Ep 5. War and Peace

As the fifth episode of season 2 of Versailles, "War and Peace" is a riveting installment that continues to explore the complex and volatile political landscape of 17th century France. With the country on the brink of war with Holland, tensions are high at the palace as King Louis XIV (George Blagden) tries to balance his desire for victory with his duty to maintain order within his own court.

At the heart of the episode is the struggle for power and influence among the various factions that make up the court. On one side, we have Louis' trusted advisor and minister of finance, Colbert (Steve Cumyn), who is determined to secure victory in the war at any cost. On the other side, we have the queen's brother, Phillipe (Alexander Vlahos), who is plotting against Colbert and vying for greater power and influence within the court.

As the episode unfolds, we see these tensions play out in a number of different ways. For instance, Phillipe enlists the help of the flamboyant Duke of Cassel (Evan Williams) to sabotage Colbert's efforts to secure funding for the war. Meanwhile, Louis tries to maintain peace within his court by hosting a grand ball, which gives the various factions an opportunity to socialize and keep up appearances.

Throughout all of this, there are hints of deeper, more personal conflicts that threaten to tear the court apart. For instance, we see a growing rift between Louis and his mistress, Madame de Montespan (Anna Brewster), as she becomes increasingly jealous of his newfound interest in another woman. And there are whispers of a mysterious illness that is affecting some of the court's most powerful players, leaving viewers wondering who will emerge unscathed and who will fall victim to this deadly disease.

With its gripping plot, stunning cinematography, and strong performances from its talented cast, "War and Peace" is a standout episode of Versailles that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether you're a fan of history, politics, or drama, this episode has something for everyone, and its intricate storytelling and nuanced characters are sure to keep you captivated from start to finish. So don't miss out on this thrilling chapter in the epic saga of the Sun King and his court, as they navigate the treacherous waters of war and politics in 17th century France.