No, of course she doesnt. 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. I was never a fan of the character of Henriette, I just cant see how she wronged Philippe more than he did her. So anyways, off we go. The rape scene was repugnant and Phillipes actions were out of character with the Phillipe we saw in the rest of the season. Pot, meet kettle. Thatd do it. No. I do like that though they have their disagreements, Bontemp genuinely respects Fabien, and despite his anger, I think Louis does too. I was more appalled at Louis seeming lack of concern for his brothers life. Duchess Henriette becomes suddenly ill when she returns from a visit to her brother in England. But I still dont get why he doesnt just dob them both in.? But gossip is gossip and it was particularly rife and vicious in those days. 1556332. What a great mix of observation and humor. He looks nervous and steps to Cassel, but Cassel rises and bows, along with everyone, as Louis enters. I just wanted to tell you that I enjoy your reviews and will keep reading them through saison 2. But to his brother? And here is where Im a bit uncertain, but didnt she make that remark after Philippe raped her? All of these things have the power to change a nation from within. This scene is barely seconds long, but oh, so telling as to her character. 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. From the bed, Henriette says pitifully, Dont leave me and straight away, we know who that is aimed at. Jacques 10 episodes, 2015 . Especially as her lover was the king. And Louis weeps. Hes just having some fun. We see a quick shot of Montcourts body being dumped from a cart into the muddy swampiness, to join other rotting, decaying bodies. Anne. Ah, but not so devout that Louis followed all the teachings. The Mysterious Death of Henriette, Duchesse dOrlans, Toad Testicles, Foul-Beard and Broad-Arse. Louis has not (even though yeah, okay, protocol). He tucks Louis in then gets into his small cot (that looks like a camping bed), fully clothed. Thanks for the correction I listened to that audio over and over but couldnt quite get the last word! The camera hovers over the prone Henriette then pans up from the bed, like we are her soul being released from her body. We are NOT touching her! Philippe finally says. *Deeeeeep breath* Okay. you wanted to make it your castle. 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. *insert sound of breaking heart here*. Oh, and she was the one who prepared Henriettes tea. The Chevalier is still silent, still focused on Henriette. 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? He was a noble, he knew the rules.) The door suddenly opens, Claudine walks sombrely in. Our dear Henriette. Are there more shows you will review? He is the villain if you are looking for one. I neglected to include the phrase in my opinion. You did this to her. Louis looks shocked: Brother. Philippe will have none of it: We warned you. Only 4 of his children grew up, and even then, another died at 27. Love your delicious commentary, brava! He is genuinely happy to see the Chevalier and shows it. 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. Henriette says a glorious death in battle would not displease him. 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. Yes, of course its common knowledge that Louis is shagging Henriette. 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. And Louis, who is being so totally duped, is convinced by Rohan to take his son, the Dauphin, out to ride, so he is far away from the cries of pain. 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). Dieu. 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 stands outside: her life is in your hands, he says ominously. Who poisoned Henriette in Versailles? I have known your website for some time now but hadnt had much time to write a post until now. Ugh. Versailles (TV Series 2015-2018) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Louis is calm but angry: then you set yourself against me. Philippe pauses, looks incredibly sad for a moment, then briefly nods. He sent poison to Paris, where it passed through several hands before ending up in the jug containing the chicory water. We see this SO MANY TIMES it becomes frustrating and sad. I couldnt honestly say. The two are not mutally exclusive. poison, death and departures Versailles episode 10. And our enemies have stopped at nothing to destroy it. 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. He takes her hand and closes his eyes and for a moment he is vulnerable. 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. Hold onto this moment, I told you. Her mother (a french princess) is dead, and shes alone, probably the only English in the palace. 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!!! Henriette says to Philippe: Im sorry. 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. So Louis sequesters the palace. He remembers too. We defended our position from the Spanish all morning and in honour of your distinguished service. 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. Henriette of England | Versailles Wiki | Fandom his majesty knew this day would come. Guilt often manifests itself in an outward show of rage. To affect the hearts and minds of people. She is in such a tizzy that she barely gives her daughter, Sophie, the. That was your promise to me. Lord. And silently walks to the window. I think he also wants reassurance that Louis cares for him as much as he cares for Louis. I first read your reviews right after watching the entire series and then again after recently rewatching all 30 ep again. ? But Sophie declares she has no life: what her mother told her was a lie. The Kings son. A European history-geek friend told me about this show yesterday, so I binge watched the entire series. The Angelique series of movies from the 60s are highly camp, and put Philippe in a terrible light, but they are funny. 