‘Dangerous Liaisons’ Recap: ‘Conquer or Die’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers or Episode Two of ‘Dangerous Liaisons’. To revisit the series premiere, click here.
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Whether we like to admit it or not, there will come a point where we find ourselves immersed in some kind of toxic relationship. One that takes us on an emotional and harrowing ride and when it ends, we are outright besides ourselves. For we cannot believe we let the wool be pulled over our eyes, nor can we reconcile how easily we were led astray by someone that wanted something we could never give them. And when we are at that point, we are at our lowest. For we feel used and broken and we don’t know how we will ever recover. For the heart is genuinely broken and that damage spreads to every inch of us and all we want in that moment is to reclaim our power and agency over our lives. 
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But how do we find that? Well… there are several ways. One of which, involves time. Time to heal, time to reconcile our thoughts and emotions on the pain we just experienced with a professional to guide us. For that is the only way to properly reconcile the pain and suffering that a toxic relationship sends our way. But time isn’t always an option for us, since the world has us in motion constantly, so we either tend to deal with this on the fly, combined with therapy and self-work to heal, or some… go a far more unique route. Wherein they quickly work to reclaim agency through stunning acts, sometimes ones that involve revenge and it is that latter option that is top of mind today, simply because that’s how Camille worked to deal with her pain during last night’s episode of Dangerous Liaisons on STARZ.

For ‘Conquer or Die’ saw her strenuous life be amplified further. Since shortly after settling into her new home and new life with Genevieve de Merteuil, Genevieve passed away in a terrible fall, leaving Camille beside herself and afraid of what fate awaited her and Victoire. For surely there would be a push to get them out of the house as quickly as possible, and that assumption was indeed correct. For the staff, led by Majordome, did everything within their power to have the duo ejected and well… that’s when Camille began to ponder upon how best to maintain agency and power and safety quite frankly. For the streets would cause her great harm and well, she decided that taking her pain and the man that caused it and using all that to her advantage would be the best way to recover and reclaim her life.

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Which in turn prompted her to use the letters that were now in her possession to garner knowledge, the kind that would be easily weaponized and that plan paid off in spades. For when others made efforts to embarrass or threaten her, she used what was in those letters to gain compliance and alliances and peace for that matter, and her quest to use them for power and security didn’t end there. For when Jean, the man of the estate returned home and tried his best to send her packing as well… she used the words in the final letter from Genevieve to stay within her home, since her last words would bring shame to the house if revealed. All of which made for a powerful lesson on how we can sometimes use a worst-case scenario to our advantage.
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But there was mention of this story also offering up a shot at revenge and well… that came through the long way round. Because the very person that Camille singled out over her revealing letters, Florence de Regnier… was mightily displeased that such truths leaked. Which in turn prompted her to teach Valmont a supremely valuable lesson in humility. One that involved a chilly and naked walk home for double crossing her. Not to mention, his arrogance only added to his mess. For he straight up disrespected Gabriel when he came calling with questions about Camille’s whereabouts and paid dearly for it. Since Gabriel happens to work for the King at a higher level and used the map scandal to send Valmont packing. Thus, forcing him to scheme and work to put food back on the table. 

However, while it was indeed satisfying to see the player get played by the game and finally enjoy a taste of humility for his ego and desperate nature, make no mistake about it… this was Camille’s tale. One that saw her truly find a way to heal and gain some sense of purpose and belonging at last. Granted, one can debate the finer points of whether or not her acts are morally sound… but this isn’t a show about doing the right thing. It’s about broken people trying to get by and in an era where women and BIPOC individuals were second class citizens to white men… you do what you gotta do, and toxicity is the focus of this tale, we just haven’t explored the dark side of it… yet. But we will. For it is only a matter of time before Valmont strikes back and before Camille counterpunches, and it will be fascinating to see where this story takes us in the weeks to come, now that Camille is ready to do whatever it takes to have what she needs and wants. Until next time.

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