What better way to start my new blog than to talk about Canal+ new series spectacle, Versailles? And as I do this I will discuss certain aspects that are within my realms of experience – mainly, the writing.
So let’s get the major issue aside right now – the history. Yes, it is a show about historical figures – Louis XIV and his mistresses, his brother Philippe, Duc d’Orleans, and their many loves and conflicts, all set within what is, in my opinion, the greatest palace in the world. Versailles. It is a time period I know well, and hold dear to my heart. (I am by no means a historian, rather a rabid lover of history, le Grand Siècle, in particular, and have done a lot of reading and research on it, both for the pure love and also for my writing-in-progress).
Let’s get this clear – this series isn’t a documentary. It was never touted as ‘an historical account’. It’s fiction. David Wolstencroft, one of the show’s writers, has publicly said he was interested in the iceberg below the surface, the stories that could have happened behind the official accounts. Sure, there are story lines I thought were a stretch, given what I know. The timeframe was condensed, a few events merged into one. Some events displaced or overlooked all together. Characters that I knew would not act or talk a certain way in real life. But in this day and age of waning attention spans, of audiences wanting more and expecting more, you have to write something that not only attracts viewers but has to be approved by those financing your project. And of course, extend beyond the first season.
So, putting that aside…. Versailles is a glorious, sumptuous marvel. Filmed at the Chateau de Versailles and Vaux le Vicomte, the visual impact is amazing and we get the full scope of how magnificent the palace was (yes, I have actually been to Versailles, and yes, it is stunning). How I wish I saw this on the big screen!
The other drawcard for me is the characters. While I expected the usual historical players, I was pleasantly surprised by the fictional ones, too. I love character, seeing what makes people tick, what motivates them. And I was not disappointed. Each character, either major or minor, brings something to the show. And I think this is the key to any historical fiction – approach it as a story and not as a text book lesson.
So now let’s start with my thoughts on the series itself, episode by episode. *WARNING – what follows is rife with spoilers so if you don’t want to know, go off and watch the episode. It’s okay. I’ll wait.
EPISODE ONE
This is the first of two eps written by Jalil Lespert, and we open in the year 1667 with Louis XIV (George Blagden) dreaming of his mothers death last year, his distraught brother Philippe at her bedside (protocol did not allow the King to be present). Straight away this creates empathy – something powerful and emotional that resonates. We also see the start of his obsession with building a magnificent palace, a place where he will reign and command his nobles, a place that will not just be a building, but a community and home. We also see his vulnerability and his burning desire to become a great and powerful king, and discover there is a plot afoot to assassinate him. And so he calls for his brother, Philippe Duc d’Orleans (Alexander Vlahos)….
And our first introduction to Philippe aka Monsieur and his favourite, the Chevalier de Lorraine (Evan Williams), is as surprising as it is amusing. Let’s just say it sets the tone for their whole intense, tempestuous relationship 😀
In these first few scenes we see Louis’ vulnerability and the dynamic of his and Philippe’s relationship, which is a delicious yet frustrating power play (and is revealed more in further episodes). Brotherly jealousy, yes, but also complex and deep, a test of trust and faith. Well done, George and Alex!
Louis wants to build Versailles on the existing spot where his father’s hunting lodge stands. Expand and improve, that is his plan. We see this obsession also through the eyes of Philippe, who is opposed to the idea, and his various advisors (Louvois, Colbert) who say he cannot afford the expense. But the King is determined to have his palace.
We are introduced to Bontemps (Stuart Bowman), Louis’ efficient and loyal valet. I love Bontemps, who has much more depth than just a walk-on cut out secondary character. We see Louis through his eyes, and he advises his king on occasion, which makes him an important person in the story.
And we also meet a few fictional characters – ambitious Madame de Clermont (Amira Casar) and her daughter Sophie (Maddison Jaizani), Fabien Marchal (Tygh Runyan), Louis’ Chief of Police, and Louis’ doctor, Masson (Peter Hudson) and daughter Claudine (Lizzie Brocheré), who is also studying medicine, a risky occupation for women at the time.
Okay, permit me a moment to drool over the character of Fabien Marchal… “My name is Fabien Marchal. My work protects the King. Welcome to Versailles.” 🙂
He is ruthless, dark, extremely smart, troubled and yet with a depth to the darkness. He is not evil, yet he does truly horrible things. But I forgive him because a) he is doing it to protect his king, b) brains, even in someone borderline bad, is sexay, and c) I know there’s something more to his facade and I’m interested in finding out what.