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. Hi Jules, I must thank you for your detailed writeup of all ten episodes of Versailles. Montcourts eyes drop to Louis hand and suddenly he pulls a knife. How do we find the poisoner? Then Montcourt, the sly little worm, implies that Marchal will cop shit if Henriette dies and no culprit is found, and that Marchals judgement is lacking due to the whole de Clermont thing. Beating your wife was also quite legal, acceptable and, indeed, expected. A side-note: On Sophie. The Queen rushes to her side as she collapses and Louis commands Bontemps to fetch his doctor. You dont get to my age and experience with your naivete still intact. The three remaining lived to be 59, 49 and 68. A rant about the UK press and their Versailles reviews. Speculation that Henriette had been poisoned began straight away. Philippes distress is written all over his face, while Louis just looks angry, eyes flinty, mouth flat, jaw clenched. Bontemps is a little freaked: Th-this is highly irregular, your Majesty. But the IDGAF expression on the Queens face is priceless. While it seems like shes being unfair to Philippe, he doesnt really put up an effort to make himself lovable most of the time. What about the angels? he asks, after Montcourt nervously says hes been praying for Henriette. But Montespan kind of brushes it off with, Yes, I would do the same. She is hurt, nonetheless. Youre brought up, its your duty. But, this is my interpretation or thoughts based on the real life events. Both felt neglected by the other. Henriette wanted to go!). His face may be handsome but now he just reminds me of a ferret. A yellow Spanish topaz, buried in the mud. King Louis is in a bit of a pickle. 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. Hi, Philippe was the one in strident dissent! Then he looks to Rohans hand tapping on the stone, decorated with a ring and the penny drops. Music. Montcourt is confused. BRILLIANT acting. 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. I can see where the series cliffhanger is heading, besides the obvious unmasking of Rohan as a traitor. I especially like the pairing of her and Marchal. The mortality rate was very high, thats why people had so many children so often. Grrrr well Im not writing all that over again. Lovely. Snake! 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. They could be far away from the victim at the time of death, so it would be difficult to definitively pin on anyone. Montcourt is stabbed by Louis XIV while facing off with him and Fabien Marchal. The rape thing was upsetting. And she was having an affair with the Comte de Guiche. Id be happy with either, tbh! 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. Point 9: And again, who can blame her. 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!) Another grabs him, covers his mouth, and more appear to shoot a guard. Louis turns in slow-mo, the expression on his face revealing nothing. More of an extreme sadness at his wifes pain. Admittedly, its in the middle of a shag, when she is distracted, but still. Lot of time on my hands at the momentLULZ. I knew hed say that line! In my opinion, I agree with Teresa. For her lot to improve, she could only hope for things to happen. BRILLIANT acting. Hi, Finally, the king weeps for his love, when he is alone. It is one or the other. Philippe replies calmly: You acted out of pride. Despite being a dab hand at treating people who have been poisoned, the doc announces that she . Incest or homosexuality? And stunned when Louis says shes in his bedchamber. Versailles: Season One Episode Ten - Ruminating Rosie I also cannot figure out why Louis and others speak freely in front of the guards when even they are unsure of their loyalty.. And just like that, the light dims in his eyes, his face twists and his zealotry is gone. Louis is a shit to Philippe. Henriette gasps, crying and in pain. Louis pauses, shocked, Marchal grabs his belly, echoing that look, and Im all NOOOOOO! She is in love with him and, as you say, it seems its been going on for a long time. keep him occupied in body and mind, adds Louis with a brief smile. Henriette 12 episodes, 2015-2017 Anatole Taubman . When an autopsy was done (observed by 17 French doctors, two English physicians, the British ambassador and around 100 other onlookers) death was deemed to be from cholera morbus (gastroenteritis) caused by heated bile. The poor Chevalier, accused when he wasnt even there! She rises and silently leaves, then more people walk in to pay their respects the Chevalier included. Not only did they grow up together but they were first cousins and Louis was a devout Catholic. You, me, Henriette. Then he calls for the Guards. 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. I wonder what theyve got in store for us. Dieu. The characters almost act as it never happened. Louvois has been a kind of double agent all along, directed by Louis himself to assume the role of critic and conspirator. Philippe turns to the guards, stands patiently at the crossed pikes as Louis stares at his back. Aaaaaand there we have the end of the episode and the end of Season One. Royal FamilyKing Louis XIV Arranged Marriage: To Marie-Thrse Boom, Headshot! Henriette wasnt asking the king to hire a hit on Philippe. In any case, Philippe is Louis victim but definitely NOT Henriettes. 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? Only a year or so to go until a new season arrived on fledgling network Ovation, its U.S. cable home. The Chevalier looks a little panicky or is it my imagination? P.S. Seems likely in the show (historically, this is not so the case at all). We see Louis take what is rightfully and lawfully his his wife. Since the first stone was laid in this expansion. I think Philippe will always blame Louis for Henriette's death, and I can't see when they'll ever be reconciled again. Do you even think hed allow her to end things? (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. 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. A goodbye to 'Versailles,' TV's best show you probably never watched Philippe and Henriette were forced into a marriage with someone they didnt love or care for. It is always Louis for her. The final review of the finaleof Versailles. Im thinking no. Anything Henriette had done to Philippe, he had done to herand worse. 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. 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. Is it a bigger crime than boy love? Versailles - Louis/Philippe/Henriette - Her Last Ball - YouTube We learn that she has loved Louis since they were children. Point 5: Ah, Henriettes remark about Philippes glorious death in battle. They are singing. Minor detail maybe, but not sure if that doesnt change the meaning of the next bit somewhat? When we are near, we must make the enemy believe we are far away. 