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llywelaVadim's hideout
A set that featured as a bar in episode one has been re-dressed as Vadim's hideout, where the man himself is having the chains chiselled off his wrists. Should have hung onto those keys, Vadim! He introduces his sidekick to us as Felix, telling d'Artagnan that Felix thinks he was wrong to bring him here, since Felix doesn't like Musketeers. D'Artagnan steadily reminds him that he isn't a Musketeer and holds out his hands to have his chains removed in turn, and you've got to admire his chutzpah. Sheer brazen bravado is his best chance of surviving this and he's going for it with everything he's got.
Vadim, though, hasn't yet made up his mind about d'Artagnan, despite having gone to all the trouble of taking the boy with him from prison. So Felix gets d'Artagnan into a headlock while Vadim carefully positions his chisel and hammer – poised to hack off a finger, rather than the chains.
VADIM: Let me suggest another possibility. We're going to play a little game to find out the truth. I'm going to hack your fingers off, one at a time, until you admit to being a spy.
D'ARTAGNAN: And what if I'm not?
VADIM: Then you'll be counting on your toes. But you'll be alive.
A dangerous moment, but d'Artagnan holds his nerve, staring right down the barrel of being permanently maimed if not outright killed without so much as flinching. Foolish bravery – he's going way above and beyond the call of duty, and it isn't even his duty, he isn't a Musketeer, he's under no obligation here, and it really isn't clear what he's getting out of all this. Is it just about doing 'the right thing', is it in hope of a commission, or is it just for the thrill of action? Who can tell?
Vadim swings his hammer and severs d'Artagnan's chains, instead of his finger, despite Felix egging him on.
VADIM: We can trust him. I know a man's character by looking into his eyes. I'm never wrong. He's good.
Heh. I'd make a snarky comment here about how clichéd this statement is, but I've seen the rest of the episode before, so I already know that Vadim is playing everyone, including his own allies. Felix remains unconvinced, but it's possible he's just disappointed he didn't get to see any fingers chopped off!
VADIM: Take no notice of our Felix. There's more brains in a fish. Welcome to our glorious enterprise! We're going to build a new France.
D'ARTAGNAN: How?
VADIM: We kill the King and Queen. The poor and the dispossessed will rise up and join us, taking back what belongs to them.
FELIX: We'll be heroes.
Re-watching this episode with hindsight makes Vadim a really interesting character to watch because he takes no chances, he doesn't actually trust anyone yet manages to convince them all that he does. He's a fantastic actor. No wonder d'Artagnan falls for it, he sounds so utterly convincing as he preaches revolution – speeches like this are probably what won him the loyalty of those men he sacrificed at the prison, and as subversive plots go, rebellion is totally plausible, it's what Richelieu and Treville are already expecting: it's the perfect smokescreen for Vadim's real plan, which won't become evident for quite some time yet.
Louvre Palace
Aramis and Porthos stand to attention in an opulent gallery, fretting about why they might have been summoned.
PORTHOS: The way I look at it, you saved her life, so she's probably grateful.
ARAMIS: But we did put her in danger in the first place, so she might want to see us whipped.
PORTHOS: I hadn't thought of that. Oh, you've upset me now.
Aramis smirks a little at that, because he was only teasing, as usual, and then a door opens and Queen Anne walks into the room trailing attendants, all smiles and with eyes only for one man.
ANNE: Monsieur Aramis! Bravest of all the King's Musketeers.
ARAMIS: Only amongst the bravest, your Majesty.
Heh. He might demur, and I've no doubt he means it, but it's mostly faux modesty, he's absolutely delighted by the acclaim, while Porthos's face is a picture. And let us note here for the first time that Aramis never bows properly to the Queen; while everyone else is properly subservient he only ever half bows in order to maintain eye contact. Naughty boy.
Anne asks if Porthos might grant them a moment's privacy, and you'd have to be blind not to notice how smitten she is. Porthos leaves the room with a knowing smile. The Queen's courtiers stay, though, so it isn't as private a moment as all that, but then again, courtiers are seen and not heard in this show, so perhaps they don't count. Anne asks after Aramis's injury again, and he'd all but forgotten it already, assures her it doesn't hurt…then backtracks by saying it's a little sore, perhaps, because he's incorrigible and can't resist milking the moment, whereupon she reaches out to touch the scrape again – prompting a raised eyebrow from Porthos, watching from the doorway!
"Poor, gallant Aramis," Anne whispers, since while to him this is a minor injury barely worth noticing, to her it is hugely significant, since it was sustained on her account and she probably has very little experience of such things, so she's getting carried away by the romance of it all and seems to have no filter on her tongue or actions at all where Aramis is concerned. She's totally smitten, and he's just lapping up all the fuss, and I really like what Cabrera does in these early scenes with Anne, because on the one hand Aramis is just an incorrigible flirt making the most of the moment while it lasts, his ego flattered to have the attention of the Queen, of all people, but on the other hand, every time he looks into her eyes he kind of stills and the flirtatious façade drops, and there's a sense of dawning awareness of some deeper connection that he doesn't quite know what to do with. Because she's the Queen…and perhaps because deeper connections just aren't what he does.
Anne takes a jewelled crucifix from around her own neck.
ANNE: Accept this gift, as a token of your Queen's gratitude. May it keep you safe, always.
In the doorway, Porthos rolls his eyes, watching as Anne ties the rosary around Aramis's neck: another slightly too intimate moment, her hands lingering on his body, the eye contact held just a little too long. Aramis is an experienced man of the world, we already know that, but Anne has led a very sheltered life and Alexandra Dowling does a lovely job of conveying her innocent giddiness here, that first flush of a crush on a very beautiful and charming man who excites her in a way she has possibly never experienced before, married off as she was at a very early age for political reasons – which we haven't been told yet, on-screen, but will learn soon enough. And Aramis, for his part, behind all the ego and the flirting, which comes as naturally to him as breathing, seems genuinely entranced by her.
The mutual admiration fest comes to an end, and as the Queen leaves the room, Aramis lifts the cross to his lips to kiss it – but is forestalled by Porthos, who reappears at his side glaring meaningfully.
PORTHOS: You know you were giving her The Stare.
ARAMIS: What stare? She's a very attractive woman.
PORTHOS: She's not a woman. She's the Queen. Or have you forgotten about Adele Bessette already?
Alas poor Adele, but Aramis doesn't know what happened to her, he only knows what he was told, that Adele has chosen the Cardinal over him and left Paris, and we see here that the perceived rejection still hurts, he did care for Adele and wanted the relationship to continue, but he accepts that it's now over and thus considers himself a free agent. Porthos concedes the point, but warns him to set his sights a little lower, for all of their sakes. Such prophetic words!
Vadim's hideout
At Vadim's place, everyone is sleeping. Supposedly. Felix is certainly snoring soundly, at any rate. Then Vadim sits up and looks around, assures himself that d'Artagnan is fast asleep, and leaves the room…
...but d'Artagnan, of course, is not asleep, merely giving an excellent impression of it. He very quietly rises and follows.
Streets of Paris
It appears to be late evening rather than full night. I guess Vadim proposed an early night what with it having been such a busy day, and all. D'Artagnan trails Vadim down the street to a house, where he greets a woman named Suzette with a kiss and heads inside. No prizes for guessing what that's all about, but d'Artagnan believes in being thorough and so feels obliged to stop and ask a passer-by for clarification. "Everybody knows Suzette around here," says the man with a laugh. Yeah, she's a prostitute. And Vadim's mistress, apparently.
