Who seeks to harm Henriette? Enriched my enjoyment of the show, and got a bit more educated on the courts history as well . The camera pans around him and yet still, not one muscle is out of place, not one twitch of emotion. And for those who love her. Philippe replies ominously: we are all of us in sickness here. 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? Plus he told Louis he didnt recognise the sender of the notes which is technically true. Anne, Hi Jules They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. Your closest confidants told you to look elsewhere! Of course, nothing happened and the doctors said colic but nine hours later, she was dead. My bed your last stop before retiring. 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. She is a woman, she is his subject. (its only 16mins and 50 seconds in not that I was counting *innocent whistle*) Filmed in the Chteau de Maisons in Maisons-Lafitte, in the Salon dHercule, he strides past Montcourt, demands to know what he is doing. Only honestly acknowledging that Philippes glorious death in battlesomething that would not displease Philippe, himselfwouldnt necessarily break her heart. Henriette is just one more thing Louis takes from Philippe. He is clearly upset. How can people not see Rohans calculating glances, his sly little looks? In the early hours of 30 June, she died. In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. Point 7: Chevalier moves in on Henriette the moment her husbands back is turned. He sent poison to Paris, where it passed through several hands before ending up in the jug containing the chicory water. we then learn Henriette is Philippes wife. . #JesusTakeTheWheel What a scene. Nup. On the other hand, Ive never doubted for a moment Philippes loyalty to his brother or his love for him. The Henriette thing is just one more on the heaping pile of shit. It is a controlled grief. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Cue some fabulous visuals of doors closing, pikes crossing, the golden gates slamming shut and locking. As she made her last confession, the English ambassador, Lord Montagu, asked Henriette if she believed she had been poisoned. Last scene, with Louis silent and stoic, standing on a stone that overlooks a glorious view of the forest with Versailles in the distance. Her breath falters: Im scared. And the look on Louis and Philippes faces as they both lean in to comfort her *sobs* Philippe says gently: There is nothing to fear. Henriette: How do you know? Philippe: do you remember before you were born? You really point out a lot of details one might miss when watching the episodes for the first time. This is Louis in control, in power, and he delivers a malevolent, threatening banter that is fabulous to see. So thats why I believe that the most that Louis felt for Henriette was that he only loved her a little or to some degree but not enough. plus its almost as if he has something to say, to hide. , Question, did real Louis also love Henriette, or was it unrequited? This is such a clever production team impeccable writing, brilliant cast, sumptuous sets and costumes. The first time we see Philippe is with his lover. Charming. 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. 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. Philippe strides in slow-mo through the corridors, arms swinging, hair bouncing, coat swaying and with a tight, determined expression on his face. 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. It was quite the method du jour to get rid of a person, as the series has shown. These scenes are odd for me to watch, but by now, I have totally put aside any frustration when the show deviates from what I know of the actual history. 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. Despite being a dab hand at treating people who have been poisoned, the doc announces that she . Then he calls for the Guards. 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. Copyright 2023 History Today Ltd. Company no. Horrible man. Louis looks strained, says: I do not regret sending her. She also miscarries a baby that was either her husband Philippe's or the King's, no one is sure. Right away, I am feeling negative towards them both, and yes, judgey about Henriette. What a total prick ). Philippe was there in the woods and saved Louis from the wolves, but at the end of season one hes left Versailles. Claudine looks sad: this must be frightening for her. The cost is justified a hundred fold! ..And Philippes face that little sigh, the look he is incredulous. We establish right from the start that she has no powershe was forced to marry a man she did not want because the king wants to keep her close. Claudine Masson Fabien Marchal Henriette of England Henriette and Montespan Fabien and Sophie Isabella Braganza Claudine and Fabien Marie-Thrse and Montespan Versailles (series) Sophie de Clermont Philippe of France Henriette and Louis Philippe and Liselotte's Wedding Chevalier and Henriette Categories YAAAAAY! I kind of doubt it). She is subject to the whims and wishes of her king and lover, of her husband and even of her husbands lover. John Clare 191 subscribers Henrietta of England, Duchess of Orlans rushes to Louis XIV's chambers after being poisoned. 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. My biggest problem with Henriette/Louis is that I find it highly doubtful that Louis would have sex with her. 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 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. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. They fear she might have been poisoned, so King Louis XIV shuts all access To Versailles. 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. The two are not mutally exclusive. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. But here, now? Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. Is anyone else hoping Fabien takes her under his wing? We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. Louis approaches and she wakes. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. It happened so fast, but did Fabien Marshal shoot Charlotte Parthanay, and if so, why? 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. Remember, Henriette, as a woman, is completely powerless. These reactions perfectly suit and says a lot to their characters, plus George Blagden and Alex Vlahos as hugely talented actors. And suddenly Marchal has his ah-HA moment. Mainly wanted to know about Chevalier after last weeks tearful declaration of love. I do think it is out-of-character for the Philippe we know and love on the show, not just historically inaccurate, to force himself on her. And silently walks to the window. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. What shall I do! I blame it all on Louis! This girl is familiar she was at Henriettes bedside as the princess related the story of her first masked ball to Sophie. Because the whole world gave you counsel. thank you.. I thought so but no. Henriettes liver and intestines were found to be badly corrupted, while her duodenum, gall bladder and the lower portion of her abdomen were filled with evil-smelling bile. Louis is a shit to Philippe. Again, so so love your words. 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. and especially when he proved himself in battle and all of Paris cheered him and adored him. It is Louis, and not Henriette, whom I see as the one who does the greatest harm to Philippe. 