Moving on….
Louis wants to build his palace, Philippe thinks it’s ridiculous. “Do you have my back?” Louis wants to know. “Where am I now?” is the reply (this statement is reiterated throughout the series, and it is obvious Louis needs this verbal reminder of his brother’s loyalty). We see Philippe’s desire to help Louis, willingly giving his loyalty and faith, but Louis always manages to rebuke the offer, and take much more from his younger brother. You see, Philippe has been groomed since birth to be the lesser brother, to not outshine the Sun King. Historically, this is true, as a weak, powerless sibling who is financially dependent would not rise up against the King, unlike Louis XIII and his brother Gaston, which resulted in The Fronde (the rebellion of French nobles that Louis dreams about and fears).
So. Now we have the Chevalier de Lorraine planting lofty ideas in Philippe’s mind… “and what would you do, on that day, with all that power?” And we are also witness to their intriguing dynamic. Lovers, friends, confidantes. But the Chevalier is the dominant one in this relationship – a sassy, sarcastic and charming man with ambitions for Philippe… and naturally, himself.
As an aside, I have to say Lorraine and Monsieur are consistent with the fictional characters as the writers have set them up, however, they are markedly different from the historical figures that I know and have researched for a few years now. After I reconciled myself to that fact, I could better enjoy the show. Consistency in character is important for viewers – they want a good story and be entertained – and I think they will be. If they don’t know the history, they most likely won’t care how the show differs from that.
So back to the show… through various conversations and the eyes of the characters, we are shown how life is really like for members of court (“you’re either looking or being looked at.”) There’s a bit of violence as Marchal interrogates prisoners, showing us he is not adverse to getting what he wants. And Louis and his various love affairs are introduced – Louise De La Valliere, ( Sarah Winter) a mistress who has lost favour. Henriette (Naomie Schmidt), Philippe’s wife, who has loved Louis since she was a little girl. Marie-Thérèse ( Elisa Lasowski), the Queen, who is expecting a baby. And the soon-to-be new mistress, Madame de Montespan (Anna Brewster). Louis is a man of large sexual appetite (yes, he was) and demanded excellence in all things. Lots of lovely conflict here, much of which comes from Philippe and Louis: their clashes as each tries to exert dominance, Philippe’s increasing frustration at his lesser role of younger brother, Henriette’s love for Louis and her obvious preference for him, which in turn disappoints and angers Philippe, despite his obvious conviction to not let it show (played with such restrained angst and yet so much rage…. excellent, Monsieur Vlahos!)
Another aside… Henriette (or Minette, as she was affectionately known) as a historical figure is not someone I look on favourably. There are Minette lovers out there because she was charming and witty and delightful to be around, the life of the party. But she also treated Monsieur in the most horrible of ways, flirting with Louis less than a month into their wedding, and quite possibly sleeping with him, too. She most certainly betrayed Monsieur by sleeping with his favourite of the time, the Comte de Guiche (a horrible little man but let’s not go there right now). So let us just say I am not a Minette lover at all. And this was my main struggle with the show, because it portrays Henriette as sweet, charming, a little naive (but she’s in love and is allowed to have heart eyes, oui) and also appears terribly neglected by her husband, who prefers the company of his lover the Chevalier over all else. A man who does not like her in the slightest.
See what I mean by building character? If I don’t even think about the history, I am actually kind of sympathising with Henriette, even though I am a card-carrying, die hard Monsieur/Chevalier fangirl, through and through. And there is the matter of Louis bedding his brother’s wife: “I will have you tell me everything he (Philippe) says and everything he does.” …….Such is Louis’ distrust, even of his brother.
We see some dissatisfaction within the noble ranks and trouble brewing, talk of an uprising. We also get an excellent understanding of how life is truly like for the king and his ‘celestial bodies’ as explained in analogy by Marchal: “You, Sire, are the sun. And around you circulates not just our celestial court, but those who seek to harm you. You have ministers who openly defy you. Nobles who pay no tax yet believe France is theirs, not yours. Then, beyond our borders… the Dutch, Spain, the English and Holy Roman Empire. All who surround you will smile, and they will deal. But they would all see you destroyed, Sire. A strong France scares them, as well it should.” This dissent is Louis’ external conflict, one he will struggle with throughout the first season. This is constant for him and creates suspicion and frustration as he tries to maintain command and power over his ever-increasingly dissatisfied subjects. And in these moments of frustration Louis gains insight and wisdom from Bontemps and his gardener-and-former-soldier, Jacques (Gilly Gilchrist). This is very clearly the Mentor at work (for those of you familiar with Christopher Vogler’s seminal The Hero’s Journey on story writing) and I find this Jacque fascinating, another one with a murky past and different facets. As with all the characters introduced, I found myself wondering who was pro- or anti-Louis – a great way to become emotionally invested in the story!