D'Artagnan has no sooner established this than he is taken by surprise by a very suspicious pistol-wielding Felix, who evidently was also not as soundly asleep as it appeared and demands an explanation. D'Artagnan thinks fast and says he was visiting his mistress, whereupon Felix tells him to prove it, so of course d'Artagnan leads him straight to Constance's house, since she is very nearly the only woman he actually knows in Paris. And Constance is out and about, as well, on the doorstep supervising as a servant gets the washing in, so it really isn't all that late. No wonder no one could sleep down in that hideout!
Felix isn't satisfied with having Constance pointed out to him. He wants proof of the relationship, so d'Artagnan runs across the road and gives Constance a great big kiss on the lips in front of all her neighbours and the servant! Talk about turning her life upside down. Better hope that maid doesn't go tattling to Bonacieux.
D'ARTAGNAN: Sh. We're being watched. For God's sake, kiss me back, and make it look good.
CONSTANCE: You're a wanted man. The Guards are everywhere.
D'ARTAGNAN: Whatever you've heard about me, don't believe it.
At least this time she knows who he is and doesn't seem to mind, goes along with the ruse willingly enough, but honestly, this is the second time in as many episodes he's done this to her! As they put on a show for Felix's benefit, d'Artagnan whispers into Constance's ear to bring Athos here as soon as possible, and she invites him into the house, where he won't be seen by any passing guards.
D'ARTAGNAN: You are the kindest and best woman on Earth, you know that?
CONSTANCE: Or the most stupid.
Constance heads inside, while d'Artagnan dashes back across the road to tell Felix that she's in a good mood and he may be here for some time. Felix is not happy and promises to tell Vadim all about it, but d'Artagnan brazens it out and heads back to the house. And, you know, if all this ended badly, d'Artagnan has just brought Constance to the attention of a bunch of criminals, who would believe her to be a woman of loose morals and therefore fair game. He's playing a very dangerous game.
Bonacieux House
And then it's later, and Athos has come to Constance's house as d'Artagnan asked, bringing with him Aramis and Porthos, because they are the Inseparables, they come as a job lot – buy one, you get the other two thrown in for free.
D'ARTAGNAN: Vadim plans to murder the King and Queen. Some fantasy of a peasant rebellion.
ATHOS: Have you seen the gunpowder?
PORTHOS: Any weapons?
ARAMIS: What about his men?
D'ARTAGNAN: In hiding.
ATHOS: When is this plan supposed to take place?
D'ARTAGNAN: Vadim's careful. He doesn't say much.
ATHOS: Does he trust you?
D'ARTAGNAN: As much as he does anyone. Felix doesn't, but I can handle him. Vadim said the secret to a good trick is to make people look the wrong way.
ARAMIS: What do you think he meant?
D'ARTAGNAN: Honestly? I have no idea.
Athos, who hasn't wanted d'Artagnan to be involved in this since the beginning, feels that he has done more than enough and should now leave it to them, but d'Artagnan counters that if they pick Vadim up now the King and Queen will still be in danger. He wants to go back in and try to find out more.
Constance marches into the room at that moment and starts clattering about with a tray of drinks, cold and angry.
CONSTANCE: They told me about the duel and your imprisonment, that it was all faked.
ARAMIS: Rather well, you have to admit.
He gets another slap for that.
Constance is very slap-happy in this episode, and, you know, I get that the slapping is intended to both be humorous and to show Constance's feistiness and refusal to put up with any nonsense, but really speaking…at this point she barely knows Aramis, he's a guest under her roof here, and it really isn't appropriate behaviour for a respectable married woman to go around slapping a visitor in the face like that, whatever the provocation - which, of course, is why her husband was so scandalised when she did it earlier, so it's probably just as well he's not here to see this now! Porthos laughs – until she glares at him, which shuts him right up. Constance takes no nonsense from anyone, especially when she's furious about being lied to. Aramis smiles politely, but when he asks what the slap was for this time there's a slight edge to his voice that suggests he doesn't find the violence quite as charming as he earlier claimed. Constance says it was for letting her think the worst, and all of them did that, of course, but Aramis does like to be provocative, which is what tends to put him in the firing line. The main focus of Constance's ire is d'Artagnan, however.
CONSTANCE: First I thought you were a condemned man, then a fugitive and now this! How many ways can a man think of to get himself killed?
Overcome, she rushes out of the room again.
ARAMIS: I think she likes you.
Athos remains focused on the more pressing matter at hand, which is that he considers it far too dangerous for d'Artagnan to return to Vadim and continue his undercover role. D'Artagnan, though, is adamant that he can do this and asks Athos to trust him – whatever his initial motivations might have been for getting involved in this, it is now about proving himself in the face of doubt. Specifically, in the face of Athos's doubt. He wants to prove himself to Athos.
I'm wondering now if this is how he got involved in the first place. Did he hear the Musketeers discussing the theft of the gunpowder while he was hanging out with them, and offer himself as a volunteer undercover agent just to prove himself to them, because he wants to impress them?
The three musketeers exchange meaningful looks and give their reluctant assent. D'Artagnan then quickly tells them about Vadim's liaison with Suzette Pinault and hurries away before they can change their minds, leaving the three of them wondering if they've made the right decision here.
ATHOS: Well. What could possibly go wrong?
Street outside Bonacieux house
Seeing d'Artagnan out, Constance remains highly disgruntled and hilariously passive aggressive about having been lied to and made to worry.
CONSTANCE: If you've heard of anyone wanting a room, I'd be glad to know. My husband needs the money. It's not easy to find decent lodgers. Every time one of them gets themselves killed in a duel, or thrown in the Chatelet, or murdered in some intrigue or other, it's a tremendous inconvenience. Of course, it's less cooking and cleaning. In fact, I wish my lodgers would die more often, so I could have an easier life.
In place of any further apologies, explanations or platitudes, D'Artagnan kisses her hand by way of thanks and farewell, and at that moment her husband arrives home, full of shock and indignation about finding a wanted criminal on his doorstep. He promptly starts yelling for the guards, pushing Constance away dismissively when she tries to explain that it isn't what it seems, because heaven forfend he actually listen to what his wife has to say. Constance, however, promptly jumps back in front of d'Artagnan, fierce and protective and not about to back down whatever her husband might say. It's already been established that Bonacieux is an uptight man to whom appearances and propriety are important, Constance expected to be subservient to him, so her standing up to him here is significant, emphasising where her priorities lie.
BONACIEUX: I order you to move!
CONSTANCE: Order away. I'm staying here, until you stop shouting and listen.
You go, girl. And d'Artagnan has made a big impression on her, sure, so a good part of this is about defending him specifically, because she believes in him and wants to keep him safe, but it's also about simply doing the right thing, even in the face of opposition. It's about understanding what the right thing is, and being aware that her husband does not, and making her stance accordingly. Constance is such a good person. Also, let us all take a moment to enjoy the sight of d'Artagnan hiding behind her!
The three musketeers have heard all the shouting and come to take charge of the situation, Athos full of cool, aristocratic authority that Bonacieux simply can't match, all bluster and ignorance as he is – especially when Aramis backs up his friend's authority with a very mild comment made while pointedly swinging his arquebus onto his shoulder, because Aramis is ever so good at passive aggression. Bonacieux can't quite tell if he's being threatened or not, and now Porthos gets in on the action, all muscles and swagger, the three of them have got this down to a fine art, and the man at last backs down, wondering what the hell is going on.
D'Artagnan whispers his thanks to Constance as he hurries away.