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. They had children. First off, let me preface my response with the qualifier that I know very little about the historical figures on which these characters are based. I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. Anne. I also saw the subtle ways in which Henriette (and Louis) talked about him, how they wished he was not there. No wonder Philippe feels the need to claim what is his. Romantic wouldnt work, but she could become a protge of his. Ive said this before in comments. Now we are with Marchal, who is interrogating Henriettes ladies, Sophie included. However, lets assume they are both equally dire sins. The moment stretches and Claudine shakes her head: she will not survive the poison. We see a shot of Philippe and Louis: Philippe is stunned and mega sad. Earlier that day, a servant spotted one of Philippes mignons and Grand Equerry (Master of the Horse), the Marquis dEffiat, drink water stored in a cabinet near Henriettes chambers, wipe the glass, then go on his way. HOW DID THEY DO THAT SO PERFECTLY??? The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. He is the villain if you are looking for one. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? Philippe and Louis have all the best monologues and the writing is brilliant, so in character. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. There was an attempt on her life before. Glad to see he lives on, at least for awhile. Back with Marchal, interrogating Louvois this time. He gives as good as he gets and so much worse. What a pain! A day later, I was hooked. *Another side-note: When the Chavelier mentions that Louis does not look for beauty so much as character, umwas he talking about Henriette? 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. 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. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. It could also be argued that Philippe is relatively powerless, but only where Louis, his older brother and his king, is concerned. Nothing. Such was the hygiene of 17th century France. Theyve always known. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. 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. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. She actually says I could never love you well which does change the context somewhat. Back with the sick princess and Claudine is fiddling with potions while Henriette writhes and vomits blood. Here it is, mes amis! No doubt those in Philippes camp played on that too, to taint Henriette even more (Guiche UGH. So to me, this indicates hes still quite scared. Bontemps suddenly appears; Henriette has been calling. *Deeeeeep breath* Okay. Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. It is Louis who victimises Philippe and he does it in every way he can think of. She allows grief but only briefly. Quite a few. : . Something must be done! Louis demands and now NOW he is looking scared, helpless and not at all like the King. Both of them were in love with other people when they were forced to marry and they both were aware of that. 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. But I also know that their greatest plan has yet to show itself. the camera pans to Louis, Colbert, Louvois (clearly worried, as he should be), who says, but what if shes merely ill? Marchal: then your appetite will be merely inconvenienced, Louvois. Bontemps appears. Like only a brother can. Philippelooks into the fire, whispers, I was so proud of you. ), (*WTF. Is Philippe a victim? OMG!). Because Sophie steals any scene shes in with Henriette, hands down, and she even maintains a presence with Montespan, too, though Montespan is clearly the dominant one in most dynamics (the Chevalier excluded, of course swans fat flippers come to mind!) When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. Ive mentioned before that his intimate interactions with women in the show are used as a form of punishment towards those who have hurt him Louis (with Louise and Henriette) and the Chevalier (with the maid). Thanks for your great reviews! I could never love you more. We now join Rohan with the Dauphin, riding out with the Kings Guard. But lets compare: Henriette is jealous. Versailles 2015 - S01E10 - Bring the Garden Here (High MP4) (WEBM) (Aired: 14 Dec. 2015) Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. Now she is in a marriage that will never give her any joy with a man she does not love and she should risk displeasing her lover, the king, by rejecting him? Pot, meet kettle. I was highly frustrated with the artistic liberties the authors took, and some just pretty much made up shit, totally contrary to history . <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. Because he did feel something for her, despite her repeated betrayal of him, over and over. Did not see this one coming! After reading your review on epsiode 10, and reading that it ends with Philippe leaving Versailles, I thought back to epsiode one and the moment he finds Louis at his favorite spot in the woods. 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. Rohan grabs her by the throat, saying it is not yet clear to him what she has done to earn her money, then demands she clean his room before leaving. And Philippe says calmly and quietly: There. Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! Is there anything more beautiful than the scent of blossom in the air? Henriette gets out softly. Point 4: This point actually supports my own. Around 5pm on 29th June Henriette drank chicory water, then keeled over saying Ah! Louis orders the Versailles garden to be brought into Henriette's deathbed scene. We stake our claim or we are ploughed into the field. I think Teresa is being a bit naive re. 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. The fact that she could feel anything at all for him (beyond disgust) by the end surprises me. After doing an excellent job negotiating an alliance with England against the Dutch (which was then promptly overturned), Henriette returns to Versailles just in time to be poisoned and die in blood-soaked agony. Henriette is Philippes wife, his property, his to do with as he wishes. Philippe is no more vulnerable to the hurt and damage done to him than she is to the hurt and damage done to her, simply because he is a man with rights and she is a woman with no rights. I am a true friend of the king. but Louis knows. (Historical note: it was forbidden for the King to be in the presence of death. Im glad you like my reviews And I will most definitely continue on with reviewing S2. I will try, but I trust you wont publish it if you find it too long. Her confessor, however, urged her to accuse no one but to make her death an offering to God. The wedge is firmly being driven between Philippe and Louis, all their arguments and conflict and opposition for each other has been carefully constructed and built up over the last nine episodes, into this final one. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). Montcourt looks nervous, says he doesnt know what he means. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. NOOOOOOO. I think I enjoyed your reviews as much as the show itself. To spare his feelings? Revealing nothing. You sound worse than Montespan and de Clermont sparring over the card-tables! Ugh. Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for.