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). Societal expectations do not alter basic human reality. 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. Perfectly written line is delivered perfectly by perfect actor. What will be his legacy? 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. We were young. Let me know when the doctor arrives, Louis says, and leaves. As for Philippe, I cant make out what he is. Point 6: Not her greatest moment, no. Yes, it was the thinking of that time but wouldnt that make her a victim of circumstances, rather to be pitied than villified? She is used by the king to hurt his brother. In between re-watching S1, of course. But unlike Philippe, Henriette never snogged her lover obnoxiously right there in the same room with him. Thank you so much for your in depth response to my question. 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. 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. PERFECT. Right away, I am feeling negative towards them both, and yes, judgey about Henriette. yet so satisfying to watch because.. yeah. To bring them over to us. Especially in S1, I got the feeling that they gave a lot of Lorraines personality traits/reactions/behaviour to Philippe. There is no change. I find it interesting that Louis feels the need to add: she came to find me, to put the doubt on Montespans face to rest. It unfortunately follows that her absence would weaken you. Philippe had a relationship with the man he loved while Henriette continued to sleep with the man she loved. It is my experience that it is only those closest to a man that can inflict the greatest pain. Basically he can do what he wants, but she is not allowed to. 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. Henriette mentions the issues she has with the Chevalier. We see his offer to help refused time and time again. I COMMAND YOU! and the guards step back. 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. Okay, Im gonna walk you through what I see, so bear with me. She also miscarries a baby that was either her husband Philippe's or the King's, no one is sure. 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. While making this video i was inspired by the scene when Henriette talks about her first mask ball. The Dauphin. Louis and Philippe approach the bed, to the dying Henriette who looks really bad. Shes genuinely quite sweet, but tenacious something Im sure our Head of Security will appreciate). Thank you (and I agree with you on all pints!!! He took the bottle to drown his sorrows as it were, after he hit Claudine, feeling remorse, I would think. 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. Yes, it was common to talk about marriage that soon! the kiss between the Chevalier and Philippe happens after the war, after Philippe has seen Louis bring Henriette to the front. Montcourt turns and quickly leaves. Even Louis at this stage is getting sick of it and announces he is going to war. The sad irony here is, I do think Louis cares very much for Philippe but he cannot let his armour of paranoia down enough to recognise Philippes loyalty and the fact that he can trust his brother. Thanks for your great reviews! Marchal picks up the dropped knife and lunges and he and Montcourt trade a few blows, with Marchal blocking then delivering a punch. Philippe raping his wife. Louis walks in and replies: because I ask him to do so. Ahhhhh-HA! I choose to believe it was a mistake on the writers part and will simply fast forward over it when I rewatch. 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. 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. AAAAAAHHH. 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. The king himself suspected that Henrietta might have been poisoned and ordered an autopsy to be carried out. ), Back to Louis outside his bed chamber, where Henriettes screams of pain can be heard. 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? NOOOOOOO. Louis XIV was born on 5 September 1638 in the Chteau de Saint-Germain-en-Laye, to Louis XIII and Anne of Austria. 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. And the person either asserts himself or is subjugated to the will of others. I do understand you are a fan of Philippe, but I dont understand why that nessitates that Henriette be viewed as the villian. Only Versailles is now about as sexy as Robot Wars. Points 1 and 2: We establish that both people are in love with someone else. He is beyond selfish and his cruel behaviour is at the root of all of their misery. The one she loves the most. Louis: you are grieving. Philippe shakes his head: I grieve alone. Louis swallows then says: You will marry again. Philippe interjects: I simply want to live. Louis: It is your duty. Philippe hisses: I have had my fill of duty. Henriette portrayed by Pierre Mignard, 17th century, Henriette, Duchesse d'Orlans, the sister-in-law of Louis XIV, took a drink of her usual chicory water and immediately clutched her side, crying out in pain. The death of someone so young was often attributed to poison. Much later, the courtier Saint-Simon offered his own thoughts. 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. I have one comment / correction on what you wrote on Henriettes death scene. Claudine tries to give her something for the pain but she wont swallow, her throat is closing up. Henriette is viewed as property. At the time of her death, it was widely believed that Henrietta had been poisoned and the prime suspects were her husband, Philippe and/or his lover, the Chevalier de Lorraine. I blame it all on Louis! Mike did. Another scene now, with Rohan getting ready for his ride, and a servant girl by the name of Marie entering, demanding her money. I hope the surgery went well, Heather! He was brought up and ruled as absolute monarch, and believed for the good of France. In the show Philippe tries time and again to offer his support and love, but is constantly betrayed or rejected (this happened with the historical figures, too. I kind of doubt it). No one leaves. Louis looks mega pissed. 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.