Paris Streets
But, of course, d'Artagnan's luck being what it, he's no sooner hurried around the corner than he is spotted and recognised by a couple of Red Guard, who promptly give chase. D'Artagnan runs for it, tries a few doors, can't find anywhere to hide, is pursued into an alley, turns to meet his fate…
…whereupon Milady de Winter saunters up behind the two guards, stabs one and shoots the other.
D'Artagnan can only stand there blinking at her in shock. Bless him, Pasqualino does a marvellous shock face. He's so convincing here as an inexperienced youth in way over his head.
D'ARTAGNAN: You. Who are you?
MILADY: Your guardian angel. Now, where is Vadim? I have a powerful patron. He can grant you all the riches and power you desire…if you take me to Vadim.
D'ARTAGNAN: You betrayed me. You set me up.
MILADY: Now, I've saved your life. It wasn't only murder that made our night together memorable.
She's at her most seductive, getting right up close with the point of her dagger at his throat, lips tantalisingly close to his – almost a kiss, but not quite. Milady knows how to wind a man up and bend him to her will. D'Artagnan doesn't know quite what's hit him. She set him up for murder last time they met, he knows better than to fall under her spell again, and yet…
MILADY: You're at the crossroads, d'Artagnan. Don't take the wrong path. Choose the Musketeers and you choose oblivion.
But then comes a shout – the Inseparables have heard the shouting and the shot and are looking for d'Artagnan, alarmed.
MILADY: Another time.
Said with her knife to d'Artagnan's throat, just for a second, to make her point – and then she's gone, leaving d'Artagnan all of a fluster, which is how the Inseparables find him…with two dead Red Guard at his feet.
Athos doesn't waste any time with questions, simply tells the shell-shocked d'Artagnan to go and let them deal with this, while Aramis adds for Porthos to follow d'Artagnan and watch his back.
Exactly how they are going to explain two dead Red Guards, we are left to wonder.
Outside Vadim's hideout
Striding purposefully through the rain, d'Artagnan carefully collects himself once more before returning to Vadim's hideout.
Behind him, Porthos lurks around a corner, watching.
Vadim's hideout
It's time for d'Artagnan to face the music as Felix rants that he can't be trusted.
VADIM: You fell asleep when you were meant to be watching my back, so no one's perfect.
Vadim plays his cards very close to his chest, questioning d'Artagnan carefully about his supposed 'mistress' and what she means to him. D'Artagnan plays his part well, and Vadim seems sympathetic as he claims to understand love, but nonetheless makes it a threat when he adds that there are to be no more conjugal visits without permission. It's not going to be as easy for d'Artagnan to slip away again if he needs to get another message out.
Suzette Pinault's house
And then its morning, and while I'm still wondering if anyone spelled Porthos so he could get some sleep or if they just left him out in the cold all night, Athos and Aramis come to interview the very saucy Suzette Pinault.
SUZETTE: I've never been this close to a Musketeer with my clothes on before. I must be in trouble.
They're not impressed. Athos questions her about Vadim while Aramis pokes around the room. Suzette is a pro and gives away very little – she saw Vadim, she didn't report it because she doesn't want to get involved, he asked her to go away with him, but she said no. She tries to deflect.
SUZETTE: Has anyone ever told you you've got lovely eyes?
ARAMIS: The Captain mentioned it only this morning.
They drag her back on point, asking how she met Vadim, and here she gives some actual useful information: they met at the palace when she was a scullery maid and he a servant. The musketeers are interested now and press for more information.
Vadim worked at the palace for two years, Suzette tells them.
SUZETTE: That's where he became obsessed with the King. He really hated him.
ARAMIS: Tell us about that.
SUZETTE: He said King Louis had broken his promises to the people. Talked about it all the time.
ATHOS: Did he say he wanted to kill him?
SUZETTE: I don't remember. Maybe.
Watch their different interrogation techniques here, so very in character for them both. Athos remains aloof, detached, standing at a distance, using his stately manner and innate air of authority to impress, while Aramis, after poking around Suzette's personal things, sits alongside her on the bed and gets right up close, turns on the charm, but uses it to menace rather than allure, never once losing sight of the endgame here.
Hindsight, however, tells us that Vadim probably primed Suzette for this, telling her exactly what she was to say if the law came calling, backing up the information d'Artagnan has already passed on, since his sleight of hand trick relies on them finding out enough about his supposed plan to keep them looking in the wrong direction.
ARAMIS: Vadim stole enough gunpowder to wipe out dozens of innocent lives. Is that what you want?
SUZETTE: He came to see me, I sent him away. I don't know where he is, I don't know what he's doing. That's all. Look, if I knew any more, I'd tell you. Well, I don't want to hang.
ATHOS: Very well. I believe you.
SUZETTE: Any time you want your sword polished, handsome, let me know.
That was to Aramis, who is getting all the female attention in this episode, underlining his status as the chick magnet of the team. He favours her with a smile, because you know, she's a woman, that's just habit, but he isn't falling for it for a second.
ARAMIS: She's covering for him.
ATHOS: Don't let her out of your sight.
Louvre Palace, Richelieu's reception room
Athos and Treville have come to update Richelieu, who believes the king should now be informed of what appears to be a clear and present threat to his life.
RICHELIEU: Vadim has both the intelligence and the means to launch a serious attempt on his life. And all over some mad attempt at rebellion?
ATHOS: According to d'Artagnan.
TREVILLE: Did you know Vadim worked at the palace?
RICHELIEU: Of course not. You'd better speak to Lavoie about that.
ATHOS: Lavoie?
RICHELIEU: First Gentleman of the Bedchamber. More regal than the King himself.
He stands at the window, gazing out in deep thought as the bells of Notre-Dame ring out. They all kind of realise at once what the plan must be.
RICHELIEU: If I was planning to kill the King how would I do it?
TREVILLE: Notre-Dame. The royal family show themselves to the people after Easter Mass. It's tradition.
RICHELIEU: Not any more.
Louvre Palace, Library
So, the Cardinal, the Captain and his lieutenant hop along to the library to inform the king of the threat to his life. Predictably, Louis does not react well.
LOUIS: Gunpowder? Muskets? Good God!
ATHOS: The threat to Your Majesty's life is real and immediate.
RICHELIEU: It would be madness to attend the Easter Mass.
We're only on episode two and already it feels kind of weird to see the Cardinal and the Musketeers presenting a united front like this, working together to a common end – feels weird, and yet although it is easy to think of them as enemies, they are ostensibly at least on the same side and work together at least as often as they are opposed, over the course of the season, and I like that they have such an unpredictable dynamic, disliking one another intensely yet forced to work together on a regular basis.
Having agreed to bring the king and queen up to speed, they've also had the foresight to cook up a proposed plan of action, which Treville now explains.
TREVILLE: Decoys will go in Your Majesty's place. We will lure Vadim from hiding with a false target.
LOUIS: You're going to let the attempt go ahead?
ATHOS: We'll catch the conspirators in the act of sedition, hopefully without a shot being fired.
After seeing Athos on trial in episode one before a disinterested Louis, who sentenced him to execution, it's interesting to see him stepping up as Treville's second-in-command here, talking to the king so directly and frankly. Louis didn't seem to know him when he was on trial, which he surely would have done if Athos had come before him like this previously. It makes me wonder if I was right about this being more Captain Cornet's role previously, with Athos and his friends bumped up the pecking order by Cornet's demise in the first episode. Well, I can head-canon it that way as rationalisation, anyway.
Queen Anne has been listening quietly to all this, but now speaks out, and we are reminded that while a quiet and gentle character, she is also very strong-willed and very much an independent thinker.
