Versailles Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
Episode 1 - Season 1, Episode 1: Welcome to VersaillesLouis XIV is 28 years old. It is a year since the death of his mother. He is now alone in the seat of power. Haunted by the trauma of the nobles’ Fronde revolt, he needs to keep his rebellious aristocrats in check. To this end, he decides to leave Paris for Versailles where he will build the world’s most magnificent palace. His detractors are many, beginning with his younger brother, Philippe who has been humiliated since childhood. Louis is under threat from outside where a war looms, and beneath his own roof, where the Sun King’s power remains fragile.
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Episode 1 - Episode 1Louis XIV is 28 years old. It is a year since the death of his mother. He is now alone in the seat of power. Haunted by the trauma of the nobles’ Fronde revolt, he needs to keep his rebellious aristocrats in check. To this end, he decides to leave Paris for Versailles where he will build the world’s most magnificent palace. His detractors are many, beginning with his younger brother, Philippe who has been humiliated since childhood. Louis is under threat from outside where a war looms, and beneath his own roof, where the Sun King’s power remains fragile.
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Episode 2 - Episode 2Louis launches the Grande Enquête to check the legitimacy of the nobles’ titles, the first stage in his strategy to bring rebellious minds to heel. The first victim is the ever-conspiring Montcourt. The entire court now feels vulnerable. But Louis’ political victories are undermined by more intimate dilemmas as his sibling rivalry with Philippe takes even nastier turns. Louis can’t stand the wild escapades of his flamboyant homosexual brother… who, for his part claims his regal prerogative to show his warrior skills on the battlefield.
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Episode 2 - Season 1, Episode 2: I Am the StateLouis launches the Grande Enquête to check the legitimacy of the nobles’ titles, the first stage in his strategy to bring rebellious minds to heel. The first victim is the ever-conspiring Montcourt. The entire court now feels vulnerable. But Louis’ political victories are undermined by more intimate dilemmas as his sibling rivalry with Philippe takes even nastier turns. Louis can’t stand the wild escapades of his flamboyant homosexual brother… who, for his part claims his regal prerogative to show his warrior skills on the battlefield.
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Episode 3 - Episode 3Louis welcomes the African Prince Annaba to Versailles. To gain access to African territories, Louis plays his trump card, his wife Marie-Therese. Henriette, Philippe’s wife and Louis’ mistress, is constantly harassed by the Chevalier de Lorraine. In the north, the indomitable Duke of Cassel harbours the scheming Moncourt. Cassel openly disdains the new rules Louis seeks to impose on the nobles of France. He is determined to sabotage the Versailles building project at all costs.
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Episode 3 - Season 1, Episode 3: Mirror for PrincesLouis welcomes the African Prince Annaba to Versailles. To gain access to African territories, Louis plays his trump card, his wife Marie-Therese. Henriette, Philippe’s wife and Louis’ mistress, is constantly harassed by the Chevalier de Lorraine. In the north, the indomitable Duke of Cassel harbours the scheming Moncourt. Cassel openly disdains the new rules Louis seeks to impose on the nobles of France. He is determined to sabotage the Versailles building project at all costs.
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Episode 4 - Season 1, Episode 4: The RoadAccounts of Philppe’s prowess on the battlefield trouble Louis: what can he do with this brother who basks in military glory while risking his life? In the Court, the Marchioness of Montespan begins to overshadow Louise de Valliere… making her a rival of Henriette, who is determined to maintain her position in the King’s bed. On the country roads to Versailles, Moncourt’s heinous attacks dissuade the nobles from coming to the Court, while within the gilded walls of the Palace, a mysterious conspiracy contaminates the King’s inner circle.
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Episode 4 - Episode 4Accounts of Philippe’s prowess on the battlefield trouble Louis: what can he do with this brother who basks in military glory while risking his life? In the Court, the Marchioness of Montespan begins to overshadow Louise de Valliere… making her a rival of Henriette, who is determined to maintain her position in the King’s bed. On the country roads to Versailles, Moncourt’s heinous attacks dissuade the nobles from coming to the Court, while within the gilded walls of the Palace, a mysterious conspiracy contaminates the King’s inner circle.
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Episode 5 - Season 1, Episode 5: Bow to Your KingThe war over, Philippe returns to the Court and the soldiers to the construction of Versailles. Philippe has won glory but returns from the battlefields a changed man. On the road to Versailles, a hold up leaves one of Cassel’s henchmen dead: the trap is closing around the Duke. Louis decides to organise a spectacular Royal Show in the gardens of Versailles to celebrate the French victory. It is also part of his strategy to impose absolute control over the nobles, particularly the Duke of Cassel. For this, he engages the help of the duplicitous Montespan.
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Episode 5 - Episode 5The war over, Philippe returns to the Court and the soldiers to the construction of Versailles. Philippe has won glory but returns from the battlefields a changed man. On the road to Versailles, a hold up leaves one of Cassel’s henchmen dead: the trap is closing around the Duke. Louis decides to organise a spectacular Royal Show in the gardens of Versailles to celebrate the French victory. It is also part of his strategy to impose absolute control over the nobles, particularly the Duke of Cassel. For this, he engages the help of the duplicitous Montespan.