Louis reveals his plans to build “…a new temple here. A royal tabernacle of the sun. A dwelling place of the divine and of the people” to his courtiers. He so does love commanding centre stage, and his little kingly speeches full of wit and supreme confidence are perfectly written.
Episode 1 also establishes The Ordinary World – a sense of the complicated intrigues of court life – the passing of notes, the gossip rife in corridors, salons…. even church. We also have another clash between Louis and Philippe where it is obvious Philippe is exercising power in his own way – by purchasing new shoes to the tune of 50,000. When Louis questions him, he replies “You haven’t seen the shoes.” 🙂 And so another exchange to remind Philippe of his vow – Louis: “When I asked if you had my back, I meant guard it. Not remove it.” Philippe: “You build your palace, I wear my clothes.”
Some wonderful conflict here, as Philippe yearns to go to war and his frustration is glaringly evident when Louis refuses. I get the feeling this desire is genuinely for the glory of King and country, and not just self-serving. He is eager to show Louis his skills but Louis does not like this idea. At all. Lord, I can almost taste Philippe’s frustration at being denied. (curse you, Louis!)
Philippe: “I have your back but what do I get? Respect? No. Power…? No.” Louis: “I give you money to throw away.” The scene ends with Philippe declaring, “you never were good at sharing.”
Aaaaaand then we come to a scene that resulted in me screaming “Oh, hell noooo!” at my computer screen. Philippe goes to his wife, she mentions his brother, which only angers him more (you can see it so plainly – bravo, Monsieur Vlahos!), she asks what he wants and he says “I think I want a son. Just like my brother.” There is a struggle, Philippe shoves her to the table and…… the scene ends.
Okay, this is SO not what historical Philippe would do. Not at all. He could hardly bear to be touched by a woman, much less force himself on one. But this Philippe? Yes. I can believe that. He is furious and frustrated with his brother and he is claiming his territory (aka his wife) any way he knows how. Totally understandable. Totally believable. *Additional note* … I find it interesting and very telling that he turns her into the table, not facing him. So he does not have to look at her as he does his husbandly duty. This tells me a lot. Guilt? Disgust? Or imagining someone else so he can actually do the deed? Probably a bit from all these columns.
And so we come to the final scene – the birth of the royal baby. A black baby. *dark, foreboding music of ominous intent plays*
There we have it – Episode 1. Great set up for the next episode, which has created lots of questions that need to be answered, and established the characters, their motivations and their conflict. I am already invested in the story. I am intrigued by Louis’ vulnerability combined with his almost obsessive determination to be the best king ever. And Philippe and Lorraine….? YES PLEASE.
Oh, and the song in the opening credits? O. M. G. The most perfect tune if ever there was one (Outro by M83, if you want to chase it down and play it on repeat as I’m currently doing).
Great work! I can tell how much passion you have for the subject matter, and I appreciate your ability to separate that (the factual history) from the fictional world of the show and judge it accordingly. Not everyone can do that.
To explain my feelings about Henriette, ha. Not knowing anything about her historically, here’s what happened for me: the first two episodes I loathed her. They showed her cheating, and scheming, and even suggesting that if Philippe went to war me may die and maybe that would be a good thing. And then as the episodes went on, they built her context and spent time showing the underlying friendship (again, I understand entirely fictional!) between she and Philippe going back to childhood. When he could back down from his anger and jealousy and pain, the viewer could see the empathy between them. By the end, I believed they had great affection for one another- though not at all of the romantic type. So, while completely historically inaccurate, I thought it showed some very good writing to move me as a viewer from where I was in the first episode to where I was in the last, in regards to Henriette. I also adored the actress. Now that I shall be reading the history, I will mourn for the girl I liked so much, haha.
Thank you for sharing, I look forward to more!