ANNE: The people know their King and Queen too well. It seems to me, Captain, your plan must fail without the King's authentic presence. Your men have protected me once. I am sure they will do so again. The King and I should attend Mass as planned.
Louis looks a little surprised by this statement, but here for the first time we see the royal couple also presenting a united front – a timely sign that there is more to this marriage than mismatch and discontent.
LOUIS: My father never shirked public obligation, no matter the threat to his person.
RICHELIEU: Your father was assassinated. It's simply a matter of common sense to stay away.
LOUIS: Common sense is for common-ers, not for Kings. I will not have it said that the son of Henri IV is a coward. It is my task to show courage and leadership. It's yours to protect me.
Ha. The audience is over. Louis sweeps out of the room, regal and determined, Anne following behind, serene and dignified. I do enjoy seeing this side of Louis, who could so easily have been a one-dimensional caricature but never is. He can be such a fascinating character, capable of being so petulant and immature and wrong-headed, yet also capable of great courage and determination.
RICHELIEU: Perhaps I misjudged that.
TREVILLE: Perhaps you did.
Louvre Palace, external walkway and conservatory
Treville and Athos interview Lavoie, First Gentleman of the Bedchamber, who, as the Cardinal implied, is the snobbiest snob to ever snob. He remembers Vadim well.
LAVOIE: Gutter-born, but his intelligence and pleasant looks caught my eye. I thought perhaps, with my patronage, he might make something of himself.
Is that code for 'I fancied the boy and offered him a leg up accordingly'? It sounds like code. Vadim's duties, Lavoie explains, were menial.
ATHOS: Did he ever come into contact with the King?
LAVOIE: A grease-stained servant? I should say not. Only the most favoured members of the nobility are granted the exquisite honour of gazing on the Royal countenance. I am pleased to include myself in that number.
Heh. Treville and Athos literally just came from an audience with the King, and I doubt either would class it as 'exquisite honour'.
TREVILLE: How did Vadim respond to your, erm…patronage?
LAVOIE: With base ingratitude.
Yeah, Treville spotted the code, too. It transpires that a diamond pendant belonging to the Queen went missing one day, and Vadim was believed to be responsible, since he was near the scene – having been shown around her apartments by Lavoie as part of his 'education'. Yeah, he was totally buttering him up in hopes of favours, and Vadim's clever, he'd have taken full advantage. So the pendant disappeared, and so did Vadim, who vanished before he could be arrested.
LAVOIE: One moment he was in the hall outside, the next he'd disappeared, like some Arabian genie.
The Royal Vault
Lavoie takes Athos and Treville to view the scene of the crime, the royal vault. Hang on, I thought they said the pendant was taken from the Queen's apartment, not from the vault? Anyway, Lavoie classes the value of the vault as 'beyond calculation' and the treasure trove is impressive, certainly. Ooh, and watch closely for Lavoie slapping Treville's hand away before he can touch anything!
Athos spots a forlorn velvet cushion, devoid of any treasure: this is where the stolen pendant belongs. How long ago did this theft take place? Lavoie implied that Vadim was fairly young when he worked at the palace, which would suggest it was a good few years ago – you'd think they would have filled the gap by now. But I guess Crown Jewels are not so easily replaced.
Vadim's hideout
With the aid of a large map, Vadim details his plan for d'Artagnan's benefit, since Felix is already up to speed.
VADIM: We strike tomorrow at 11, as the clock chimes. Three men in the crowd with bombs. Four more standing by, should they fail. The King and Queen will be dead before a quarter past.
D'Artagnan: And me? What do I do?
VADIM: I have a very special destiny for you, my friend. This time tomorrow, my name will live for ever. Yours, too, should you play your part.
Vadim gives d'Artagnan the map and some coins to buy wine, and d'Artagnan is thrilled to have the information he came for – it doesn't occur to him for a moment that perhaps he is being played.
Street outside Vadim's hideout
So d'Artagnan heads out into the street, scarcely believing his luck – didn't have to find an excuse to go out at all, Vadim has sent him on an errand, it's perfect. Too perfect, in fact, but he doesn't think of that, he's too buoyed by his success.
Porthos is lurking just along the street. D'Artagnan alerts him with a low whistle before dropping the map into the mud at his feet as he saunters past, with a whispered exhortation to get it to Treville.
Porthos picks the folded map up and opens it to take a look, right there in the street where anyone might be watching. Not very stealthy, Porthos! Then, as he watches, a group of men, led by Felix, enter Vadim's hideout, and let us note how cleverly Vadim got rid of d'Artagnan, without him suspecting a thing, before gathering the gang for the final mission de-brief.
Thunder rolls.
Streets of Paris
The rain it rains upon the just, and also upon Suzette Pinault, who huddles under her cloak as she hurries through the streets, followed surreptitiously by Aramis, sheltering under his hat.
Aramis waits at the corner, watching as Suzette enters a house across the way. So intent is he on his target that he doesn't notice someone sneaking up on him until they have a gun pressed to the side of his head…
It's just Porthos, messing with him.
ARAMIS: Careful. Even you couldn't miss from there.
They bring each other up to speed: Suzette and at least six of Vadim's men in the house, Vadim's plan leaked to them by d'Artagnan – and here Porthos pulls the map out of the relative safety of his cloak to wave it around in the pouring rain, like that's going to do it any good!
Aramis feels they should strike now and Porthos agrees, hurrying away to get the others while Aramis remains on watch.
Vadim's hideout
D'Artagnan is back in the fold as Vadim gets his troops all fired up ready for action.
VADIM: In a few hours' time, the King will be dead! Every man here I trust like a brother…all except one. We have a traitor in our midst.
Vadim has a keen sense of the theatrical, prowling around the group as he speaks so that everyone is unsettled – even loyal but thick sidekick Felix, who hastens to protest his innocence. It is Suzette who assures him that Vadim knows he isn't he one, whereupon Vadim raises his pistol – and aims it at d'Artagnan.
VADIM: On your knees, Musketeer.
SUZETTE: No one outwits Vadim.
Yep, Vadim has been playing d'Artagnan all along, his known association with the Musketeers his undoing after all, his claims of disaffection and betrayal seen through from the start. And I daresay the arrival of Musketeers on Suzette's doorstep just hours after d'Artagnan was known to have watched Vadim visit her probably added further fuel to the fire of mistrust. He really should have cut his losses while he had the chance; map or no map, going back in was a mistake.
D'Artagnan has barely had time to register his dismay at being caught out before he is pistol-whipped into oblivion.
Street outside Vadim's hideout
Porthos has rallied the troops and the Musketeers are all set for their raid on Vadim's hideout – soaking wet, all of them, since it's still pouring with rain, but all set.
Dramatic music as the Musketeers make their approach to the house and burst in…
Vadim's hideout
…but the pigeons have flown the coop already. The place is deserted. The Musketeers are dismayed, realising that there is a back door they didn't have covered. Careless, boys.
They also find blood on the floor and fear it may be d'Artagnan's.
TREVILLE: Perhaps. He chose to take the risk. There's nothing we could have done.
ATHOS: We could have stopped him.
TREVILLE: At least he left us this [map]. Our job now is to protect the King. When that's done, we can worry about d'Artagnan.
So the Musketeers are pinning their strategy now on the map, which was given to d'Artagnan, let us recall, by Vadim, who knew that he was a spy. Yeah, this should end well.
The Musketeers leave…but the camera lingers. We wait for a moment. And then a trap door in the floor is lifted to allow Felix to check the lie of the land. Oh, that's careless again, Musketeers: should've searched the place more thoroughly.
Once satisfied, Felix disappears again, pulling the trapdoor closed behind him.