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Episode 6 - Episode 6On the Versailles construction site, Louis is confronted with a soldiers-workers strike. They claim the honours and privileges of a victorious Royal army. Philippe seems to be the only one able to persuade them to return to work, a notion unthinkable for Louis! A humiliated Cassel is now forced to live at Versailles. But the conspiracy spreads and influences more and more nobles. Beatrice informs Sophie that they are not after all the blue-blooded aristocrats they claim to be. Henriette again stokes up the rivalry between Louis and Philippe: she is pregnant but knows not by which brother!
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Episode 6 - Season 1, Episode 6: InvalidesOn the Versailles construction site, Louis is confronted with a soldiers-workers strike. They claim the honours and privileges of a victorious Royal army. Philippe seems to be the only one able to persuade them to return to work, a notion unthinkable for Louis! A humiliated Cassel is now forced to live at Versailles. But the conspiracy spreads and influences more and more nobles. Beatrice informs Sophie that they are not after all the blue-blooded aristocrats they claim to be. Henriette again stokes up the rivalry between Louis and Philippe: she is pregnant but knows not by which brother!
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Episode 7 - Episode 7Louis is gravely ill. This offers opportunity for the conspiracy to act. Cassel, Montcourt, Beatrice and the Chevalier de Lorraine are now united with the aim: to put Philippe on the throne, with the help of William of Orange, the sworn enemy of the King and General of Holland. But Louis makes a miraculous recovery and the Chevalier is arrested for treason. He is thrown in jail and awaits execution.
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Episode 7 - Season 1, Episode 7: RevelationsLouis is gravely ill. This offers opportunity for the conspiracy to act. Cassel, Montcourt, Beatrice and the Chevalier de Lorraine are now united with the aim: to put Philippe on the throne, with the help of William of Orange, the sworn enemy of the King and General of Holland. But Louis makes a miraculous recovery and the Chevalier is arrested for treason. He is thrown in jail and awaits execution.
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Episode 8 - Season 1, Episode 8: DiplomacyPhilippe is deeply upset and agitated at the arrest of the Chevalier. Though poisoned by Beatrice, Fabien manages to escape from the Palace and find refuge with Claudine. Louis receives the ambassador of Charles II, King of England, to propose a secret agreement to invade Holland. Charles’ sister, Henriette, is secretly designated to be ambassador of France. The conspirators seize the opportunity and plan Henriette’s assassination. Unknown to Louis, his most dangerous enemy is among his closest friends.
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Episode 8 - Episode 8Philippe is deeply upset and agitated at the arrest of the Chevalier. Though poisoned by Beatrice, Fabien manages to escape from the Palace and find refuge with Claudine. Louis receives the ambassador of Charles II, King of England, to propose a secret agreement to invade Holland. Charles’ sister, Henriette, is secretly designated to be ambassador of France. The conspirators seize the opportunity and plan Henriette’s assassination. Unknown to Louis, his most dangerous enemy is among his closest friends.
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Episode 9 - Season 1, Episode 9: EtiquetteHenriette masterfully leads the negotiations with her brother King Charles II. She returns to France in great honour, though gravely weakened by a mysterious illness. Montespan’s power continues to assert itself, both in the court and in Louis’ heart. The snare tightens around the conspirators: Fabien is determined to take revenge for Beatrice’s treason. Louis’ son comes to visit his father, who wishes to teach his Dauphin the art of kingship. He tasks his best friend, Rohan, to teach the Dauphin to hunt.
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Episode 9 - Episode 9Henriette masterfully leads the negotiations with her brother King Charles II. She returns to France in great honour, though gravely weakened by a mysterious illness. Montespan’s power continues to assert itself, both in the court and in Louis’ heart. The snare tightens around the conspirators: Fabien is determined to take revenge for Beatrice’s treason. Louis’ son comes to visit his father, who wishes to teach his Dauphin the art of kingship. He tasks his best friend, Rohan, to teach the Dauphin to hunt.
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Episode 10 - Season 1, Episode 10: Bring the Garden HereHenriette’s health violently deteriorates. The poisoning theory is confirmed. The Palace is locked down and Claudine gives her all to save her patient. Louis is devastated. He wants to save his son from the stuffy atmosphere of the Court and entrusts him to the care of Rohan. After a lengthy agony, Henriette dies, surrounded by the two men of her life, her lover and her husband. Philippe decides to abandon the Court forever. In the forest, conspirators under orders from Rohan kidnap the Dauphin. The King has lost his love, his brother and, now, his son.
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Episode 10 - Episode 10Henriette’s health violently deteriorates. The poisoning theory is confirmed. The Palace is locked down and Claudine gives her all to save her patient. Louis is devastated. He wants to save his son from the stuffy atmosphere of the Court and entrusts him to the care of Rohan. After a lengthy agony, Henriette dies, surrounded by the two men of her life, her lover and her husband. Philippe decides to abandon the Court forever. In the forest, conspirators under orders from Rohan kidnap the Dauphin. The King has lost his love, his brother and, now, his son.