Thanks, Elly! Yes, I can see your conflict 🙂 They show Henriette as rather naive in love but she has an underlying strength that really aids her character in the series. You would have to be to hold the King’s interest and do the things he asks you to do in the next few eps. Having seen the whole Season now, I can distance myself from historical Henriette and this Henriette…. although IMO there would have been just as much conflict (even moreso) writing her as a massive bitch and showing her actually scheming against Monsieur. Historical accounts of the time show that when the Chevalier was tossed in prison, she appeared ‘quite pleased with herself’….
Thanks, Dina! The upside to the reviews is I get to watch the show multiple times 🙂
I’ve been lounging in bed combing thru Tumblr and came across your blog (recommended by Tumblr, just to show how parched n insatiable I am for MonChevy). I am sooo glad I met you who are so well-informed and literature savvy and emotionally invested in Versailles Annnnd MonChevy. I finished all your reviews and hundreds of kudos to you!
However, (what? there’s a however?), yes, however, I was a bit (ok, extremely) disappointed that you didn’t elaborate on the most adorable “slap slap kiss dance unbutton kiss” scene *heart eyes*, you know what I’m talking about *wink wink*
Another thing, about show Chevalier, he looks every inch a bottom to me, it’s hard for me to picture him topping Monsieur tbh. I know historical Chevalier was a quite different character than what’s been portrayed here by the marvelous Evan Williams. Historical Chevalier was supposed to be an alpha winning battles oozing virility and everything, but look at his portraits! He looks so pretty and feminine! Even more so than Monsieur, don’t you think? Anyway I love these two to bits and ship MonChevy, hard, no matter who tops w
Lovely talking to you and fangirling MonChevy
Bonjour, Emma-lounging-in-bed! My first review I really wasn’t sure how much to put into it, whether people would actually read the whole thing, should I include dialogue, etc etc. Yes, I know exactly the scene you are talking of 🙂 And historically, this is EXACTLY the kind of foreplay both of them would be up for. The Chevalier was indeed ‘as pretty as an angel’ but such a fierce warrior in battle. It’s hard to reconcile the both, isn’t it? And Monsieur was such a tiny thing…. barely 5ft, I believe. And the Chevalier was about 6ft. The thing with historical boys, they could be both feminine AND manly. In fact, what we would consider ‘feminine’ pursuits now (writing poetry, playing an instrument, decorating, fashion, wearing stockings, heels, makeup etc, not to mention taking baths and careful grooming) was considered the height of manliness back then.
Nice write up! Just finished the whole series yesterday. I ADORE Versailles after visiting last year (Wasn’t the grand canal breathtaking?)… I think the series was definitely entertaining but a little too dramatic. I felt Louis wouldn’t have bothered himself with so much of “women troubles” or “brother issues” in real life. He had so many wars going on… would be good to see his strategies etc. People are used to GoT and it’s complex economic and psychological warfare, maybe Versailles needs to borrow some of that. Oh and Hello, all the ladies are so 21st century model-esque and skinny… in reality, and in the many portraits, you see how full figured the women were… I’m sure all that fine drinking chocolate, macarons and chilled out life in general helped – haha. Anyway, I guess its a Versailles made for modern times. I watch it for visual appeal fully.
Hi Dinu! One of my niggles was the extremely pretty women -___- Marie-Therese, for example… OMG gorgeous. But the real historical figure? notsomuch. We had three days at the palace last year and it really was not enough. A week… possibly 😀
If any one would like to see a practically true, version of the life & times of Louis X1V, & you understand French, to at least a moderate degree I recommend that you find a version of “le Roi Soleil ” Le Spectacle Musical de Kamel Ouali” which was a massive success in Paris 2005. If you love French history & especially The Sun King you’ll love this. Enjoy
Hi Dian! Yes, I have this on DVD, plus many of the songs on iTunes 🙂 I love it.
I like your blog, but it upsets be that you describe yourself as a writer when your grammar is so very bad. It is not simply the job of an editor to actually understand the language in which the writer writes…
…you DO know there is a huge difference between writing a casual, informal blog and polishing a manuscript for publication with a major house, don’t you?
Also…. *me.
Also again… your last sentence makes no sense. Perhaps you need an editor.
Lol brilliant response tof such a snobby comment
Love all 10 episodes that you wrote about, helped me understand it a bit better. One point, when the beautiful Philippe forces himself on his wife, its on the bed not the table. Table with flowers, she was earlier fussing with, is behind them.
My favourite characters are, Fabien, Phillippe, Claudine, Bontemps, The Chevalier & the gardener, Jacques.
Can’t wait to read your next one for series two.
Kind regards,
Edel.