Continued in Part Three
A set that featured as a bar in episode one has been re-dressed as Vadim's hideout, where the man himself is having the chains chiselled off his wrists. Should have hung onto those keys, Vadim! He introduces his sidekick to us as Felix, telling d'Artagnan that Felix thinks he was wrong to bring him here, since Felix doesn't like Musketeers. D'Artagnan steadily reminds him that he isn't a Musketeer and holds out his hands to have his chains removed in turn, and you've got to admire his chutzpah. Sheer brazen bravado is his best chance of surviving this and he's going for it with everything he's got.
Vadim, though, hasn't yet made up his mind about d'Artagnan, despite having gone to all the trouble of taking the boy with him from prison. So Felix gets d'Artagnan into a headlock while Vadim carefully positions his chisel and hammer – poised to hack off a finger, rather than the chains.
VADIM: Let me suggest another possibility. We're going to play a little game to find out the truth. I'm going to hack your fingers off, one at a time, until you admit to being a spy.
D'ARTAGNAN: And what if I'm not?
VADIM: Then you'll be counting on your toes. But you'll be alive.
A dangerous moment, but d'Artagnan holds his nerve, staring right down the barrel of being permanently maimed if not outright killed without so much as flinching. Foolish bravery – he's going way above and beyond the call of duty, and it isn't even his duty, he isn't a Musketeer, he's under no obligation here, and it really isn't clear what he's getting out of all this. Is it just about doing 'the right thing', is it in hope of a commission, or is it just for the thrill of action? Who can tell?
Vadim swings his hammer and severs d'Artagnan's chains, instead of his finger, despite Felix egging him on.
VADIM: We can trust him. I know a man's character by looking into his eyes. I'm never wrong. He's good.
Heh. I'd make a snarky comment here about how clichéd this statement is, but I've seen the rest of the episode before, so I already know that Vadim is playing everyone, including his own allies. Felix remains unconvinced, but it's possible he's just disappointed he didn't get to see any fingers chopped off!
VADIM: Take no notice of our Felix. There's more brains in a fish. Welcome to our glorious enterprise! We're going to build a new France.
D'ARTAGNAN: How?
VADIM: We kill the King and Queen. The poor and the dispossessed will rise up and join us, taking back what belongs to them.
FELIX: We'll be heroes.
Re-watching this episode with hindsight makes Vadim a really interesting character to watch because he takes no chances, he doesn't actually trust anyone yet manages to convince them all that he does. He's a fantastic actor. No wonder d'Artagnan falls for it, he sounds so utterly convincing as he preaches revolution – speeches like this are probably what won him the loyalty of those men he sacrificed at the prison, and as subversive plots go, rebellion is totally plausible, it's what Richelieu and Treville are already expecting: it's the perfect smokescreen for Vadim's real plan, which won't become evident for quite some time yet.
Louvre Palace
Aramis and Porthos stand to attention in an opulent gallery, fretting about why they might have been summoned.
PORTHOS: The way I look at it, you saved her life, so she's probably grateful.
ARAMIS: But we did put her in danger in the first place, so she might want to see us whipped.
PORTHOS: I hadn't thought of that. Oh, you've upset me now.
Aramis smirks a little at that, because he was only teasing, as usual, and then a door opens and Queen Anne walks into the room trailing attendants, all smiles and with eyes only for one man.
ANNE: Monsieur Aramis! Bravest of all the King's Musketeers.
ARAMIS: Only amongst the bravest, your Majesty.
Heh. He might demur, and I've no doubt he means it, but it's mostly faux modesty, he's absolutely delighted by the acclaim, while Porthos's face is a picture. And let us note here for the first time that Aramis never bows properly to the Queen; while everyone else is properly subservient he only ever half bows in order to maintain eye contact. Naughty boy.
Anne asks if Porthos might grant them a moment's privacy, and you'd have to be blind not to notice how smitten she is. Porthos leaves the room with a knowing smile. The Queen's courtiers stay, though, so it isn't as private a moment as all that, but then again, courtiers are seen and not heard in this show, so perhaps they don't count. Anne asks after Aramis's injury again, and he'd all but forgotten it already, assures her it doesn't hurt…then backtracks by saying it's a little sore, perhaps, because he's incorrigible and can't resist milking the moment, whereupon she reaches out to touch the scrape again – prompting a raised eyebrow from Porthos, watching from the doorway!
"Poor, gallant Aramis," Anne whispers, since while to him this is a minor injury barely worth noticing, to her it is hugely significant, since it was sustained on her account and she probably has very little experience of such things, so she's getting carried away by the romance of it all and seems to have no filter on her tongue or actions at all where Aramis is concerned. She's totally smitten, and he's just lapping up all the fuss, and I really like what Cabrera does in these early scenes with Anne, because on the one hand Aramis is just an incorrigible flirt making the most of the moment while it lasts, his ego flattered to have the attention of the Queen, of all people, but on the other hand, every time he looks into her eyes he kind of stills and the flirtatious façade drops, and there's a sense of dawning awareness of some deeper connection that he doesn't quite know what to do with. Because she's the Queen…and perhaps because deeper connections just aren't what he does.
Anne takes a jewelled crucifix from around her own neck.
ANNE: Accept this gift, as a token of your Queen's gratitude. May it keep you safe, always.
In the doorway, Porthos rolls his eyes, watching as Anne ties the rosary around Aramis's neck: another slightly too intimate moment, her hands lingering on his body, the eye contact held just a little too long. Aramis is an experienced man of the world, we already know that, but Anne has led a very sheltered life and Alexandra Dowling does a lovely job of conveying her innocent giddiness here, that first flush of a crush on a very beautiful and charming man who excites her in a way she has possibly never experienced before, married off as she was at a very early age for political reasons – which we haven't been told yet, on-screen, but will learn soon enough. And Aramis, for his part, behind all the ego and the flirting, which comes as naturally to him as breathing, seems genuinely entranced by her.
The mutual admiration fest comes to an end, and as the Queen leaves the room, Aramis lifts the cross to his lips to kiss it – but is forestalled by Porthos, who reappears at his side glaring meaningfully.
PORTHOS: You know you were giving her The Stare.
ARAMIS: What stare? She's a very attractive woman.
PORTHOS: She's not a woman. She's the Queen. Or have you forgotten about Adele Bessette already?
Alas poor Adele, but Aramis doesn't know what happened to her, he only knows what he was told, that Adele has chosen the Cardinal over him and left Paris, and we see here that the perceived rejection still hurts, he did care for Adele and wanted the relationship to continue, but he accepts that it's now over and thus considers himself a free agent. Porthos concedes the point, but warns him to set his sights a little lower, for all of their sakes. Such prophetic words!
Vadim's hideout
At Vadim's place, everyone is sleeping. Supposedly. Felix is certainly snoring soundly, at any rate. Then Vadim sits up and looks around, assures himself that d'Artagnan is fast asleep, and leaves the room…
...but d'Artagnan, of course, is not asleep, merely giving an excellent impression of it. He very quietly rises and follows.
Streets of Paris
It appears to be late evening rather than full night. I guess Vadim proposed an early night what with it having been such a busy day, and all. D'Artagnan trails Vadim down the street to a house, where he greets a woman named Suzette with a kiss and heads inside. No prizes for guessing what that's all about, but d'Artagnan believes in being thorough and so feels obliged to stop and ask a passer-by for clarification. "Everybody knows Suzette around here," says the man with a laugh. Yeah, she's a prostitute. And Vadim's mistress, apparently.
