'Versailles' Season 2 Episode 3: More Intrigues and Paranoia Befall the Sun King's Court as Series Progresses
The successes of the Sun King, Louis XIV (George Blagden), are still hounded by intrigues and brutalities as Canal+'s biographical drama series "Versailles" kicks off its sophomore season more than a year after the first one ended.
"Versailles" first aired in France in 2015 and was later picked up by Ovation in 2016 for the American audiences. And while the first season saw the construction of the Palace of Versailles and the eventual deterioration of the French nobles who viewed their new residence as a gilded prison, the second season will reportedly put the women on center stage as the struggle for ambition continues to fall victim to paranoia, chaos and the rising threat of poisons the hallways and secret alcoves of Versailles.
Sure enough, in its first two episodes back, two substantial women arrived at court: Madam Agathe (Suzanne Clément) and the widow Madam Scarron (Catherine Walker). What significant parts these women will play in the court of the Sun King and his children will be revealed as the season progresses.
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There are still no details about the upcoming third episode other than its title, "Quis Custodiet ipsos cusotdes," which in Latin means, "Who Will Watch the Watchmen?" It is a reference to the work of Juvenal, a Roman poet, and was originally used to refer to the impossible feat of teaching moral behavior to women when the enforcers themselves engage in immoral ways. In modern usage, it is now commonly used to refer to more political concepts like tyranny, dictatorship and oppression.
As to what context this phrase will be used in the series still remains to be seen. Will it become an ongoing theme throughout the season, like the first episode's title, "The Labyrinth"?
The labyrinth is expected to become a recurring element in the current season as the King Louis XIV's paranoia gets the better of him and drives him to almost madness. This state of mind will undoubtedly drive him to seek more comfort in the arms of his lover, Madame de Montespan (Anna Brewster), and to try and convince his brother, Philippe (Alexander Vlahos), to come home and be with him. Will this season bring out the worst sides of the Sun King, or will his struggles force him to grow and become a better man?
"Versailles" season 2 airs every Monday at 8:55 p.m. CEST on Canal+ in France. It will air in the United States later this year on Ovation.