This series opened with a powder keg. I loved the dynamic between the brothers especially the scene over the battle formation. If that didn’t seem childish but realistic at the same time. I was rather surprised at Louis XIV allowing the baby to live considering she wasn’t his and black. That’s why I believe there might be some merit in the rumors that The Black Nun was actually Louis’ and not Marie Therese. All the behind the scene spying was great. I’m not sure but were they even monitoring the women’s menses with the bloody napkins hanging from the ceiling?
J’adore M. Chevalier. He is so messy. He’s what you call a side b!tch who refuses to remain on the side and I love it. The only problem I have with him is his dialogue is much too modern compared to everyone around him.
I’m going to make this brief, due to the fact that it’s been a long day, I’ve got dreadful toothache (rather unsuccessful trip to the dentist earlier today) it’s 3:23am, my husband’s been in bed hours and I’ve just watched the first four episodes of Versailles, that have been sat on my hard drive awaiting a suitable time to be watched.
Thank you!
I’m not that familiar with Louis XIV or Versailles. I’ve not been and don’t really know it’s history. These first four episodes, however fictionalised, have changed that, and my only criticism s that, I’ve no clue who is who. So far very few people have addressed each other by name, save for the obvious. So after Episode four, I thought I’d turn to the Web to locate an episode guide that might enlighten me. And I found you! Exactly what I was looking for, beautifully written and some lovely humour, and that’s only your first two entries. I’m looking forward to reading your synopsis on each episode almost as much as the actual episode. I’ve been able to put names to faces to actors, which has been a tremendous help. So again, thank you!
I think you may have a new lurker!
Now will my husband miss me if I just watch one more episode, do you think?
LOL, Ashley! It pleases me greatly that I’ve helped you. I have to admit I knew most of the players because of my familiarity with the time period and which actors were playing whom before the airing – I was all “oh, there’s the Queen! There’s Henriette. There’s Philippe!” when I watched it the first time.
I am also very pleased you took a break from lurking to comment 😀
Jules! Thank you for these reviews! I watched the whole series, and quite a few details were lost on me – for example – who is the father of the Queen’s baby… I assumed it was Nobu…? So I googled and found your AMAZING reviews. I’ve been watching the series again, stopping to read your blog when I don’t understand something. SO GREAT! For example, the scene where Louis smiles after Philippe is crying at the big celebration. I had no idea what that smile meant.
Like Ashley says above ^ I had a hard time following who was who – if a name was spoken *without* the person on camera. That’s part of why I am watching it again – because this time I’ll understand it better. (I did the same thing with Game of Thrones and it all made so much sense the 2nd time around!)
You have made this series much more entertaining for me because I understand every flick of the eye, every smirk, every sigh.
BUT perhaps even better (maybe?) I just finished a first draft of my novel about witches and there are 2 women who have a “queen” and “princess” dynamic – so the examination of the dialogue between the brothers has been so helpful. I just got clear on why my two women are so resentful of each other. So: THANK YOU!
I NEVER leave comments on blogs. Seriously. I wanted to take the time to say thank you – these reviews are a lot of work – but I can also see that you love the time period. And we have the same taste in guys on the show! 😉
WHYYYYYY does Henriette have a French accent? It’s so confusing. (I know why – I read about it.) But I just keep thinking – there had to be 100 English women who would have been just as good… Super strange choice. So confusing when she goes to England to see her brother, with her French accent. *rolls eyes*
Bonjour Annalee and thank you for finding me! As an author I love delving into the psyche of the characters, but it is quite different to seeing the actors interpret everything on the screen. I am fascinated with all the non-verbal cues (my Aspergers showing!), how they are expressed and what others see in them. And watching each ep a dozen times makes me very much aware of all those expressions and gestures 😉
Good day Jules, (I hope it won’t disturb you if I call you Jules)
I checked the Louis XIVe’s secret journal of the year 1666. I didn’t checked the protocol and don’t know about the protocol with didn’t allow Louis to be present at his mother’s death bed. But at the beginning of the year 1666, Louis mentioned his mother twice. First, january the 15th, where you can read that as he must not be seen in weakness, he had to isolate himself several time not to be seen weeping copiously ! and the 20th were he explain than before he saw his mother dying, he fainted in the antechamber, so the servers had to bring him in a bathroom and threw water on his face to wake him up…
Did you heard about the Secret journal of Louis the XIVe before ?
It’s full of some explanation about the way the king governed France.