D'Artagnan has no sooner established this than he is taken by surprise by a very suspicious pistol-wielding Felix, who evidently was also not as soundly asleep as it appeared and demands an explanation. D'Artagnan thinks fast and says he was visiting his mistress, whereupon Felix tells him to prove it, so of course d'Artagnan leads him straight to Constance's house, since she is very nearly the only woman he actually knows in Paris. And Constance is out and about, as well, on the doorstep supervising as a servant gets the washing in, so it really isn't all that late. No wonder no one could sleep down in that hideout!
Felix isn't satisfied with having Constance pointed out to him. He wants proof of the relationship, so d'Artagnan runs across the road and gives Constance a great big kiss on the lips in front of all her neighbours and the servant! Talk about turning her life upside down. Better hope that maid doesn't go tattling to Bonacieux.
D'ARTAGNAN: Sh. We're being watched. For God's sake, kiss me back, and make it look good.
CONSTANCE: You're a wanted man. The Guards are everywhere.
D'ARTAGNAN: Whatever you've heard about me, don't believe it.
At least this time she knows who he is and doesn't seem to mind, goes along with the ruse willingly enough, but honestly, this is the second time in as many episodes he's done this to her! As they put on a show for Felix's benefit, d'Artagnan whispers into Constance's ear to bring Athos here as soon as possible, and she invites him into the house, where he won't be seen by any passing guards.
D'ARTAGNAN: You are the kindest and best woman on Earth, you know that?
CONSTANCE: Or the most stupid.
Constance heads inside, while d'Artagnan dashes back across the road to tell Felix that she's in a good mood and he may be here for some time. Felix is not happy and promises to tell Vadim all about it, but d'Artagnan brazens it out and heads back to the house. And, you know, if all this ended badly, d'Artagnan has just brought Constance to the attention of a bunch of criminals, who would believe her to be a woman of loose morals and therefore fair game. He's playing a very dangerous game.
Bonacieux House
And then it's later, and Athos has come to Constance's house as d'Artagnan asked, bringing with him Aramis and Porthos, because they are the Inseparables, they come as a job lot – buy one, you get the other two thrown in for free.
D'ARTAGNAN: Vadim plans to murder the King and Queen. Some fantasy of a peasant rebellion.
ATHOS: Have you seen the gunpowder?
PORTHOS: Any weapons?
ARAMIS: What about his men?
D'ARTAGNAN: In hiding.
ATHOS: When is this plan supposed to take place?
D'ARTAGNAN: Vadim's careful. He doesn't say much.
ATHOS: Does he trust you?
D'ARTAGNAN: As much as he does anyone. Felix doesn't, but I can handle him. Vadim said the secret to a good trick is to make people look the wrong way.
ARAMIS: What do you think he meant?
D'ARTAGNAN: Honestly? I have no idea.
Athos, who hasn't wanted d'Artagnan to be involved in this since the beginning, feels that he has done more than enough and should now leave it to them, but d'Artagnan counters that if they pick Vadim up now the King and Queen will still be in danger. He wants to go back in and try to find out more.
Constance marches into the room at that moment and starts clattering about with a tray of drinks, cold and angry.
CONSTANCE: They told me about the duel and your imprisonment, that it was all faked.
ARAMIS: Rather well, you have to admit.
He gets another slap for that.
Constance is very slap-happy in this episode, and, you know, I get that the slapping is intended to both be humorous and to show Constance's feistiness and refusal to put up with any nonsense, but really speaking…at this point she barely knows Aramis, he's a guest under her roof here, and it really isn't appropriate behaviour for a respectable married woman to go around slapping a visitor in the face like that, whatever the provocation - which, of course, is why her husband was so scandalised when she did it earlier, so it's probably just as well he's not here to see this now! Porthos laughs – until she glares at him, which shuts him right up. Constance takes no nonsense from anyone, especially when she's furious about being lied to. Aramis smiles politely, but when he asks what the slap was for this time there's a slight edge to his voice that suggests he doesn't find the violence quite as charming as he earlier claimed. Constance says it was for letting her think the worst, and all of them did that, of course, but Aramis does like to be provocative, which is what tends to put him in the firing line. The main focus of Constance's ire is d'Artagnan, however.
CONSTANCE: First I thought you were a condemned man, then a fugitive and now this! How many ways can a man think of to get himself killed?
Overcome, she rushes out of the room again.
ARAMIS: I think she likes you.
Athos remains focused on the more pressing matter at hand, which is that he considers it far too dangerous for d'Artagnan to return to Vadim and continue his undercover role. D'Artagnan, though, is adamant that he can do this and asks Athos to trust him – whatever his initial motivations might have been for getting involved in this, it is now about proving himself in the face of doubt. Specifically, in the face of Athos's doubt. He wants to prove himself to Athos.
I'm wondering now if this is how he got involved in the first place. Did he hear the Musketeers discussing the theft of the gunpowder while he was hanging out with them, and offer himself as a volunteer undercover agent just to prove himself to them, because he wants to impress them?
The three musketeers exchange meaningful looks and give their reluctant assent. D'Artagnan then quickly tells them about Vadim's liaison with Suzette Pinault and hurries away before they can change their minds, leaving the three of them wondering if they've made the right decision here.
ATHOS: Well. What could possibly go wrong?
Street outside Bonacieux house
Seeing d'Artagnan out, Constance remains highly disgruntled and hilariously passive aggressive about having been lied to and made to worry.
CONSTANCE: If you've heard of anyone wanting a room, I'd be glad to know. My husband needs the money. It's not easy to find decent lodgers. Every time one of them gets themselves killed in a duel, or thrown in the Chatelet, or murdered in some intrigue or other, it's a tremendous inconvenience. Of course, it's less cooking and cleaning. In fact, I wish my lodgers would die more often, so I could have an easier life.
In place of any further apologies, explanations or platitudes, D'Artagnan kisses her hand by way of thanks and farewell, and at that moment her husband arrives home, full of shock and indignation about finding a wanted criminal on his doorstep. He promptly starts yelling for the guards, pushing Constance away dismissively when she tries to explain that it isn't what it seems, because heaven forfend he actually listen to what his wife has to say. Constance, however, promptly jumps back in front of d'Artagnan, fierce and protective and not about to back down whatever her husband might say. It's already been established that Bonacieux is an uptight man to whom appearances and propriety are important, Constance expected to be subservient to him, so her standing up to him here is significant, emphasising where her priorities lie.
BONACIEUX: I order you to move!
CONSTANCE: Order away. I'm staying here, until you stop shouting and listen.
You go, girl. And d'Artagnan has made a big impression on her, sure, so a good part of this is about defending him specifically, because she believes in him and wants to keep him safe, but it's also about simply doing the right thing, even in the face of opposition. It's about understanding what the right thing is, and being aware that her husband does not, and making her stance accordingly. Constance is such a good person. Also, let us all take a moment to enjoy the sight of d'Artagnan hiding behind her!
The three musketeers have heard all the shouting and come to take charge of the situation, Athos full of cool, aristocratic authority that Bonacieux simply can't match, all bluster and ignorance as he is – especially when Aramis backs up his friend's authority with a very mild comment made while pointedly swinging his arquebus onto his shoulder, because Aramis is ever so good at passive aggression. Bonacieux can't quite tell if he's being threatened or not, and now Porthos gets in on the action, all muscles and swagger, the three of them have got this down to a fine art, and the man at last backs down, wondering what the hell is going on.
D'Artagnan whispers his thanks to Constance as he hurries away.