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Episode 11 - Season 2, Episode 1: The LabyrinthLouis has every reason to be happy - his palace is expanding, and is admired the world over. However, he is still haunted by nightmares, and his paranoia grows.
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Episode 12 - Season 2, Episode 2: A Still Small VoiceThe Church rises up against the King, commanding him to end his adultery. The bishop Bossuet and Father Pascal form an alliance. Fabien investigates the poisonings with the help of Sophie.
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Episode 13 - Season 2, Episode 3: Who Will Guard the Guards Themselves?Poisonings continue to spread, and Fabien’s investigations have reached a dead end. The King’s decisions are criticised, such as his appointment of Cassel to the position of Minister of Justice.
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Episode 14 - Season 2, Episode 4: MiasmaLouis and Montespan's child has become gravely ill. Whilst Scarron and Claudine are sick with worry, Montespan feigns her distress. Louis sees the illness as a sign: could it be a message from God?
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Episode 15 - Season 2, Episode 5: War and PeaceLouis, paranoid and afflicted by insomnia, distances himself from his entourage - except for Montespan. Fabien goes to live with Claudine, who continues investigating the source of the poisons.
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Episode 16 - Season 2, Episode 6: The Sands of TimeThe King’s army wins several victories, but it isn’t enough for Louis, who wants to bring William of Orange to his knees. In Court, Marie-Thérèse's authority is questioned.
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Episode 17 - Season 2, Episode 7: A NightLouis and Guillaume d’Orange engage in a merciless face-off. At the Palace, shock resounds around the death of Isabelle. Marie-Thérèse tries to persuade Fabien to resume his duties as Chief of Police.
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Episode 18 - Season 2, Episode 8: The New RegimeLouis, determined to regain control over his palace, ends his relationship with Montespan. Palatine falls ill, leading to fears she has been poisoned. Fabien agrees to return into the King’s service.
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Episode 19 - Season 2, Episode 9: Seven ShadowsMontespan seals a pact with the Devil by taking part in a black mass. In Court, Philippe grows closer to Thomas. Louis, accused of authorising the massacre of the Palatinate, breaks down.
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Episode 20 - Season 2, Episode 10: Of Blood and StoneAgathe's arrest shocks the Palace. Humiliated by her fall from grace, a desperate Montespan prepares for revenge. Thomas realises that he has been discovered and prepares to escape with Sophie.
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Episode 21 - Season 3, Episode 1: Smoke and MirrorsLouis welcomes a defeated royal relative to the palace, but with unforeseen personal consequences. Philippe stumbles upon a mystery man. Madame de Montespan finds how to hurt a former friend, the King's prim companion Francois de Maintenon.
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Episode 22 - Season 3, Episode 2: Question of TrustLittle can be taken at face value as Louis negotiates with Leopold over Spain, the Bastille governor has a sorry tale for Philippe and Sophie surprises Marchal.
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Episode 23 - Season 3, Episode 3: The Truth Will BurstA betrayal by one of the women closest to the king has unforeseen consequences, while a graphic revelation results in a fall from grace for another. Philippe gets dangerously close to the mystery prisoner. Reprisals against the protesters in Paris place Fabien Marchal in peril.
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Episode 24 - Season 3, Episode 4: Crime and PunishmentSeeking retribution, Louis lashes out at the Parisian rebels though Philippe urges a more reasoned response. Word from Spain casts doubt on Marie-Therese's intentions. Sophie's loyalties are tested.
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Episode 25 - Season 3, Episode 5: The BeyondCan Louis' longed-for loving touch help the ailing queen? An engraved blade holds a clue to who Philippe has antagonised. Jeanne challenges her brother's business-minded betrayal.
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Episode 26 - Season 3, Episode 6: The Wheel of FortuneLouis hopes diplomacy will hide his duplicity as he works to undermine Leopold while winning over severe cardinal Leto. Marchal helps Philippe learn a family secret, and is troubled by a command from the king.
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Episode 27 - Season 3, Episode 7: The Book of RevelationsHas Louis finally learnt the identity of the man in the iron mask? Cardinal Leto is still determined to use his knowledge against the king.
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Episode 28 - Season 3, Episode 8: Men and GodsSuffering an identity crisis, Louis gets moody, unable to reveal the reason. Jeanne's protest pamphlets in Paris bring reprisals led by Marchal.
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Episode 29 - Season 3, Episode 9: The Powder KegHis resolve reinforced, Louis is dismissive of the pain his plans will cause others, be they Philippe or Protestants of all classes. Cardinal Leto is confident of making the king marry Isabella of Portugal.
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Episode 30 - Season 3, Episode 10: The LegacyLooking to the future, King Louis XIV seeks to reconnect with his people, and reconcile his family. As some oppressed Parisians plan a violent welcome for Louis, has one of his friends become a foe?
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