchal replies cryptically: I believe. It would be an outrageous thought. Pity that they made his character too emo, too frustrated and angry with the world, when he actually was full of joie de vivre, always smiling, always chattering, always ready to find the good in every person and every sistuation. 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. 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. Montcourt denies it: No, Sire. What shall I do! Louis just nods, gives Philippe a look (who is standing near the doors, looking so alone and sad, I just wanna hug him!) In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles. Some were obviously written for massive impact. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Philippe adds: .or two, perhaps. And he strides off. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . But that was the thinking of the time. 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. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. Her father was King Charles I of England, her mother the youngest daughter of Henry IV of France and Marie de' Medici. Rohan took him riding. Then he screams out: CALL THE GUARD!. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. Just airing in the U.S. and Im having surgery Friday so I dont know if Ill catch it. Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. Aaaaaand now. 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. Philippe: my brother always trusted you. Claudine: I am honoured. Philippe whispers: I dont believe I know what it feels like. .. Emo Philippe, so dark and tortured! Henriette, however, happens to be in love with the king and, more importantly, it seems he with her. They grew up knowing what their duty was as prince and princess. When we are the kings enemy, we must make him believe we are his friend. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. Versailles / Characters - TV Tropes Here it is, mes amis! Henriette of England died in Saint-Cloud, not in Versailles. And that is the problem you face, Montcourt. As her husband, Philippe, rushed to her bedside, Henriette chided him, Alas, Monsieur, it is a long time since you loved me, but this is unjust. Alerted, Henriettes lady-in-waiting watched the duke closely, but he showed no indication of guilt and every sign that he was distressed by his wifes condition. Rohan. Bontemps is still confused: you told us Montcourt was to blame. How can he be so sure? Vatel (with Uma Thurman and Gerard Depardieu). The camera pans up to show the Queen on her knees in prayer, then a select few further back (I see Colbert, Louvois, Montespan, Sophie, Cassel). The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. A brief scene follows, showing Rohan and the Dauphin sword playing and pretending a jolly game of war in the forest, thenwe are back to the Kings bedchamber where Henriette sleeps and Philippe is outside in the antechamber, brooding by the fireplace as Louis walks in. Trusting Philippe and involving him in the running of France would make him a better, stronger king. you wanted to make it your castle. That was your promise to me. They could not be more different in this moment. 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. UGH D:. Louis is greeted by Bontemps in his chambers, who enquires about Henriettes health. Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. It is always Louis for her. A fabulous shot of Versailles under construction and we are back inside, in Louis' chambers conducting business. Now that *would* be naive. 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. In Ep 3, I believe this is the first time we see the painting, it is in Louiss chambers, to the left of the fireplace on an easel on the floor. First off let me say that I absolutely love your reviews of Versailles, Ms. Jules. A hundred years ago. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. 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. 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. 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. Anyhow, just wanted to say Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its U.S. cable home. Two steps behind him, as protocol dictates, is the Chevalier. The advice you took came from only one source. the door opens, and Montespan enters. Louis decides to go to Paris to bless the sick. 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. Thatd do it. I just rot an extremely long omment Do you even think hed allow her to end things? Right. Youre brought up, its your duty. ! Louis is stunned: Why are you casting all this rage at me? Philippe: Because you deserve it. That Henriette was such an effective way of hurting Philippe is down to Philippes viewing her as his property, not because he felt any true affection for her (at least, not until closer towards the end, when I do believe he really does care). 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. We cut to the forest, to the two Kings Guards in their blue livery, leaning by a tree as Rohan and little Louis still mock fight. Wow that was odd. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. Says you made me marry him. No one enters. In perfect sync. To which Marchal says: you are the daughter of a Huguenot conspirator to the King, funded and supported by William of Orange. But Sophie says her mother paid that price, she is merely trying to survive and thought Marchals protection would ensure it. Why is this so? Not long to go now, and we are with Marchal, who lies in bed, wakes suddenly and touches his stomach wound, which bleeds through the bandage. When we are far away, we must make him believe we are near. In Versailles, Madame de Clermont is running round like a blue-arsed fly having discovered that her poison has gone missing. She coudnt have said no if shed wanted to. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. Much kudos to Nomie Schmidt for a brilliantly sad scene, aided by the backing music and the strength and emotion of George Blagden and Alex Vlahos. There are a few movies I enjoy that are fairly accurate. IDK??? Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. 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. yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. And silently walks to the window. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Really enjoyed reading your reviews, which I found halfway the show. 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. (Same with the Chevalier and his jealousy of Philippes wives. YAAAAAY! As to fiction I found the ones I did read ended up thrown against the wall. Id be happy with either, tbh! "Versailles" and I met by chance on Netflix. But Louis, he just wanted her close, and so married her to his brother. 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. Later on, we see the portrait back in Louiss chamber Versailles 2015 TV series, shows/cartoon,anime,magma/Documentaries Once again, Louis behaviour, as reported here, is uncharacteristic. And the person either asserts himself or is subjugated to the will of others. Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? Therefore, my thoughts are strictly about the characters. If Id been in her shoes, I think Id have given a flat affirmative. He is clearly upset. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. Louis reels off a list of people who were with Henriette on her journey, people that must be interrogated. I have never posted a comment on your website before and this will be the first time that I have ever written a comment here. Then she says: can you feel my skin? And reaches out first to Louis, then Philippe. I risked my life for your vanity, to rescue your wifes dowry. Louis: I acted for France because I AM FRANCE! Philippe remains stoic this time its Louis getting angry and we know why. As Mme de Svign wrote: She was taken ill and died within eight hours, and we have lost with her all the joy, all the charm and all the pleasures of the Court. You couldnt guarantee any would survive. Hes just having some fun. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? 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. Yes, absolutely. In this respect, they are both on fairly equal footing. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. plus its almost as if he has something to say, to hide. The episode starts in Madame de Montespans bed, with Louis awake and staring at the ceiling. Versailles 1x10 - Henrietta is poisoned - YouTube He cripples himself with his own paranoia. Nor can I hold her responsible for the fact that Louis uses her as a weapon against his brother. Gaston de Foix was arrested and tortured as the potential poisoner by Fabien. for all of these. She is subject to the whims and wishes of her king and lover, of her husband and even of her husbands lover. Your question misses the question, Montcourt replies cryptically. I very much enjoyed reading them and especially liked your additional facts about the historical events and figures. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Does all this excuse Philippe raping Henriette? Spooks), it was no surprise when this drama arrived with a hearty dollop of sex, violence, tension, and intrigue. Gladly. Louis is disbelieving: And sacrifice your future to see me suffer? Philippe glances around the salon then says: What does a King know of sacrifice?, Louis cant believe it. Philippe replies, almost resignedly: Im not asking for permission. P.S. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. SYNC. Claudine confirms: We have no choice. 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. At least there is a modicum of decorum. 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. The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. I also read your discussion between yourself and Teresa about episode 10. How can you be scared? (sweet Philippe!) then goes into the bedchamber. 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. We stake our claim or we are ploughed into the field. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. but it is later, after they already speak with the guards in the background. Season Two Mike and the last of Rohans men are massacred in a last stand by the musketeers, led by Fabien Marchal. Bontemps wants to move her she cannot stay in the Kings bed. but Claudine says she cannot be moved. 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. oh sorry, wrong show). Point 9: And again, who can blame her. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. The camera pans up and it is a truly magnificent sight, flowers everywhere. What a great mix of observation and humor. 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. Also I have to add SPOILER ALERT!!!! We will never know if Louis and Henriette ever did consummate their attraction, but the gossip of the time most definitely swayed in that direction. It is a controlled grief. Quite a few. We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. UGH, Henriette. Oh, and was it common in this era to talk about new marriages literally 2 minutes after your wife/husband died? 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. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Thank you. 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). Philippe turns to the guards, stands patiently at the crossed pikes as Louis stares at his back. Would you villify a slave because he hated his master or ran away simply because slavery was accepted at that time and slaves (much like women, little difference there) were considered nothing more than the property of their masters to do with as they please (again, just as a woman was to her husband)? He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. I just wanna smash his smug ferret face. And it certainly wasnt the unwavering, steadfast, loyal or constant love that one would most want from a beloved one. But here, now? I could never love you morewell. And Philippe replies gently: You did the best you could. Tears now from Henriette: how handsome you both are. And now we are in the last throes of her last moments it hurts and she cannot breathe, they move the pillow. I couldnt honestly say. Fashion. Louis and her smile about it. Louis staggers to his feet, Montcourt bleeding out on the floor, and he goes to Marchal, who has collapsed near the fireplace. She stays. Philippe: And so do I.. Dieu. In between re-watching S1, of course. poison, death and departures Versailles episode 10. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. Henriette fulfills her duties with. Check Ovation for times and how you can watch Ovation in your area. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. Louis adds, almost contemptuously: you never understood politics. We see Louis expression crumple, and he blinks, almost disbelievingly, and then Philippe is out the door. ), Back to Louis outside his bed chamber, where Henriettes screams of pain can be heard. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. 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. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). Snake! 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. Philippe raping his wife. NOT AT ALL acceptable in the eyes of pretty much everyone. Is she a villain for this because of the thinking of the day? But of course, she wants to know what happened to her mother in exchange for that information. She is gravely ill. Montespan pauses for a second, then declares she must go to her (because you know, Montespan is supposed to be one of her ladies-in-waiting). And Louis is still on a roll, caught up in his speech about grandeur and nobility and the endurance of a legacy: .the song we sing here, brother, I mean it to be played forever. And suddenly, as he stares at Philippe, his face alight with the emotion of a true believer, the cries of Henriette are heard. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. 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. Louvois and Marchal agree. First of all, ladies, stop spewing vitriol. According to the Savoyard ambassador, the king vowed that, if Henriette had indeed been poisoned, those involved would be tortured to death, including the chevalier de Lorraine, Philippes favourite, if he were implicated. I know this coming years later, but to Theresa THANK YOU SO MUCH. Still with the playing of games, the half-truth words. Just because women were denied their personhood does not mean they were not human beings who felt as any human being might feel. Why? In one of the episodes did we see Clermont messing with the doctors box of bottles.. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. Louis approaches and she wakes. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. He was distraught when she died, and was fully intent on punishing those responsible (as poison was indeed thought to have killed her). Henrietta 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, who had recently returned to the Royalist side. And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? My thoughts on that notorious Henrietta/Philippe scene in episode one is that it is entirely out-of-character for Philippe as we get to know him through the rest of the series. Dear Anne, Im guessing I know a fair bit more about rape, the history of rape, the history of rape within marriage and womens rights (and lack thereof) than you realise. And she is the only one who knew who prepared Henriettes chicory water. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. 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.

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