Paris Streets
But, of course, d'Artagnan's luck being what it, he's no sooner hurried around the corner than he is spotted and recognised by a couple of Red Guard, who promptly give chase. D'Artagnan runs for it, tries a few doors, can't find anywhere to hide, is pursued into an alley, turns to meet his fate…
…whereupon Milady de Winter saunters up behind the two guards, stabs one and shoots the other.
D'Artagnan can only stand there blinking at her in shock. Bless him, Pasqualino does a marvellous shock face. He's so convincing here as an inexperienced youth in way over his head.
D'ARTAGNAN: You. Who are you?
MILADY: Your guardian angel. Now, where is Vadim? I have a powerful patron. He can grant you all the riches and power you desire…if you take me to Vadim.
D'ARTAGNAN: You betrayed me. You set me up.
MILADY: Now, I've saved your life. It wasn't only murder that made our night together memorable.
She's at her most seductive, getting right up close with the point of her dagger at his throat, lips tantalisingly close to his – almost a kiss, but not quite. Milady knows how to wind a man up and bend him to her will. D'Artagnan doesn't know quite what's hit him. She set him up for murder last time they met, he knows better than to fall under her spell again, and yet…
MILADY: You're at the crossroads, d'Artagnan. Don't take the wrong path. Choose the Musketeers and you choose oblivion.
But then comes a shout – the Inseparables have heard the shouting and the shot and are looking for d'Artagnan, alarmed.
MILADY: Another time.
Said with her knife to d'Artagnan's throat, just for a second, to make her point – and then she's gone, leaving d'Artagnan all of a fluster, which is how the Inseparables find him…with two dead Red Guard at his feet.
Athos doesn't waste any time with questions, simply tells the shell-shocked d'Artagnan to go and let them deal with this, while Aramis adds for Porthos to follow d'Artagnan and watch his back.
Exactly how they are going to explain two dead Red Guards, we are left to wonder.
Outside Vadim's hideout
Striding purposefully through the rain, d'Artagnan carefully collects himself once more before returning to Vadim's hideout.
Behind him, Porthos lurks around a corner, watching.
Vadim's hideout
It's time for d'Artagnan to face the music as Felix rants that he can't be trusted.
VADIM: You fell asleep when you were meant to be watching my back, so no one's perfect.
Vadim plays his cards very close to his chest, questioning d'Artagnan carefully about his supposed 'mistress' and what she means to him. D'Artagnan plays his part well, and Vadim seems sympathetic as he claims to understand love, but nonetheless makes it a threat when he adds that there are to be no more conjugal visits without permission. It's not going to be as easy for d'Artagnan to slip away again if he needs to get another message out.
Suzette Pinault's house
And then its morning, and while I'm still wondering if anyone spelled Porthos so he could get some sleep or if they just left him out in the cold all night, Athos and Aramis come to interview the very saucy Suzette Pinault.
SUZETTE: I've never been this close to a Musketeer with my clothes on before. I must be in trouble.
They're not impressed. Athos questions her about Vadim while Aramis pokes around the room. Suzette is a pro and gives away very little – she saw Vadim, she didn't report it because she doesn't want to get involved, he asked her to go away with him, but she said no. She tries to deflect.
SUZETTE: Has anyone ever told you you've got lovely eyes?
ARAMIS: The Captain mentioned it only this morning.
They drag her back on point, asking how she met Vadim, and here she gives some actual useful information: they met at the palace when she was a scullery maid and he a servant. The musketeers are interested now and press for more information.
Vadim worked at the palace for two years, Suzette tells them.
SUZETTE: That's where he became obsessed with the King. He really hated him.
ARAMIS: Tell us about that.
SUZETTE: He said King Louis had broken his promises to the people. Talked about it all the time.
ATHOS: Did he say he wanted to kill him?
SUZETTE: I don't remember. Maybe.
Watch their different interrogation techniques here, so very in character for them both. Athos remains aloof, detached, standing at a distance, using his stately manner and innate air of authority to impress, while Aramis, after poking around Suzette's personal things, sits alongside her on the bed and gets right up close, turns on the charm, but uses it to menace rather than allure, never once losing sight of the endgame here.
Hindsight, however, tells us that Vadim probably primed Suzette for this, telling her exactly what she was to say if the law came calling, backing up the information d'Artagnan has already passed on, since his sleight of hand trick relies on them finding out enough about his supposed plan to keep them looking in the wrong direction.
ARAMIS: Vadim stole enough gunpowder to wipe out dozens of innocent lives. Is that what you want?
SUZETTE: He came to see me, I sent him away. I don't know where he is, I don't know what he's doing. That's all. Look, if I knew any more, I'd tell you. Well, I don't want to hang.
ATHOS: Very well. I believe you.
SUZETTE: Any time you want your sword polished, handsome, let me know.
That was to Aramis, who is getting all the female attention in this episode, underlining his status as the chick magnet of the team. He favours her with a smile, because you know, she's a woman, that's just habit, but he isn't falling for it for a second.
ARAMIS: She's covering for him.
ATHOS: Don't let her out of your sight.
Louvre Palace, Richelieu's reception room
Athos and Treville have come to update Richelieu, who believes the king should now be informed of what appears to be a clear and present threat to his life.
RICHELIEU: Vadim has both the intelligence and the means to launch a serious attempt on his life. And all over some mad attempt at rebellion?
ATHOS: According to d'Artagnan.
TREVILLE: Did you know Vadim worked at the palace?
RICHELIEU: Of course not. You'd better speak to Lavoie about that.
ATHOS: Lavoie?
RICHELIEU: First Gentleman of the Bedchamber. More regal than the King himself.
He stands at the window, gazing out in deep thought as the bells of Notre-Dame ring out. They all kind of realise at once what the plan must be.
RICHELIEU: If I was planning to kill the King how would I do it?
TREVILLE: Notre-Dame. The royal family show themselves to the people after Easter Mass. It's tradition.
RICHELIEU: Not any more.
Louvre Palace, Library
So, the Cardinal, the Captain and his lieutenant hop along to the library to inform the king of the threat to his life. Predictably, Louis does not react well.
LOUIS: Gunpowder? Muskets? Good God!
ATHOS: The threat to Your Majesty's life is real and immediate.
RICHELIEU: It would be madness to attend the Easter Mass.
We're only on episode two and already it feels kind of weird to see the Cardinal and the Musketeers presenting a united front like this, working together to a common end – feels weird, and yet although it is easy to think of them as enemies, they are ostensibly at least on the same side and work together at least as often as they are opposed, over the course of the season, and I like that they have such an unpredictable dynamic, disliking one another intensely yet forced to work together on a regular basis.
Having agreed to bring the king and queen up to speed, they've also had the foresight to cook up a proposed plan of action, which Treville now explains.
TREVILLE: Decoys will go in Your Majesty's place. We will lure Vadim from hiding with a false target.
LOUIS: You're going to let the attempt go ahead?
ATHOS: We'll catch the conspirators in the act of sedition, hopefully without a shot being fired.
After seeing Athos on trial in episode one before a disinterested Louis, who sentenced him to execution, it's interesting to see him stepping up as Treville's second-in-command here, talking to the king so directly and frankly. Louis didn't seem to know him when he was on trial, which he surely would have done if Athos had come before him like this previously. It makes me wonder if I was right about this being more Captain Cornet's role previously, with Athos and his friends bumped up the pecking order by Cornet's demise in the first episode. Well, I can head-canon it that way as rationalisation, anyway.
Queen Anne has been listening quietly to all this, but now speaks out, and we are reminded that while a quiet and gentle character, she is also very strong-willed and very much an independent thinker.
ANNE: The people know their King and Queen too well. It seems to me, Captain, your plan must fail without the King's authentic presence. Your men have protected me once. I am sure they will do so again. The King and I should attend Mass as planned.
