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The one where I write something for Philippe de France’s birthday

Philippe de France, Duke of Anjou, wearing the clothes to his brother's coronation and holding the crown of a son of France. Unknown artist, c1654, Château de Versailles

The 21st of September marks the 377th birthday of Philippe de France, duc d’Orléans, and brother to Louis XIV.  And so I wrote a little something in his honour.  Enjoy xx Philippe de France, frère unique de roi   I stand here, just like all the others, a mere observer to the glorious miracle that is our Sun King. Louis Dieudonné…. Read more »

What can we expect for Versailles Season 3?

As Season Two  currently screens on Aussie TVs and the US impatiently waits until September for their turn, I thought I’d take a shot at what I think will happen in Season Three.  So…. mild spoilers ahoy! Read at your own peril.   ∗ HOW SEASON 2 ENDED: Liselotte was pregnant and not yet showing. Philippe leaves to make war… Read more »

the one where I predicted the next Doctor Who

So, waaaay back in 2013, I wrote a little Doctor Who/Horrible Histories fanfic for a friend’s birthday. While it wasn’t an amazingly fabulous piece of fiction that resulted in a big-name publisher throwing a million dollar contract at my feet, it is oddly prophetic, given the recent announcement of the new Doctor Who.  So here it is, if you fancy… Read more »

Versailles season 2, episode 10 – deaths, downfalls and departures

So here we are. The finale of Season 2. I hope you’re sitting down because there is A LOT to unpack in this ep. So let us get right to it without further ado. We begin with Montespan in her rooms, in tears, topless and furiously scrubbing herself from a basin. It is clear she is frantic and upset, and… Read more »

Versailles S2, Ep9 – The one with the sacrificing

Bonjour, amis! Before we start on this recap, there’s a few things I have to draw your attention to. It appears to me (correct me if I’m wrong) that Season 2 plays out over a few months. I mean, I don’t see any winter scenes/change of season, any person looking visibly older or any other indications of the massive passing… Read more »

The one where there’s a brand new book!

I make stuff up for fun and (sometimes) profit. So it was quite a different world I dove into when my partner in crime Aurora von Goeth said we should write a biography on Louis XIV.  Mucho scribbling immediately began, and now, many many months later, and with one hell of a learning curve behind us, we are proud to… Read more »

Versailles S2, Ep8 – the one with the royal snub

EPISODE 8 Huzzah! We are on our way back to Versailles! Louis is gonna kick some ass now! The salons will be reopened, the wine will flow, the queen will have to relinquish her little despot ways and things will be joyous again. Right? ….right….? Well, we open with a lovely galloping horses sequence, through water and woods and with… Read more »

Versailles Series 2, Episode 7 – the one with Louis in a nunnery

I must remember, it is 1674. I have absolutely NO CLUE why I thought it was 1670… maybe one of the cast members in an interview? No Idea. But four years later on from Henriette’s death puts us firmly in 1674. We left Louis and William of Orange together in an abbey, didn’t we? And here we are again, in… Read more »

Versailles Series 2, Episode 6 – the one with the orgy

So, where are we? Still in 1670? I am assuming so, but since the Franco Dutch war didn’t happen until 1672 I could totally be mistaken. Anyway, the ep opens with Louis staring down a telescope – apparently invented by the Dutch – at the enemy lines, who are standing a great distance from the French and drumming away. Louis doesn’t… Read more »

Versailles Season 2, Episode 5 – the one with the dead priest

Before we start, let us recap where we are in actual historical events, which are very much different to the show and quite an interesting comparison.  Assuming we are mid-to late 1670, these are the facts: Montespan is 30 years old (pushing it a bit by 17th century standards), has been Louis’ mistress for three years and has already borne… Read more »

Versailles Series 2 – Episode 4 – the one with the candelabra and the cat fight

So we have left Marchal with a knife in his chest… and of course, he pulls it out (noooo!) and yells for the guards. They take him to Claudine and she gets him on the table … business as usual, then. Will he live? “You are a very lucky man…. either your heart is not where it’s supposed to be,… Read more »

Versailles Series 2, Episode 3 – The one with the marriage bed

Mes amis, before we get on to the review, I have to tell you I have now watched the entire Season 2 and I have issues. I have feels and rage and conflict. And boy, do I have OPINIONS. Opinions like I have never had before about a TV show. (okay, maybe except Firefly…. #NeverOverIt ) But I will not… Read more »