See you,
Nat.
Hi Nathalie! I have many, many books on Louis XIV 🙂 What is the title of the journal?
Hello Jules,
I wrote the title of the book in french… It could be translate by “secret diary of louis XIV”, because “journal” in french means “diary”.
I don’t know if there is a english version of that book, but if you’re interested in, you could find it’s description at :
https://www.babelio.com/livres/Bluche-Le-Journal-secret-de-Louis-XIV/146782/41portee=editeur&desc_smenu=l
I hope it could help you.
See you,
Nat.
Hi Jules! I just finished Ep. 2 of Season 2 but wanted to come here on Season 1 to read your info about each episode. It’s been mentioned on this page at least 2 times – it’s so difficult to tell the names of these characters, especially the men because most seem to look alike. Except for Louis, Phillipe & Chevalier, I had no idea. Who are the plotters? After completing Season 1, I still don’t know their names except for the 2 obvious men. I enjoy the series as long as I remember it’s entertainment & not history.
Jules, I don’t know if you’re reading comments here on this page (Season 1) but I hope so because I don’t know where the button is for me to go to the next episode. For example, I just read your comment on Season 1, Epi.1. Where’s Epi.2? Thank you very much!
Hi again, Jules,
Please disregard my earlier question about finding each episode on your site.
I’ve now watched Versailles both seasons and am beginning Season 1, Episode 1 again. Each time, I find something new.
During the dream sequence of Louis, there was a woman with long, curly hair who was running with others around what later became Versailles. She had a white dress, I believe. Who was she? Thanks.
In the credits, the dream girl is known only as “The Nymph”. Popular opinion seems to be she is the physical embodiment of Versailles itself. Some scenes were filmed with her, other courtiers and Louis (stills are on a few of the actors’ Instagram accounts), but those scenes don’t make it to the final screen version. So maybe the director just wanted her to appear as a dream?
Hi Jules,
My husband and I recently discovered ‘Versailles’ on Netflix and are binge-watching it. Just finished S1 and are now on E3of S2. Was Googling to separate fact from fiction when I came across your blog…..love it!
Curious – did Louis really have an affair with Minette? Some sites mention that they were indeed very close, but not involved. Knowing Louis’s appetite and the easy morals of the day, it’s easy to believe that he did.
And oh, those characters that are purely a figment of the writer’s imagination…love ‘em all.
My son (who lives with us) recommended this show and we started watching it with a kind of “whatever” sort of mind set. Well, let me tell you–we are ALL obsessed with it. We finished the second episode of Season 2 last night, only to find me once again screaming, (well, let’s say a 4-letter word not accepted in many circles) “_ _ _ _, NO, NO, NO!” We absolutely love it and my son has provided me with your blog to read and I am even more entrenched now than ever. Thank you for your work and your discoveries and your interpretations and explanations for so much that is blowing my 75-year old mind! I have a lot more to read, so must go now as my husband insists we must fit in dinner at some point.
Can’t wait for ep 3 of Season 2 tonight. I am very close to convincing my older son (who is a writer) to watch this show. My constant comment is “They’re all so damned PRETTY!”
Thank you.
I binge-watched this series (and the excellent Inside Versailles short clips on the BBC with historians explaining some of the background) shortly after series two was released, but by the time series three came out, I had forgotten who everyone was and couldn’t follow the plot! And as parts of the series (like the gay representation being a rapist, a fact viewers seem to be expected to forget and empathise with him later on…) had left a bad taste in my mouth, so I never picked the series back up. How pleasing to stumble across your blog several years later after recommending Versailles to a friend, and not only find these excellent plot summaries so I can finally watch series three, but also find you so knowledgable about the historical character of Philippe, and how it differs from what’s portrayed on TV. I’m looking forward to reading your posts!
(Caveat that of course I’m aware historical morals are different to our own, and I’m not against gay characters being shown as complex or bad people, but it’s frustrating that it’s a trope that seems to come up so often.)
Hi L!
Thank you so much for dropping in and leaving a comment! It’s been a long while since the show aired and I still get people finding me because of my Versailles reviews. I must warn you that my S3 reviews are incomplete – I got so furious with the story direction and historical inaccuracy that I couldn’t justify spending hours on something that made me ragey >:(
I agree with your comment re: the negative tropes for gay characters. I’ve seen some terrible ones, including the tired old Kill Your Gays (which I loathe with a passion – why can’t we have happy gay stories???)