Louis looks a little surprised by this statement, but here for the first time we see the royal couple also presenting a united front – a timely sign that there is more to this marriage than mismatch and discontent.
LOUIS: My father never shirked public obligation, no matter the threat to his person.
RICHELIEU: Your father was assassinated. It's simply a matter of common sense to stay away.
LOUIS: Common sense is for common-ers, not for Kings. I will not have it said that the son of Henri IV is a coward. It is my task to show courage and leadership. It's yours to protect me.
Ha. The audience is over. Louis sweeps out of the room, regal and determined, Anne following behind, serene and dignified. I do enjoy seeing this side of Louis, who could so easily have been a one-dimensional caricature but never is. He can be such a fascinating character, capable of being so petulant and immature and wrong-headed, yet also capable of great courage and determination.
RICHELIEU: Perhaps I misjudged that.
TREVILLE: Perhaps you did.
Louvre Palace, external walkway and conservatory
Treville and Athos interview Lavoie, First Gentleman of the Bedchamber, who, as the Cardinal implied, is the snobbiest snob to ever snob. He remembers Vadim well.
LAVOIE: Gutter-born, but his intelligence and pleasant looks caught my eye. I thought perhaps, with my patronage, he might make something of himself.
Is that code for 'I fancied the boy and offered him a leg up accordingly'? It sounds like code. Vadim's duties, Lavoie explains, were menial.
ATHOS: Did he ever come into contact with the King?
LAVOIE: A grease-stained servant? I should say not. Only the most favoured members of the nobility are granted the exquisite honour of gazing on the Royal countenance. I am pleased to include myself in that number.
Heh. Treville and Athos literally just came from an audience with the King, and I doubt either would class it as 'exquisite honour'.
TREVILLE: How did Vadim respond to your, erm…patronage?
LAVOIE: With base ingratitude.
Yeah, Treville spotted the code, too. It transpires that a diamond pendant belonging to the Queen went missing one day, and Vadim was believed to be responsible, since he was near the scene – having been shown around her apartments by Lavoie as part of his 'education'. Yeah, he was totally buttering him up in hopes of favours, and Vadim's clever, he'd have taken full advantage. So the pendant disappeared, and so did Vadim, who vanished before he could be arrested.
LAVOIE: One moment he was in the hall outside, the next he'd disappeared, like some Arabian genie.
The Royal Vault
Lavoie takes Athos and Treville to view the scene of the crime, the royal vault. Hang on, I thought they said the pendant was taken from the Queen's apartment, not from the vault? Anyway, Lavoie classes the value of the vault as 'beyond calculation' and the treasure trove is impressive, certainly. Ooh, and watch closely for Lavoie slapping Treville's hand away before he can touch anything!
Athos spots a forlorn velvet cushion, devoid of any treasure: this is where the stolen pendant belongs. How long ago did this theft take place? Lavoie implied that Vadim was fairly young when he worked at the palace, which would suggest it was a good few years ago – you'd think they would have filled the gap by now. But I guess Crown Jewels are not so easily replaced.
Vadim's hideout
With the aid of a large map, Vadim details his plan for d'Artagnan's benefit, since Felix is already up to speed.
VADIM: We strike tomorrow at 11, as the clock chimes. Three men in the crowd with bombs. Four more standing by, should they fail. The King and Queen will be dead before a quarter past.
D'Artagnan: And me? What do I do?
VADIM: I have a very special destiny for you, my friend. This time tomorrow, my name will live for ever. Yours, too, should you play your part.
Vadim gives d'Artagnan the map and some coins to buy wine, and d'Artagnan is thrilled to have the information he came for – it doesn't occur to him for a moment that perhaps he is being played.
Street outside Vadim's hideout
So d'Artagnan heads out into the street, scarcely believing his luck – didn't have to find an excuse to go out at all, Vadim has sent him on an errand, it's perfect. Too perfect, in fact, but he doesn't think of that, he's too buoyed by his success.
Porthos is lurking just along the street. D'Artagnan alerts him with a low whistle before dropping the map into the mud at his feet as he saunters past, with a whispered exhortation to get it to Treville.
Porthos picks the folded map up and opens it to take a look, right there in the street where anyone might be watching. Not very stealthy, Porthos! Then, as he watches, a group of men, led by Felix, enter Vadim's hideout, and let us note how cleverly Vadim got rid of d'Artagnan, without him suspecting a thing, before gathering the gang for the final mission de-brief.
Thunder rolls.
Streets of Paris
The rain it rains upon the just, and also upon Suzette Pinault, who huddles under her cloak as she hurries through the streets, followed surreptitiously by Aramis, sheltering under his hat.
Aramis waits at the corner, watching as Suzette enters a house across the way. So intent is he on his target that he doesn't notice someone sneaking up on him until they have a gun pressed to the side of his head…
It's just Porthos, messing with him.
ARAMIS: Careful. Even you couldn't miss from there.
They bring each other up to speed: Suzette and at least six of Vadim's men in the house, Vadim's plan leaked to them by d'Artagnan – and here Porthos pulls the map out of the relative safety of his cloak to wave it around in the pouring rain, like that's going to do it any good!
Aramis feels they should strike now and Porthos agrees, hurrying away to get the others while Aramis remains on watch.
Vadim's hideout
D'Artagnan is back in the fold as Vadim gets his troops all fired up ready for action.
VADIM: In a few hours' time, the King will be dead! Every man here I trust like a brother…all except one. We have a traitor in our midst.
Vadim has a keen sense of the theatrical, prowling around the group as he speaks so that everyone is unsettled – even loyal but thick sidekick Felix, who hastens to protest his innocence. It is Suzette who assures him that Vadim knows he isn't he one, whereupon Vadim raises his pistol – and aims it at d'Artagnan.
VADIM: On your knees, Musketeer.
SUZETTE: No one outwits Vadim.
Yep, Vadim has been playing d'Artagnan all along, his known association with the Musketeers his undoing after all, his claims of disaffection and betrayal seen through from the start. And I daresay the arrival of Musketeers on Suzette's doorstep just hours after d'Artagnan was known to have watched Vadim visit her probably added further fuel to the fire of mistrust. He really should have cut his losses while he had the chance; map or no map, going back in was a mistake.
D'Artagnan has barely had time to register his dismay at being caught out before he is pistol-whipped into oblivion.
Street outside Vadim's hideout
Porthos has rallied the troops and the Musketeers are all set for their raid on Vadim's hideout – soaking wet, all of them, since it's still pouring with rain, but all set.
Dramatic music as the Musketeers make their approach to the house and burst in…
Vadim's hideout
…but the pigeons have flown the coop already. The place is deserted. The Musketeers are dismayed, realising that there is a back door they didn't have covered. Careless, boys.
They also find blood on the floor and fear it may be d'Artagnan's.
TREVILLE: Perhaps. He chose to take the risk. There's nothing we could have done.
ATHOS: We could have stopped him.
TREVILLE: At least he left us this [map]. Our job now is to protect the King. When that's done, we can worry about d'Artagnan.
So the Musketeers are pinning their strategy now on the map, which was given to d'Artagnan, let us recall, by Vadim, who knew that he was a spy. Yeah, this should end well.
The Musketeers leave…but the camera lingers. We wait for a moment. And then a trap door in the floor is lifted to allow Felix to check the lie of the land. Oh, that's careless again, Musketeers: should've searched the place more thoroughly.
Once satisfied, Felix disappears again, pulling the trapdoor closed behind him.
Continued in Part Three
